Hey everyone! I'm a college student considering converting my garage into a bedroom since I want a bit more privacy than sharing my dorm. The garage has insulated walls but not the door or roof, and it's home to a water heater and washer/dryer. While aesthetics aren't my priority, I do need to safely cover the water heater. I'm particularly worried about heat during the summer and safety since there's a door to the outside. I was thinking of using insulation panels for the garage door and possibly laying some on the roof. Any suggestions on roof insulation or safety tips would really help. I know this project might take more effort than I'm expecting, but I'm hoping to keep it low-cost as it's not a long-term arrangement. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!
3 Answers
Moving your bedroom into a garage where the washer and dryer are could present some privacy issues. You'll want to chat with your housemates about boundaries, so they're aware of your space and you don’t end up feeling crowded when they’re doing laundry.
You should really be cautious about having a water heater in your bedroom. It could lead to carbon monoxide issues, which are serious. Double-check your local codes since many places don’t permit bedrooms in garages for this reason.
Definitely taking that seriously! I think I’ll invest in a CO detector, and I’ll ensure there’s good ventilation with doors and windows.
If you're looking for a low-cost solution, what about using a tent for the sleeping area? Grab a warm sleeping bag and keep a door or a window slightly open for circulation. And definitely stay vigilant about cleanliness—rodents can sneak in if food is around, so keep it tidy!
I love that idea! A tent could really help with space, and I’ll make sure to keep everything clean to avoid any rodent issues. Thanks for the suggestion!

Good point! I’ll definitely have a talk with them since we’re close, and I want to make sure we’re all on the same page.