Honestly, hats off for getting through all that, especially the permit circus—those always trip me up. I’m curious, did you notice any major increase in your utility bills after adding the space heater? I’ve been debating a garage conversion and keep wondering if the extra cost in heating/cooling ends up eating the value of the new space. Still, even with “lumpy” drywall, having that bonus room must feel pretty satisfying. Ever regret not just hiring out more of it, or was the DIY part worth it in the end?
Title: Turning Attics And Garages Into Bedrooms: Is It Worth The Hassle?
Honestly, the utility bills don’t have to skyrocket if you approach it right. I’ve seen a lot of folks just throw a space heater in and call it done, but that’s usually where the energy costs get out of hand. Insulation is the real game-changer. If you insulate the walls, ceiling, and even the garage door properly, you’ll notice way less of a hit on your bills—sometimes barely more than before, depending on your climate.
I get the temptation to go full DIY, but honestly, sometimes hiring out just the tricky stuff (like electrical or HVAC) saves more headaches than it costs. I’ve watched people end up spending more fixing mistakes than they would’ve if they’d just brought in a pro for a day or two. Plus, no shame in having some “lumpy” drywall—adds character, right? But finishing work is where most people run out of steam or patience.
The value question is tricky. Around here, appraisers don’t always count converted garages as bedrooms unless everything’s up to code—egress windows, proper heat source, etc. If you’re thinking about resale value, it pays off to do it by the book. Otherwise, you might enjoy that bonus room now but not see much return later.
I’d say if you’re handy and enjoy the process, DIY can be super rewarding. Just don’t underestimate how much time it eats up. If you want it done fast and to code, at least partial help is worth considering. Either way, that extra usable space does feel like a win once it’s all done… even if you know where every little imperfection is hidden behind the paint.
Couldn’t agree more about insulation making all the difference. I learned that the hard way—turned my attic into a bedroom for my teenager, skipped proper insulation at first, and it was either freezing or roasting in there. Redid it with decent insulation and now it’s honestly one of the most comfortable rooms in the house. You’re spot on about hiring out the tricky stuff too. Tried to wire a new outlet myself… let’s just say next time I’ll leave it to someone who knows their way around a breaker panel. Even with a few rough edges, having that extra space has been totally worth it for us.
Turning attics and garages into bedrooms: is it worth the hassle?
Insulation’s one of those things people always underestimate until they’re living with the consequences. I’ve seen so many folks try to save a few bucks by skimping on it, only to end up with rooms that feel like saunas in July and meat lockers in January. It’s not just about comfort, either—bad insulation can mess with your energy bills in ways you don’t even want to think about. You did the right thing going back and fixing it, even if it was a pain.
Wiring, though... yeah, that’s a whole different beast. I’ve watched enough DIYers get in over their heads with electrical work to know it’s usually better left to someone who actually enjoys deciphering breaker panels (and doesn’t mind getting zapped once in a while). No shame in calling in the pros for that stuff.
As for whether it’s worth the hassle—honestly, it depends on what you’re after. If you need more space and don’t want to move, converting an attic or garage can be a game changer. But there are always surprises hiding behind those walls—old wiring, weird framing, sometimes even critters. And if you’re thinking about resale value, not every buyer is thrilled about a bedroom over the garage or tucked under the rafters. Some love it, some see it as a glorified storage space.
Still, when it’s done right, those rooms can end up being the coziest spots in the house. I’ve seen teenagers fight over who gets the attic room once it’s finished properly. Just don’t cut corners on insulation or ventilation—otherwise you’ll be hearing complaints all year round. And yeah, leave the electrical to someone who won’t accidentally take out half the neighborhood’s power... trust me on that one.
Just don’t cut corners on insulation or ventilation—otherwise you’ll be hearing complaints all year round.
Couldn’t agree more. Here’s my two cents:
- Insulation: If you cheap out, you’ll pay for it every month (and sweat/freeze for free).
- Ventilation: Skip it and you’ll have a bedroom that smells like gym socks and old paint.
- Electrical: Unless you enjoy the smell of burning wires, call an electrician.
- Surprises: Found a squirrel skeleton in my attic once. Not the kind of roommate I wanted.
If you’re willing to deal with the mess and mystery, it can totally be worth it. Just don’t expect it to be HGTV-easy.
