Turning Attics And Garages Into Bedrooms: Is It Worth The Hassle?
Still, nothing beats waking up to sunlight flooding in... unless it’s rainwater.
That line made me laugh—so true. I’ve been down the attic conversion road myself, and you’re spot on about the “simple” reno turning into a full-blown structural overhaul. I remember thinking I’d just slap up some drywall and call it a day, but then the contractor started talking about collar ties, beefier rafters, and suddenly my budget was looking pretty thin.
Dormers really do make a world of difference, though. Before we put one in, the only way to stand upright was right in the center, and even then you had to watch your head on the old light fixture. After the dormer went in, it felt like a real room instead of a crawlspace with delusions of grandeur. But yeah, the flashing detail is no joke—my neighbor cut corners there and ended up with a steady drip right over his new built-ins. Not fun.
I get why people hesitate when they hear about all the extra work. It’s easy to underestimate how much goes into making those spaces livable—insulation alone is a bear if you want it done right. But honestly, if you’re willing to deal with some headaches (and maybe a few surprises behind the old plaster), it can be worth it. There’s something kind of magical about turning an unused space into somewhere you actually want to spend time.
I wouldn’t say it’s for everyone, though. If you’re hoping for quick and cheap, probably better to look elsewhere. But if you’re up for a challenge and don’t mind getting your hands dirty—or at least your wallet—it can be really rewarding. Just keep an eye on that flashing...
Funny you mention insulation—my first garage conversion was a sauna in summer and an icebox in winter until I figured out the right approach. But you’re right, dormers and proper flashing are game changers. It’s not cheap, but if resale value matters, these conversions can really pay off. Just gotta budget for those “surprises” lurking behind every wall...
Just gotta budget for those “surprises” lurking behind every wall...
That’s the part that always gets me—those “surprises” can eat up your budget fast. I’d actually argue resale isn’t always a slam dunk. If the conversion isn’t up to code or feels tacked on, buyers might see it as a liability. I usually map out a step-by-step plan, but even then, hidden plumbing or electrical can throw everything off. Sometimes, leaving the space as storage is just less headache.
Definitely hear you on the hidden costs—old houses especially seem to have a knack for hiding stuff behind every wall. I’ve run into ancient knob-and-tube wiring more than once, and that’s never cheap to fix. Still, if you’re methodical and keep a buffer in your budget, it’s doable. Not every space is worth converting, though... sometimes storage just makes more sense, especially if the ceiling height or access isn’t great.
Not every space is worth converting, though... sometimes storage just makes more sense, especially if the ceiling height or access isn’t great.
That’s a good point about ceiling height. I’ve seen a few attic conversions where people ended up with these weird, cramped “bedrooms” that barely fit a twin bed under the eaves. Technically it’s extra square footage, but if you can’t stand up straight, is it really useful? There’s also the whole egress window requirement for bedrooms—old attics can be tough to retrofit for that, and it’s not something you want to skip for safety (or resale).
On the garage side, I think it comes down to how much you value the storage or parking versus the extra living space. If you’re in an area where off-street parking is tough, losing the garage could hurt your home’s value, or at least make life more annoying. But if you’re desperate for another bedroom and the garage is just holding old paint cans and a broken lawnmower, it might be worth it.
You mentioned knob-and-tube wiring… yeah, that stuff is a can of worms. I once budgeted $2k for a “simple” attic reno and ended up spending double after the electrician found ancient wiring and some sketchy insulation. If you’re planning a conversion, I’d say do a thorough inspection up front, and assume there’ll be surprises. Having a 20% buffer in your budget is just being realistic.
All that said, I do think conversions can be worth it if the space is actually usable and you’re not over-improving for your neighborhood. Just gotta weigh the hassle against what you’re really gaining. Sometimes a big, organized storage space is more valuable than a tiny, awkward bedroom, especially if you’re not short on rooms to begin with.
