Totally agree about the ceiling height being a dealbreaker—nothing like designing a dreamy attic bedroom on paper, then realizing your client’s going to have to duck every time they get out of bed. Been there, done that. I actually think garages are a bit more forgiving, at least in terms of layout. You don’t have to work around weird roof angles or those random support beams that pop up right where you want to put a bed.
That said, garages come with their own brand of chaos. I once had a project where we found out halfway through that the slab was sloped way more than expected—like, marbles would roll from one end to the other. Ended up pouring a whole new subfloor just to make it livable. And yeah, moisture is no joke. If you skip the vapor barrier or don’t seal things up right, you’re basically inviting mold to move in.
Permits are always an adventure. Around here, inspectors are obsessed with making sure there’s a legit escape route and enough natural light. It can feel like overkill, but I get why they’re strict. At least once it’s all done, you’ve got a space that actually feels like part of the house—not just an afterthought with a bed crammed in.
- Ceiling height in attics is such a pain—totally agree, it’s easy to get carried away with plans and then realize you’re basically building a crawlspace with a bed.
- Garages are definitely more straightforward for layout, but man, the moisture issues can sneak up on you. I once thought I could get away with just sealing the floor... ended up ripping out half the drywall six months later because of mold.
- Permits are a headache, but honestly, I’d rather deal with picky inspectors than have to redo everything after an issue pops up.
- If you can swing the extra work (and budget), turning these spaces into bedrooms can be worth it—just gotta go in with eyes wide open about what you’re getting into.
Turning Attics And Garages Into Bedrooms: Is It Worth The Hassle?
That ceiling height issue in attics is no joke. I worked on a project last year where the homeowners were set on squeezing a guest room into their attic, but after framing, we realized the usable space was basically just the center strip. Ended up having to custom-build storage into the eaves just to make it functional at all. You really have to measure everything twice and be honest about how much headroom you’ll actually have once insulation and drywall go in.
Garages are a different beast. I’ve seen so many people underestimate moisture—just like you mentioned, sealing the floor isn’t enough if you don’t address vapor barriers and proper ventilation. Had a client who skipped adding a subfloor over the slab, and within a year, their new carpet was musty and damp. It’s not glamorous, but spending extra time on waterproofing and airflow saves so much headache later.
Permits are tedious, but honestly, they force you to think through stuff you might overlook otherwise. I’ve had inspectors catch things that would’ve been expensive mistakes down the line. If you’re realistic about budget and willing to do it right, these conversions can add real value—but shortcuts almost always come back to haunt you.
Permits are tedious, but honestly, they force you to think through stuff you might overlook otherwise.
I hear you on the permits—my 1920s house has taught me more about city codes than I ever wanted to know. Attics in old homes are especially tricky. The charm is great, but those sloped ceilings can make even a twin bed feel like a tight squeeze. I tried to turn ours into a study once and ended up with a permanent bump on my head from the rafters. Garages, at least, tend to have fewer surprises... unless you count the time I found an old coal chute under the slab. Wouldn’t trade the character, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
Permits really are a pain, but I get why they matter—especially when you’re trying to make an attic or garage livable. I’m knee-deep in my first big reno right now, and honestly, the inspection process has forced me to plan way more carefully than I expected. It’s not just about cramming a bed under the eaves; you’ve got to think about insulation, emergency exits, and even ceiling height. I thought I could just slap up some drywall and call it a day, but nope... turns out there are minimum square footage requirements for bedrooms, and my attic barely squeaks by.
Garages seem easier at first glance, but then you start dealing with slab moisture, weird wiring, and sometimes old stuff buried under the floor—like your coal chute! It’s wild what you find in older homes. For me, the hassle is worth it if you love the house and want to make every inch count, but it’s definitely not a quick weekend project. There’s a lot of creativity involved, which keeps it interesting, but yeah, you have to be ready for surprises.
