I’ve actually wrestled with the same thing in a garage conversion. Skylights weren’t an option for me, so I tried solar tubes—honestly, they surprised me with how much light they brought in, but it’s not quite the same as a window view. Has anyone managed to add full-sized windows to a garage without running into code headaches? I always wonder if it’s worth the hassle or if you just end up with a weirdly bright but still “garage-y” feel.
Adding full-sized windows to a garage can definitely be a headache, but it’s doable if you’re willing to jump through a few hoops. The main thing is making sure you’re not messing with any load-bearing walls and that you’re meeting egress requirements—most codes want a window big enough for someone to climb out in case of emergency. I’ve seen a few projects where folks went all-in and the space felt nothing like a garage after, but it does take some planning. Sometimes, just one well-placed window makes a huge difference, especially if you can frame it to look intentional rather than like an afterthought. It’s a bit of work, but if you want that real bedroom feel, it’s usually worth it.
Sometimes, just one well-placed window makes a huge difference, especially if you can frame it to look intentional rather than like an afterthought.
Totally agree with this. I once helped a friend turn his garage into a guest room, and we spent way too long debating window placement. Ended up reusing some salvaged windows from a demo project—saved money and kept stuff out of the landfill. The light made the space feel way less like a converted garage and more like a cozy nook. It’s a hassle, but honestly, the vibe shift is wild if you get it right.
Couldn’t agree more about the window magic. In my old Victorian, we put a small arched window in the attic conversion—suddenly it felt like a secret hideaway instead of a glorified storage bin. Just don’t ask me about the insulation... that’s another saga.
Insulation is the real beast, isn’t it? I thought adding drywall would be the hard part, but nope—figuring out how to keep the place warm without turning it into a sauna in summer was a whole project. Still, that first window made it all feel worth it.
