Garage Apartment Guide: What to Know Before You Build

Are you looking for more space in your home? Do you have an adult child who needs a place to stay? A garage apartment may be the answer—it's a great way to add space that has privacy from the rest of your home.

But what is a garage apartment, and how much work does it require? We'll go over everything you need to know to decide whether one is right for you. Let's get started.

What Is a Garage Apartment?

A garage apartment is exactly what it sounds like—an apartment above the garage. Think of the apartment you'd find above a restaurant: a public establishment on the bottom floor and a private residence above. That's essentially what you're building.

The space should be more than a single room. Apartments have bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, and so should the one in your garage. Think of it as a separate living area on your property.

You'll still have enough room below an above garage apartment to park your cars comfortably without disturbing the occupants overhead. Since the only access point is a set of stairs with a door at the top, it works just like the restaurant-and-apartment setup mentioned earlier.

Is There a Difference Between a Garage Loft and Apartment?

You're probably wondering how this differs from a garage loft. We've already written about garage lofts, so wouldn't this be the same thing? There are some similarities, but also major differences.

Let's start with what's the same. Both require large-roofed garages so you can have a second floor above where you park your cars. That extra space can be used for anything, but many homeowners use it as a living space.

And that's where the similarities end.

A garage loft is created in a finished garage that has a large, vaulted ceiling. A garage apartment is built from scratch with the intent of having a separate living area from the start, and many garage builders offer apartment-style garages.

Think of a loft as a single, small room attached to your garage, while a garage apartment is a full living space that happens to be above a garage. The apartment needs a bathroom, kitchen, and living space; the loft can be a single room for entertaining guests.

What to Consider Before Building a Garage Apartment

Since a garage apartment is essentially a small residence, there are a few things it needs. When working with garage builders, make sure you include the features below.

Windows

Natural light is important for a living space, so you'll want large windows that maximize the sunlight in your garage apartment.

Also consider whether the windows are operable. We recommend windows that open so you can enjoy fresh air whenever you want—otherwise the apartment will get stuffy quickly.

Energy efficiency matters too. If you're going to heat and cool the apartment, you'll want to keep out the outside weather. Double-pane, argon gas-filled windows are a must.

Electricity

If you or a family member will be living in the garage apartment, you'll need electricity. Without it, you can't heat or cool the space, run electronics, or turn on lights.

We highly recommend hiring a professional for any electrical work. They can safely plan how to run an electrical current from your home to the garage. Doing this yourself carries real danger.

Running Water / Plumbing

Need to shower or use the bathroom? Then you'll need plumbing. This is what turns a garage loft into a garage apartment—a place where you can actually live.

As with electricity, leave any plumbing and septic routing to a professional. Done wrong, it can cause major problems, so it should never be a DIY job.

Insulation

Insulated windows mean little if your walls are paper thin. Make sure the walls are foam insulated when the garage is built. This keeps outside temperatures from passing through the walls into your living space.

Don't overlook the garage door, either. Foam-insulated steel garage doors are extremely energy efficient. We'd recommend them to anyone, but they're especially important if you'll be living above the garage.

Detached vs Attached Garages for Your Garage Apartment

One of the big advantages of a garage apartment is privacy—a space of your own, separate from the rest of your home. Apartments with attached garage layouts lose some of that feeling, since the space sits right against the main house.

A detached garage apartment gives you a real sense of freedom and privacy since it's completely separate from the home. It's a perfect option for adult kids in between homes, who get their own space including a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.

Having a Garage Apartment Is Great for Your Home

A garage apartment is a great addition to any home. It gives you the privacy and extra space you need, especially if you have adult kids living with you.

It can also improve your home's value. Many buyers look for separate living spaces, making a garage apartment an attractive feature that also boosts curb appeal.

Danley's Garage World is Chicagoland's garage expert. We've served the area since 1959 and built over 100,000 garages. Get a free quote now and get started on your new garage project.