Converting your garage into a new livable space can be done easily and affordably. To have your former garage feeling like a real addition to your home you’ll want to remove the garage doors and replace it with a simple wall or even wall cabinets.

However, just like with other home improvement projects, you’ll want to consider the building codes. In addition, you should always know how much money your conversion will cost before you start.

Garage Door to Garage Wall

First, inquire about any residential building codes you’ll have to follow. Secure any building permits you may need to construct your garage remodel and have your plans drawn up. After you’ve secured necessary permits, you are on your way to a converted garage.

Replacing a garage door with a wall is one of the first steps in a typical garage conversion. It’s a fairly involved process, and might be better left to the professionals. If you want to try it on your own, however, take the following steps:

• Get a helper: You’ll need two hands to remove the garage door.
• Extension springs or torsion springs: Extension springs are on both sides above the upper tracks. Torsion springs are directly above the closed garage door. If you have torsion springs, you’ll have to have a professional release them.
• Disconnect the garage door opener: Unplug the electric garage door opener. Disconnect all the wires running to the switch. With the help of someone else, disconnect the support arm from the garage door by pulling the release cord. Remove all the bolts that are holding the power unit to the ceiling or wall and remove all other hardware that supports the unit.
• Disassemble garage door springs: With the garage door raised, attach clamps to both sides of the tracks so the door doesn’t roll down. Attach each spring to the tracks. Use pliers to take off the lift cables from the lower brackets. Remove the springs and pulley.
• Remove clamps: You’ll need your helper for this step. Put blocks of wood on the floor and remove the clamps that are attached to the tracks. Lower the door.
• Remove the brackets: Start from the top and remove all the brackets that are holding the door sections together.
• Finish by removing the frame: Use garage door tools to remove any framing that may be left.

Creating Garage Walls

With the garage door gone, you can now create a wall in its place. This area is the easiest place to add an entry door as the wall hasn’t been created yet. For the purposes of creating a wall you’ll want to hire a professional. This specialist will be able to:

• Assess the foundation
• Examine the other walls
• Examine the soil.

Once new garage walls are erected, you may want to consider common add-ons, such as:

• Garage wall storage
• New entryways
• Picture windows
• Wall cabinets.

Whichever way you use new garage walls, be sure they comply with all building codes and regulations.