Assess Your Options
Why Convert Your Garage?
If you seldom park your car in the garage, it makes perfect sense to transform that space into something comfortable and useful. A man cave or a woman cave can be a great idea, especially because it expands your usable living space while adding considerable value to your home.
Professional Help vs. DIY
However, transforming that space is just a dream until you finally decide to do it yourself. If the project seems overwhelming, you will find great value in hiring a professional to do it for you. There is way more to this project than meets the eye, and a professional can save you a lot of headaches and a ton of cash.
Clear It Out and Clean It Up
Initial Clean-Up
This part you can do on your own. Get rid of everything that isn't nailed down. You want a clean palette to work with. This will give you a better sense of the size of the space you are dealing with.
Reassess Your Decision
This is the first of several critical steps. Now that it's all cleaned up, there's still time to change your mind. You may like the fact that your car actually will fit into your garage!
Define the Purpose
Identify the Primary Use
If you are still determined to make the change, you should now clearly define the purpose of the new space. Whatever your purpose, write it down because it's time to get really serious about your project.
Who Will Use the Space? Who is this for? Will it be your private sanctuary? Is it going to be a clubhouse for you and your friends? Is it going to be entertainment central for your family? A pool room?
Maybe it will be your home theater with a big screen TV and surround sound. Or, is it going to be an extra bedroom for your aging mother-in-law? Whatever it may be, it's critical to know which direction you are heading.
Think About Options for Your Space
Flexibility in Design
Don't get tied into one theme for the space. Things change over time, and what you thought was going to be your "fun house for life" may turn out to be your work-from-home office if you decide to quit your nine-to-five corporate rat trap.
Future-Proofing
What if you become fat and lazy from watching all those movies in your new "home theater" and you decide what you really need is a private home gym? Then what? The point is, don't drastically limit your future options. Because one thing is for certain, things are certain to change!
Draft Some Plans
Initial Sketches 
You don't have to be an architect to draft some plans. Sketch it out on a large sheet of paper. In fact, make several layouts. There is nothing set in stone at this juncture.
Exploring Different Scenarios
Let different scenarios pop into your head. But put it on paper. Let the ideas flow. Make all the changes you want because right now it isn't going to cost you a dime.
Will You Need to Install Functional Flooring?
Level Differences
Many garages are on a different level than the main house. The difference could be as much as two to three feet. That means you may have to make some accommodations.
Seamless Integration
Your new space should seamlessly flow into your present living space. So if you don't want to be climbing stairs, you will have to install a whole new floor and sub-floor. While you're at it, you may want to widen the doorway leading to your new space. Think it's starting to get complicated now? Just wait.
Consider Insulation & Acoustics
Climate Control
In all likelihood, your garage is not very well insulated or soundproofed. That's not so terrible if you live in Florida. But if so, you will definitely want to accommodate air conditioning.
Soundproofing
And what about sound? If it's not insulated, there is probably no sound-deadening drywall or wall coverings. And don't forget about covering the open ceiling that is supporting those garage door rails.
What About the Existing Garage Doors?
To Keep or Remove?
You have a choice to make right here. Do they stay or do they go? If they stay, that might be fun if the new bedroom belongs to your aging mother. You come home at 3 am from a night out with the boys and accidentally hit the automatic door opener. Morning Grandma!
Alternative Uses
If you remove the doors, it's not so bad. Because the infrastructure is there to support walls and perhaps some nice windows or even a couple of sets of sliding doors. Either way, you may want to dig up a 3' or 4' section of the driveway to plant some hedging which will create a buffer to entering traffic.
How Will You Handle Air, Heat, Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Insulation, Drywall, Flooring, Landscaping?
Research and Quotes
You can begin by researching individual service providers and begin getting quotes for each specialty. How much air conditioning do you need? Will you need to upgrade the electric service? What about water? Do I need a plumber? Where do I find a good carpenter? And the list goes on.
Are you getting dizzy? STOP! Already. You need some help.
Hiring a Professional
Architect First
This is the part where the pros earn their money. First, hire an architect. That will get your ideas down on paper and set in stone.
General Contractor vs. DIY
After that, you have two ways to go. Either hire a general contractor or, if you are a little crazy, you can deal with the tradesmen individually. My vote would be to hire a general contractor to oversee the smooth flow of the project. He's there to save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
That's his job. That's how he earns his money. He pays all of the mechanical and other sub-contractors, and you pay him. The General Contractor has all the headaches and must deal with coordinating all of his subs. He can handle each individual aspect of the project quicker and a lot cheaper than you can do it yourself.
Problem Resolution
And if you have an issue with one of his sub-contractors, it's not "your problem." Call your general contractor. It's his problem to deal with. That's what you are actually doing. You are paying your general contractor to deal with any problems that may arise.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, despite all the necessary planning and possible pitfalls, a garage conversion is one of the most valuable home improvement projects you will ever do. Have fun and enjoy your new space! For more tips and professional help, check out the Boca Raton Home Improvement Directory.
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