Should I Convert my Garage into a Game Room?

Questions also to consider:

-Do you have a big enough driveway to accommodate your cars?

-Do you have a storage unit for storing your stuff?

-Do you have room for at least a carport or a detached garage (where legally and permissible if you have the lot space)?

Appraisal wise, first we're looking at highest and best use based on recent sales (are there any comps in your area with a similar garage conversion?).

We'll look for other houses in your market for "0 Garage Parking". Unless you have room to build a detached garage, the result is usually "0 Garage Parking" or "carport parking", so we'll add a "a carport" criteria and a "conversion" search in the remarks. We're looking at recent sales to determine if comparable properties sold for more or less with "0 Garage Parking" space or "Conversion". If there are no comps in your property's area with conversions, keeping your garage functional is probably the right decision. When you decide to sell your home, the money you spend converting the garage into living space may be wasted if the buyer wants a house with a garage.

If there are comps in your area with "conversions", you can order an appraisal to determine the level of value added (shameless plug). We'll come measure your house, observe the interior for finish level, then add your house and comps to a sales comparison grid and make adjustments where there are amenity differences. After number crunching, we'll determine how much and if the garage conversion will be beneficial from a present day value perspective.

Each market is different. If you're in the Austin area, order your Certified Residential Appraisal from AustinAppraisalFactory.com