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Archive for August, 2009

Steps In Converting Your Carport To A Garage

Monday, August 24th, 2009

There are a number of people who have their own carport that they would like to convert into a garage.  Others may think that it is a very difficult job.  The truth of the matter is that it can be very easy as long as the carport is still on its working condition.

If you do not have an idea yet on how to convert a carport to a garage, you can follow these steps in changing it to a garage. You have to make sure that you canvass for the best prices in buying the materials that you need.  On this project, you would need to buy wall studs that are 2×4 in size, sheets of plywood, nails, insulation, and the door of your choice.  You can also get some optional items like paint for finishing touches.

First, you may want to check if the carport is still on its good condition.  Once it is still okay, then you should now start to measure it at an interval of 2 feet.  On the intervals, you would need to put in a wall stud.

The next step is to cut the wall stud at the same length as the carport’s ceiling.  You would now need to install it at the bottom and at the edge of the roof using nails.  This should be done continuously until every part of the carport is bordered using them.

You will then need plywood to be used as walls.  You would need to cut the plywood down according to the size that will fit the exterior of your carport.  After cutting them, you can now install them on the wall stud.  You have to make sure that you will fit the plywood properly with each other so there will be no gaps upon installation.

After installing the plywood, it is now time to put in the doors that you want.  There are a lot of door types in which you can choose from.  Keep in mind that there are some doors that would needed to be installed by a professional.  For example, there are doors that would need some apparatus to install them.

Finally, the insulation should be placed in between the wall studs.  You can also apply several finishing touches to it such as paint job or if you want a classic wooden look then just keep it as it is.

By seeing these steps, you might think that it is something that can be very complicated.  However, as getting some professional advice will make this conversion easier that it is supposed to be.  If you also want to make it last longer, you can use metal support such as aluminum edges.  With this, you will now have a functional garage converted from your old carport.

Looking for a property that is best for you can be very tough. However, checking Phoenix Homes and Residential Real Estate in Phoenix will definitely give you the perfect property options that you will certainly love and worth your money.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/steps-in-converting-your-carport-to-a-garage-1155213.html

Step by Step Guide to Converting Your Garage into a Livable Space

Monday, August 24th, 2009

So you have finally decided on converting your garage into a livable space. While this is an excellent decision especially today where real estate properties are increasingly cramped and space-starved, there are some things that you need to consider in order to make the best livable space from your garage.

Preparation

Because converting a garage into another type of room is a relatively major home improvement activity, beginning with a plan is of utmost importance. Some of the things that you should consider are the type of room that you will turn the garage into. Will it become a bedroom, a living room, or a kitchen and even a bathroom? The complexity of the overall project will depend on the type of room that you will convert the garage into. For instance, a bathroom s generally much more complicated since you will need to add appropriate piping and drainage systems to ensure that the room will accommodate the water use in a bathroom.

Hiring people and buying materials

Next, consider the people you will need to contact when converting your garage into a livable space. For instance, you should scan and get price quotes from the neighborhood builders, plumbers, and electrical technicians who can help you with the job. To find the right people for the job, you should consider referrals from friends and family, since testimonials are the best way of landing yourself guaranteed high quality services. You can, however, check out the local newspapers or the web for a list of the nearest builders who can help you.

Designing

The actual construction will vary depending on the type of renovation. Since the garage is structurally different from other types of homes, the renovation may require adding new foundations, and reconstructing the walls. After these, however, you will need to focus on the details of designing the newly reconstructed room. Choose the types of flooring tiles, the wallpaper, and the furniture that you will need, depending on what type of room you have chosen. Also be prepared to shop for needed items such as light bulbs, door knobs, et cetera.

Tips and reminders

When it comes to renovating your garage into a livable space, it is also important that you prepare yourself, your budget, and your time. Just waiting for the cement to dry, which is often used in preparing the footing of the garage, will take three days. The entire renovation project can last up to a month. Make sure also that you look into the long term usefulness of whatever type of room you will convert the garage into. Because of the technical difficulties involved in renovation, you do not want to have a room with limited and time constrained functionality. Also, do not hurry any part of the process. Deciding too quickly, for instance, is one of the surefire ways of ending up with a reconstructed garage that you will need to renovate again.

With these steps in mind, however, converting your garage into a livable space does not have to be out of reach.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/step-by-step-guide-to-converting-your-garage-into-a-livable-space-1155255.html