I have a garage under my house that I would love to turn into a finished basement. (It’s slightly smaller than a 2 car garage, with two large garage doors.) I don’t have much DIY experience, but I’m a quick learner. Is this something I could handle taking on myself, with the proper resources? Would I need to get a permit?

By: KristenCO

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6 Responses to “I have very little DIY experience – Is it possible for me to turn my garage into a finished basement myself?”

1. devil1hunter on December 15th, 2009 12:51 pm

   You could do it, with enough patience.. your biggest problem would be converting the doors into a wall. You may want to get some outside help on that….As far as the interior, as long as you take your time, follow the instructions of your resources, and don’t get frustrated, BECAUSE it is taking longer than you figured…you should be fine….As far as a permit, that would be up to your local building department, but more than likely, yes..

2. Patrick E on December 18th, 2009 5:10 am

   I think you can do it. It is really several small jobs that can be handled by almost anyone. Some of the work though is lifting heavy objects like sheets of sheetrock if you are going to do the walls. I would go to the local big box store (home depot or lowes etc…) on a Saturday morning and take their classes in the basics (they are free). They show you how to do basic carpentry – using the tools and also how to do things like putting up sheetrock etc… you might find someone there who would trade work with you and them at each others house helping. Most localities require a permit but I might be tempted to try it without depending on what all you were doing (How involved it is).

   “Never fight the Americans without nuclear weapons.”
   - Indian Army General after the First Gulf War

3. Don on December 18th, 2009 9:59 pm

   With the proper planing, this is an easy project. But you want to get a professional to remove the garage doors. Those big springs are dangerous to handle. After the doors are gone, remove the trim. You will need to pour a little concrete to bring the bottom plate up to the level of the rest of the wall. Go to quickrete’s web site for information on bonding new concrete to old. Just frame in the walls, leaving the headers. You can do most of your own electrical, but let an electrician make all of the hook-ups. You can insulate, install drywall, and paint. You will need to sheath the new wall on the outside, and install some siding, that’s easy enough. Add an outside outlet while you are at it.
   As for the permit. One is generally required any time you open a wall. It is really for your protection, and I encourage all of the inspections. An inspector will identify any problems and probably tell you how to fix it. They are generally very helpful, unless you are a sloppy contractor.
   Good Luck! Happy Framing!

4. Steven W on December 20th, 2009 12:33 am

   I agree that removal of any garage door hardware should be done, BUT,,, They make a great basis for a wall, and already are in place. From the exterior you can cover them in a like siding with the rest of the house, Brick them over with proper preparation, or what you choose. Inside they can also be the basis for stud work and drywall, or whatever you choose. If they have windows you might wish to frame those in allowing them to exist as an ambient light source.

   Since the garage is at ground level does it have access from above? Is there exterior access other than the garage doors? Is the ceiling finished or open to the floor joists/beams? Is there sufficient power to the room? Are the walls finished or open studs to the siding?

   Insulation, and power should be two major considerations. I’d probably raise the floor, adding construction grade inuslating foam sheets between 2 x 4 joists, and a 3/4 inch plywood (or other) sub floor.

   I have no idea where you live, but certainly some code issues will be involved, and possible permits. That question should be answered by your local municipal agency that deals in permitting construction. I’d have the electrical work subbed out at the very least. You should also consider heat and or AC in the mix.

   Insulation, drywall, painting, finishing, and furnishing are daunting tasks but not impossible for a DIY. It wouldn’t hurt to have remodeling parties though.

   Any other questions? I’ll be happy to answer through e mail.

   Steven Wolf

5. Turnhog on December 23rd, 2009 7:30 am

   Kristen, you’ve had many responses stating their belief that you can do the job yourself. I disagree. What is very simple to me is very complicated to others who are not in my line of work — construction. I have a difficult time just conveying the methodology of how to do the work, much less actually performing the needed tasks. I’ve been called in many times to finish jobs that DIYers messed up and wanted me to fix it. Most people don’t want to “fix” jobs or either they bid the work high to make it worth their time and frustration. I just wanted you to understand the reality of what you’re proposing. There is no way that I could state with certainty that you could or couldn’t do the work by a brief on-line question. Just be prepared to hire it done after you realize just how much there is to comprehend — not including the legalities and the permitting process. Either way, I have nothing to lose, and the other responders don’t either. But you do! Good luck with your project.

6. summer yeung on December 25th, 2009 12:26 pm

   you can do it as long if you put your hard work in it.