I Built An Office In My Garage (and still have room to park our van)!

[@RuizCaz]

I have been looking on KZbin for years and it is almost impossible to find a video where someone converts 1/2 or only a portion of their garage. I rented a room that was 1/2 a garage and the owner did it in 14 days. It had a queen size bed, closet, electric fireplace, and an air conditioner in the wall. The door exited out to the other half of the garage where I parked my car. It was awesome.

[@coreyapotter]

Underrated house upgrade!

[@GoHerping]

i literally never considered converting just part of my garage. For months I've been deliberating if I should sacrifice the garage door and parking for my car for an entire office conversion... It wasn't until this video I realized I can do both! This is the biggest big brain idea ever

[@mrkrabs5729]

Hi

[@mrkrabs5729]

Is this why you built your room

[@thepsychologist8159]

It's an interesting idea, isn't it? I first saw this idea about 10 years ago when I stayed at a friends house who had a spare room. Until I actually looked into the garage from the roller door, I didn't realise the room I was staying in was in fact built into the garage (I arrived late at night). The internal door to the garage was now the door to the room. Ever since, I've always thought to do this in the house I bought a few years ago to create an extra room. Now that I'll be embarking on this journey, I'm starting to search around on KZbin to see if other people have done the same and to steal some ideas from them.

[@junes8796]

Great idea. Great job. Beautiful children.

[@TheJmcraezy]

Great to see you involved your kiddos in the project, turned out great!

[@SkilasSkilasGaming]

Awesome, man. I'll be doing this in my new shop building when I get it to start my own business, it's cool to see that I wasn't the only one that has done this.. there's you and other people who have done the same, so I'll have all the help I need to do it. Thanks man.

[@scottproctor2112]

I was looking for a video on this because i want to do the same thing. Excellent video and your apprentice are precious. Good daddy. Really enjoyed it, in more ways than one.

[@ForrestClonts]

This is sweet. We have a detached garage behind the house that needs to go, but plotting for a new storage option and a finished work space for me when we rebuild.

[@belgiandip8682]

That looks awesome. And you did really nice work! Thanks for sharing. You've given me a lot of great ideas. Love the hanging lights, btw. Nice touch!

[@heidifullriede8163]

Doing this to my garage for a homeschool room/ gym! High five for homeschooling!

[@simply_andreastewart]

Same!! 💪🏼💪🏼

[@dhjraven3569]

home school sucks

[@Donotatmeho]

If you don’t mind me asking but how much did it cost because I been wanting to do the same

[@rahemaakbarzay9696]

you should change the door to get open to outset for the extra space and to look nice

[@swandive46]

Awesome job, I'm wanting to do a similar thing in my garage, but there would be three sides for safety reasons, with one being completely open. I think I can do the woodworking/drywall aspects, but the wiring would be tricky. Your kids wee adorable in the video!

[@autumnlove94]

I would love to know exactly the steps you took (especially making the walls) and what materials were needed. I want to do this in our garage as well.

[@aPodcastForCreativePeople]

Awesome. I'm building a garage office tomorrow!

[@teacherdaphne8786]

So dad can be involved in homeschooling his children too. 👏👏👏 God bless.

[@elizabethdangelo1354]

That looks awesome!

[@I_am_Fake_Fake]

Awesome Build!!! I built a office in my garage and it was one of the best decisions I've made!! I ended up documenting it on my own KZbin Channel!!!

[@lisathompson9585]

I'm looking at doing the same thing can I get your KZbin channel to see how and materials you used please.

[@I_am_Fake_Fake]

@@lisathompson9585 sure no prob!!! kzbin.info/door/pL98tIa-qf3BJQr_juF_9w

[@ChrisNP]

Thanks so much for posting this, man! You do a great job describing the process and make it very inspiring to do something similar on my own!

[@heroknaderi]

Wow this project turned out outstanding 😎🤩 I am turning my garage to a room with a bathroom and closet possibly an office too. But then I’ll build a 20x26 workshop with a bathroom. Its going to serve it all. A new place to park my car. I enjoyed watching your video 🤩😎👍

[@kakabelly57]

If you add a small fabric covered couch/recliner it may change acoustics. Or 3 or 4sound dampening panels.

[@simbabuilds9338]

Her face at 8:25 - “I have waited my entire life for this and now it is time.”

[@robbiehenry6156]

That's a nice little office

[@kbogues313]

This video is very helpful to my building project

[@reddeaddylan1606]

Yup thinking I’m doing it. Only thing is my 14 foot ceiling.

[@AridersLifeYT]

thanks for posting, i have a 16ftx32ft garage that i wanted to put a office in at the rear. i hop to put in a 14ft x16ft office at the back and still have enough room for a car and tools.

[@virtualworkers266]

Great job! Didn't know you were busy building your own back-office and your kids are adorable specially that video when she lost her tooth... This is Ice btw..

[@jor.1738]

Great Job! Congratulations!

[@SimplyMustGo]

Great job on your first "Real" vlog! The space came out great. I'm excited to see how you end up finishing it with decor and storage. Looking forward to watching your channel grow.

[@Bighawaiian99]

It looks fantastic !!! Have you thought about hanging your monitors on the wall like flat screen tv ?

[@thesaint9276]

Funny I'm gonna start next week and I have exactly 8x10 to work with. My plan is desk on one end with computer and TV above mounted on the wall. Then on the other end I want 2 lazy boys for me and a buddy to watch fights and drink beer while our wives are inside being responsible watching the kids 😎

[@coreyapotter]

Yeah, I think it is a perfect size for that, I could easily fit two lazy boys and a small table in between, with a large TV on the other wall, and it would be perfect viewing distance. The only thing bad in my setup is that the inside air conditioner than I'm using is pretty loud... which would not be ideal for watching TV. Could look into a split system, but they are a good bit more expensive. Depending on how your house is set up and the size of your main AC, you may be able to change your ducting to use that. For me it hasn't been too much of an issue because I use noise canceling headphones on my computer almost all of the time, but otherwise it would be kinda annoying.

[@thesaint9276]

@@coreyapotter I have the same ac as you. I guess I'll just have to crank the volume up

[@Als2003-e8c]

Good job dude!

[@vycao6476]

Did you do the walls yourself?

[@sandman3073]

Very nice, I wanna do this in my garage can you please list the material or items.

[@coreyapotter]

Unfortunately no, I never recorded it like that. I did rough plans and just bought what I needed as I needed it. Mostly 2x4s, drywall, some subfloor and vinyl flooring, and electrical components like wires and outlets. There are lots of things to consider, and while this one isn't meant to be a "here's how to do this" video... there are lots of those on KZbin, and I found many of them helpful in my build process!

[@thepsychologist8159]

Hi Corey, can you advise the process you underwent to build the floor supports that counter the slope in the garage floor.

[@coreyapotter]

Nothing too fancy. There was a layer of bricks around the base of the garage that were already level, and at about the right height for my subfloor. I leveled some boards that were laid on top of those bricks, put another board directly on the floor, then measured the height every 18 inches and cut a support (each getting a bit longer as the slope increased). You can see them clearly at 4:04 in the video!

[@thepsychologist8159]

@@coreyapotter Thanks for your reply. Regarding the supports, did you slightly taper them (the bottom side) to account for the slope angle? Or, are they flat both ends? Also, when you installed the front facing wall (I assume this was levelled straight), was there a slight gap/rise on the back edge of the floor beam (facing the garage door) on account of the slope or did you secure the beam flat to the floor?

[@stuff3862]

I see you have the heat of your ac going back into the garage, I think in the summer that’s just going to heat up your walls for both your workspace and your garage

[@coreyapotter]

You are right! I have to open or at least crack the garage door in the summer if I want to run the AC.

[@ethan1627]

Not just that.. you are throwing CO2 gases in the garage is really dangerous.. you mind want to reroute the ace vent to the outside wall.. other than that.. good work

[@coreyapotter]

@@ethan1627 C02 gases? That is not accurate. Electric air conditioners do not produce C02. The venting/placement has more to do with efficiency. The garage is open 99% of the time, so it really isn't much different than venting on the outside wall. Thanks for the concern though!

[@cwgoforth]

Nice project!

[@paularenee32]

I am wanting to build a pantry that takes up space in the garage but it accessible from inside the house and you enter the house through that room. I am concerned about what a boxed out room looks like it a double car garage. The idea I am having is about the same size as yours and in about the same spot. Can you post a pic or video of what it looks like with your garage door open? I would like for mine to look somewhat original to the house but I can't picture it in my mind. Thank you for your help!

[@fed.j.a.9641]

well done! love it

[@keithbecker1196]

Nice work! Would you need to insulate and heat to officially count this as living space?

[@Rick-rn2ur]

One thing holding me back from doing this is understanding what I can and can’t do based on local regulations/permits, etc. (i.e. if a room is heated/cooled it may need to be insulated, including the floor).

[@thepsychologist8159]

@@Rick-rn2ur Probably best to enquire with the relevant council department. Or, engage a professional builder who will do all this for you, lodge plans, obtain building approval, etc.

[@chrisknott4094]

Great job bud looks great

[@ThomasGapinski]

Looks great!

[@kyleeyork7646]

Can you go over price breakdown of this?

[@tominator3]

Building a wall and wearing a shirt that says "life without walls"

[@simple-controls5507]

Did you pull permits and have it inspected? I'm doing the same thing in my detached metal garage but can't find any guidance for the build in the IRC. Do you have any links you can share?

[@ofpbluefalcon]

We have a 2 car garage that we dont park in and I really want to make half of it into something like this.

[@raqueldubose6029]

Amazing.

[@real_juice4209]

Did you drill into the ground to help support the walls?

[@coreyapotter]

Yep! I used some screws I got from a hardware store that came with a special bit for drilling into concrete.

[@Savorychicken41]

I think you just solved a lot of my issues working from home now in 2020 COVID pandemic. 👍

[@lawrencephearse902]

What part did you find more difficult? I've been thinking about doing this for some years now.

[@herdd]

This turned out so good! :) Really compact setup. You did an awesome job! I've subbed. I make travel videos myself, if you like that kind of thing.

[@MalcolmLionel]

Id get a mini split ac in there

[@jeremythomas1803]

Very neat

[@kimberlyevangelista2258]

This is so cool great job 👏 How long did it take to build the office ?

[@coreyapotter]

Thanks! Took about 2 weeks from when I started to when I started working in the office!

[@dangelosylvester6897]

Did he use a pressure-treated bottom plate when he was framing?

[@adamjonkie5601]

I think so, you can see the different wood colors around 3:30

[@PhantomXVoice]

Did you take into account the exterior door? Room looks great, but the step up space where the door is looks like it was unplanned. Could you have raised the door as well to match the subfloor?

[@coreyapotter]

Yes, I took it into consideration. There were several options, and this was the easiest for me. I didn't need that extra floor space and I don't mind the step. Raising the exterior door would have been a major job, including reframing an exterior wall, cutting through siding, and potentially rerouting electrical wires. Just not worth it. I could have made less of a step, but the slope of the floor was pretty significant and I chose this height because I was able to set the frame of the floor on the level bricks around the edge of the garage. Anyway, there are many ways to do any project, and I picked the options that worked for my needs. I'll likely be tearing it out before selling the house, so really it didn't have to be perfect.

[@kweck2918]

What permits did you need to build this or does your state not require them?

[@fp8645]

Great work man! 👍

[@ReaperTaskForce]

I'm gonna turn. My garage into a fort basically a security base

[@Jard-v3]

Do you need a permit to build a office/room in your garage?

[@Bpantro]

Do you have a list of all materials? and like what type of wood did you use and all that?

[@coreyapotter]

I don't have a list. Honestly, it was just me writing down some basic measurements and buying some lumber from Lowes. I used pine 2x4s, treated for anything that touched concrete, and standard for everything else. Standard materials for drywall and subfloor. I think each build will be slightly different, but if you watch some framing videos on KZbin, you should be off to a good start.

[@WhiskeyActualTV]

Why did you raise the floor?

[@TrustTree8117]

How did you ventilate it?

[@CFunk-xw2wc]

This is great, I'll be building a bedroom in the corner of my garage similar design as your office but bigger. I'm gonna do this on my own, my question is did you pull permits? It seems that would slow the process down and raise the price of this type of project.

[@coreyapotter]

I would highly recommend getting the permits if you ever plan to sell the house or if you want to be sure your homeowners insurance will cover any incidents (for example, if an electrical fire burns down your house and it originated in this unpermitted room, your insurance may not pay). It does slow things down a bit, but in the long run I think it is worth it.

[@thepsychologist8159]

@@coreyapotter I spoke with a builder who suggested the same - get the permits if/when you the sell the home, just make sure you've got adequate drawings/plans and a documented process of how you built it. But for sure, the other issue can be insurance if a claim involves/results from the addition. As it's not an approved structure, they will be sure to scrutinise this.

[@jessedau]

I’m about to do the same thing and have almost the same set up but my area is the extra bay that they call a “shop”. My question is: -do you wish you would’ve done a split duct cooling/heating system vs the floor/wall unit? - is there a need for an access point from inside the garage? - that step down to the door looks like a hazard. How’s that working out?

[@zeframcochrane1183]

Love This

[@libertyordeathoriginals6014]

How is the A/C exhaust going into the garage. No big deal, correct?

[@guusiguuljaceyl6257]

Thanks boss

[@sylviadelangel103]

Do we need any permits or can this be considered storage room since it doesn’t take up the whole garage?

[@coreyapotter]

That's something you'll need to verify with your local laws, it varies by location.

[@SaadonAksah]

Wow! Thats great!

[@robkriger9095]

I had that drill… f’ that drill lol! Max speed drilling sucks

[@lukashess2804]

Roughly how much did this cost?

[@echarity]

How and what did you used for the floor sub-floor? Did you include a vapor barrier? What about insulation? Where are you located did you need a permit for this project? Did you do the electrical yourself or sub it out? I'm planning the same project but with French Doors leading into the office from within the house. Garage is on the lower level of a three-level townhouse.

[@coreyapotter]

I learned things about permits that I didn't know before I started. I'd highly recommend getting one, especially for insurance and liability reasons. For the sub-floor, I just framed it out with 2x4s and used treated lumber on anything touching concrete. For the laminate sub-floor, I just used the standard stuff they sell at Lowes, some kind of foam, I didn't really pay very close attention to what it was. I still haven't insulated the office, over a year later. I left the outer walls open so I could insulate and just haven't made it a priority because the climate is fairly moderate and so far hasn't been a problem. I did the electrical work myself, but it was relatively simple, only 3 outlets and 2 lights. Good luck on your project! Mine was just something I threw together on a whim, but I wish I had done a bit more research and planning before I started.

[@brookewitham2978]

Did you screw the bottom frame boards into the cement ?

[@coreyapotter]

Yes, I did screw them in with some screws made for that specific application!

[@heymisswest]

This is dope

[@Auteur_Vision]

what's the size of the office?

[@Itllbetoolate88]

Did any clerical work with the city need to be done? What about inspections like electrical?

[@coreyapotter]

Yes, but this is going to be highly dependent on your location, as the laws and regulations are different in every country, state, city, county, and even HOA.

[@coreyapotter]

In general, you apply for a permit (I think they are $25 here), and when you are ready, the city/town/county will send an inspector to make sure you are following codes. This is pretty important for insurance reasons. If things are not inspected/approved and let's say a fire is started from faulty wiring, the insurance company may not cover your home.

[@kansascowboy5721]

Great job 👍🏻

[@DaNae2334]

I have a questions about the floor?

[@coreyapotter]

Lay it on me!

[@DaNae2334]

@@coreyapotter I saw that you put wood down on the floor to make it level because your garage wasn’t level but we are putting a Floor on so that I can insulate it. How did you frame the floor. I’m trying to figure out how much wood we need to frame it

[@coreyapotter]

@@DaNae2334 You can see it best at 4:03 in the video. You can secure these with concrete nails/screws. After this, I believe I laid 2x4s across, perpendicular to the floor frame pieces you see at 4:03. I think every 16 or 18 inches, I'm sure you can look up the recommended code for that. Just make sure you use treated wood on the concrete.

[@samanthabarker3772]

did you need a permit to do this? we're trying to figure out what to do for my husband but im not sure if wed need a permit for this or not since its like "livable" space

[@coreyapotter]

Yes, you will likely need a permit/inspection if you live in city limits or want to maintain homeowners insurance.

[@aaron2k2]

Is it really ok to vent your portable AC in the garage? It’ll cause humidity and even affect your vehicle

[@coreyapotter]

No, it's not an ideal plan. But I made it work for me and am still doing it this way years later. The "right" solution would be a split system above the door. Jus haven't had the time or budget to make that happen yet.

[@melvingray3245]

Im confused as to why you raised the floor if you were going to have a step up from the side door. What was the reasoning?

[@coreyapotter]

The floor of the garage is not level, and this was an easy way to creat a level subfloor.

[@melvingray3245]

@@coreyapotter Oh okay, that makes sense. Could you have used some self leveling compound? I am converting my tandem garage space in the next couple weeks.

[@coreyapotter]

@@melvingray3245 yes, that probably could have worked, but in my case I had about 10 ft from floor to ceiling, so the subfloor made it feel more like a standard size room. Also made it easier for me to run the electricity like I wanted.

[@amilyaminor6721]

How much did it cost

[@maggiemckim3272]

It may have been a little easier to re-hinge your door to open out and leveled your floor somewhat thinner. Otherwise a great job for a first try.

[@coreyapotter]

I did think about that for sure, but the slope of the floor would have been tricky to deal with even going as thin as possible. Also there was a brick line around the floor that I wanted to cover. The sub floor also gave me a bit more "spring" since I do alot of standing at my desk, and made it easy to run one of the wires to my switch without having to tear up my wall. Since the ceiling was about 10ft, I didn't mind bringing the floor up 6-8 inches. Lots of different ways to do it though, and mine were far from perfect, but it has been holding up great, and I'm loving using it!

[@maggiemckim3272]

@@coreyapotter I'm glad it works for you, and since it is your office, your opinion is the only one that should count.

[@brad-suzetteeickman1121]

Did you permit the project? Didn't hear anything about that.

[@coreyapotter]

In most areas, and for many homeowners insurance policies, permits or inspection is required. Also, some HOAs have rules that require you to get any construction approved by them. I learned about some of these things after the project, but in the future, I would definitely START with the permit and have it inspected right after finishing.

[@houstonbrown9529]

Can you still fit a car?

[@cariocafl]

Was the sub floor really needed?

[@coreyapotter]

Yes.

[@AshleyMurphyArt]

Oh my, how awesome. Thanks for sharing your process. Love how you are able to access from outside. Someone recently stole my credit card and bought a air unit similar to that from Wayfair for 3 thousand. Big mess! Oh and nice chat in the #nosmallcreator group. Here's to creating your business and filming your life adventures.

[@MrStevenstacy]

Want to try and make it like a third bedroom/office space in the garage of my house so people can try and stick around my place

[@Keletsonokegmail]

This is not nice but its awesome 🤩😎

[@PxPiJay16]

Where you get wood and dry wall at?

[@coreyapotter]

Lowes, a hardware store.

[@acerodriguez3827]

Did you not have to insulate?

[@coreyapotter]

I hadn't insulated at the time of this video, but left the outer drywall off so I could put some in. The garage wall that isn't against the house is not insulated... but I figured it couldn't hurt to insulate the two walls I put up.

[@jessienida6367]

Where did you get the information on the electrical side of this project?

[@coreyapotter]

Lots of Googling and watching YT videos. I watched several videos first, then did some research to learn about the electrical codes/standards in my state. Then I just Googled for charts and diagrams once I knew what pattern I was working with. If you do a Google image search for any kind of specific setup (like "two outlets with switch on opposite end of source") You'll find tons of diagrams.

[@allaroundfishermen]

Bro…just say that you want your space! 😂

[@shahvianshah4847]

Sir how much did it cost you please answer.

[@coreyapotter]

I put the cost in the description, but in 2021, the cost would be noticeably higher in the US, since lumber prices are ~double what they were then. I'd estimate this project to cost around $2,000-$2,500 if done today.

[@kevindaniels4302]

how big is that room? 14x14?

[@coreyapotter]

This one is about 8x10 ft.

[@nriquedagoat7068]

less that 10x10

[@codypedigo7765]

Does that room get cold with no insulation or heat? Or are you somewhere that stays warm year round? Did you need to get a permit when you did yours?

[@coreyapotter]

It stays moderate year round here (South Carolina). A small space heater is more than enough to hear the room. Since it is in the garage (which can stay closed in the winter), there is at least some insulation there. The worst part is in the summer. The metal exterior door gets direct exposure to the sun in the hottest part of the day. That wall gets warm to the touch, so the AC has to work hard to keep up. So far it has been comfortable for about 80% of the year, and the rest is bearable. I did need a permit, although I found that out later.

[@longlibs]

Hi do you have a list of materials.

[@coreyapotter]

No, I just did my best at measuring and estimating what I would need, then made multiple trips to Lowes (only a few miles away). It will all depend on the size, and I've noticed that garages are not very standard. The supplies are pretty basic though. Just watch some videos about framing rooms and you should be able to create a decent list!

[@ABell676]

Were you putting in screws with a hammer drill?

[@coreyapotter]

No, lol, just a bad ladder and awkward position (hey, we aren't pros).

[@LeeMangold]

How is the AC situation working out for you? I noticed you're exhausting A/C into the garage...any issue there? (In Florida - wanting to do the same thing in my garage)

[@coreyapotter]

The AC worked fine with the portable unit, but wasn't really that efficient. The exterior wall with the door gets direct sun with no shade from like 2pm until sunset, so on these long summer days, it struggled a little in the evenings. Adding a small fan made a huge difference. However, I recently switched out the portable unit for a window unit. I'm still venting into the garage, but it stays open about 95% of the time I'm running the AC (I only close it during thunderstorms or late at night). I definitely don't recommend venting into the garage if you plan on closing it, even running a small window unit for an hour with the garage closed increases the garage temperature significantly. I'm sure its also against all kinds of codes/regulations... so I consider this a temporary solution for myself. That being said, the small window unit keeps the office ice cold, even on the hot evenings.

[@Daddy_Dirk_Diggler]

I’m looking to do the same in my garage. Roughly what did this cost you to do? Thanks!

[@coreyapotter]

It cost me about $1,200 including the AC. Could have probably saved quite a bit if I had more time and could have sourced things at better rates. I also had to buy a few tools. I think I could have done the whole thing for more like $800, but I think some cases could be much more expensive as well (like if you don't have a door, or have to get fancy with your heat/AC).

[@peaceonearth1971]

It looks good, but could lose value to make it one car garage now

[@coreyapotter]

Yeah, but would also take an afternoon for me to rip it back out if we sell the house. Not to worried about that. Also in our neighborhood many of the houses only have a one car garage, so it doesn't affect the comps too much. Might even be a selling point for the right person who needs a way to work from home.

[@nonhlanhlapetersen8077]

looks amazing im considering something similar , are you still able to park the car on the remaining space