Question:

I own a 65 yr old cape which has an apartment (400sq.ft.)over my 2 car attached garage.I would like to convert the whole garage to an up and down small home for myself.The usage of upstairs would need a spiral staircase and the garage doors need to be replaced with patio doors.I would like ceramic flooring with electric heat under them.Do you know what would work on the walls?Ceilings and what would something like this cost.I am a widow and I need to rent out my main house for income to a family member.

Answer:

Catherine First check with your city hall offices for any rules regarding conversion 2 family dwellings. Even if it isn't for rent there may be some bylaws that could apply. Also check on any requirements for the spiral stairs. Since they serve a 2nd floor (I assume with a bedroom) this becomes an emergency exit and there may be some width requirements. etc. Underfloor heating is a wonderful solution. Make sure you check into radiant floor as well. Radient floor heat involved embedding small tubes within the floor surface and running a current of hot water through the floor as a heat source. The cost of the initial unit for radient may pay for itself, in comparison to your electrcal bills. Talk to a heating company that specializes in underfloor heat systems. The walls and garage door opening will involve framing in any openings with any doors and/or windows you want. Between the studs you will need insulation, then over top (on the inside of the wall) you will need a vapour barrier. Directly on top you can place drywall or any wall surface you would like. When you remove the garage doors, if they are in good shape call your local Habitat Restore. They may remove the doors for you and then sell them to raise money for a home build project. There may be a tax recipt in there for you too. Contact Habitat for Humanity for more information. From my vantage point it is difficult to estimate a cost. The framing and interior finishes are pretty simple. With the stairs and heat system, make sure you do your homework to choose an effective solution for your needs. For some ideas for cost savings, you can check with a Habitat Restore for various building materials at a reduced cost. Windows, doors, tile, etc. and the money goes to a good cause. I hope that helps... Happy Renovating. Erin Zagar Renovation Consultant EZDimensions 905-866-8358

Answered By: Erin Zagar

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