9 Things To Do With The Space Above Your Garage
If you have space above your garage, you're sitting on some serious untapped potential. Most people use it for storage (if they use it at all), but that area could be so much more. Whether it's a bare, unfinished space or a partially finished room that's just collecting boxes, it's time to start thinking bigger.
The beauty of above-garage spaces is their versatility. They're separated from the main house, which means they can serve purposes that need a bit of privacy or independence. They often have their own entrance, good ceiling height, and enough square footage to really do something meaningful.
Here are ways you could transform that space. Some are practical, some are indulgent, and all of them are better than storing holiday decorations up there.
1. Au Pair or Caregiver Suite
This is one of the most popular (and practical) uses for above-garage space, especially for families with young children. Creating a self-contained suite for a live-in caregiver gives them privacy and independence while keeping them close by when you need them. The ideal setup includes a bedroom, bathroom, and small kitchenette so they have everything they need without constantly coming into your main house. It's a win-win: your au pair or nanny has their own comfortable space, and you have reliable childcare right on your property.
What you'll need: Bedroom area, full bathroom, kitchenette with mini fridge and microwave, separate entrance
2. Guest Suite
Turn your above-garage space into a welcoming retreat for visiting family and friends. Unlike a guest room in your main house, this gives visitors true privacy and the ability to come and go without feeling like they're intruding. Include a comfortable sleeping area, a bathroom, and maybe a small sitting area with a coffee maker, and your guests will feel like they're staying in a boutique hotel. Bonus: when you don't have guests, you can use it yourself as a personal retreat.
What you'll need: Bedroom setup, bathroom, seating area, coffee station, good storage for guest linens
3. Home Office or Creative Studio
If you work from home or have a creative practice that needs dedicated space, an above-garage studio is perfect. The separation from your main living areas creates better work-life boundaries than trying to work from a bedroom or kitchen table. You can set it up exactly how you need it: standing desk, great lighting, inspiration boards, and all your supplies without worrying about disrupting family life.
What you'll need: Desk setup, excellent lighting (natural and task), storage for supplies, comfortable temperature control, strong WiFi
4. In-Law Suite
Creating a separate full-time living space for aging parents or other family members allows for multi-generational living with dignity and privacy on both sides. They can maintain independence with their own bathroom, kitchen, and living area while being close enough for you to help when needed. It's a solution that works better than moving them into a spare bedroom but doesn't require buying a separate property. Many families find this arrangement works beautifully, giving everyone the closeness and space they need.
What you'll need: Accessible bathroom (grab bars, walk-in shower), full kitchen, bedroom, living area, easy entrance (consider a ramp or minimal stairs)
5. Home Gym
Create a workout space that's always available, always clean, and never crowded. An above-garage gym gives you room for cardio equipment, weights, yoga space, or whatever fitness activities you're into. The best part? You can blast your workout playlist, grunt through your last rep, and not worry about bothering anyone in the main house. Add a small bathroom with a shower, and you've got everything you need for a complete workout experience.
What you'll need: Durable flooring, mirrors, good ventilation, electrical outlets for equipment, sound insulation.
Nice to have: bathroom with shower
6. Media Room or Gaming Lounge
Transform your garage space into the ultimate entertainment zone. Whether you want a home theater with a big screen and surround sound, a gaming setup with multiple consoles, or a sports-watching zone with a huge TV and comfy seating, the separation from the main house means you can turn up the volume without disturbing anyone. Add a mini bar, some cozy seating, and blackout shades, and you've created a space where friends and family will actually want to hang out.
What you'll need: Large screen TV or projector, comfortable seating, sound system, good WiFi, mini fridge or bar area, light control
7.Art Studio or Workshop
If you have a hobby or craft that takes up space and makes a mess, an above-garage studio is your answer. Painters need room for easels and canvases. Woodworkers need space for tools and projects. Whatever the craft, having dedicated space means you don't have to set up and clean up every single time you want to work. You can leave projects in progress, spread out your materials, and really dig into your creative work without worrying about disrupting the household.
What you'll need: Lots of natural light, storage for supplies and tools, work surfaces, good ventilation (especially for painting or woodworking), utility sink
8. Music Room or Practice Space
Musicians need space to practice, record, and store instruments without driving everyone in the house crazy, and an above-garage music room solves this perfectly. You can soundproof the space (to a degree), set up instruments, add recording equipment (if you're into that), and practice when inspiration strikes. Whether you're a serious musician, a hobbyist, or you have kids taking music lessons, having a dedicated music space means the keyboard doesn't live in your dining room, and drum practice doesn't interrupt Zoom calls.
What you'll need: Soundproofing or sound-dampening materials, instrument storage, acoustic treatment, electrical outlets for amps/equipment, comfortable seating
9. Rental Unit (ADU)
If local zoning allows it, converting your garage space into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) can generate rental income. Many Boston-area towns are becoming more ADU-friendly as housing costs rise and zoning laws evolve. Just make sure to check local regulations about parking requirements, occupancy rules, and whether short-term rentals are permitted.
What you'll need: Full kitchen, bathroom, separate entrance, proper permits and inspections, compliance with local zoning
Things to Consider Before Converting Your Space
Before you start tearing into that above-garage area, there are some practical considerations to think through.
Zoning and Permits Most conversions will require building permits, and if you're creating a separate living unit, you'll need to make sure it's allowed in your zoning district. Requirements vary significantly by town in the Boston area. Check with your local building department before you invest in plans or get too attached to an idea that might not be permitted.
Access and Safety You'll need safe, code-compliant access to the space. This usually means proper stairs with railings (not a pull-down ladder), adequate lighting, and possibly a separate entrance. If you're creating a living space, you'll also need emergency egress (usually a window that meets specific size requirements). These aren't suggestions; they're requirements for safety and code compliance.
Insulation and Climate Control Garage spaces are rarely insulated or heated/cooled properly. To make the space comfortable year-round, you'll need to add insulation, extend your HVAC system (or install mini-splits), and probably upgrade windows. Boston winters are no joke, so don't skimp on this. No one wants to use a space that's freezing in January and blistering in July.
Plumbing Considerations Adding a bathroom or kitchen means running plumbing lines, which can get complicated depending on your existing setup. This is one of the more expensive aspects of a garage conversion, but it's often what makes the space truly functional.
Structural Assessment Not all garage structures are built to handle the additional load of a fully finished living space. Have a contractor or structural engineer assess the space before you start planning to make sure it's feasible.
Budget Reality Converting an above-garage space isn't cheap. A basic conversion might start around $40,000 to $60,000, but a full suite with kitchen and bathroom can easily run $80,000 to $150,000+ in the Boston area. Get accurate estimates from contractors before committing. That said, if the alternative is moving to a bigger house, a garage conversion often makes financial sense.
Is It Worth It?
The thing about above-garage conversions is that they add real value to your home both in terms of livability and resale. Functional square footage is always valuable, especially in markets like Boston where space comes at a premium.
Even if you're not sure how you'll use it right now, creating a flexible, well-designed space gives you options. Today it might be a home office, but in five years it could be a guest suite or a rental unit. Life changes, and having adaptable space is incredibly valuable.
The key is doing it right. Don't try to create a blank space with the bare minimum. Insulate properly, include a bathroom if at all possible, and make it comfortable and inviting. A well-executed conversion will pay dividends for years, while a half-done space will sit unused.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
If you're wondering what can be done with the extra space above your garage, we'd love to help. At Nubuor Designs, we specialize in converting underutilized spaces into beautiful, functional areas that work for how you live.
From concept to completion, we'll help you figure out the best use for your space, design it thoughtfully, recommend contractors, and create something you'll use and love for years to come.
Contact us to schedule a consultation. Let's talk about what's possible above your garage.
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