Garage Rafters to Bonus Rooms

It’s all about space. Many homeowners simply don’t have enough of it. When you are building new, you can plan to take advantage of every available inch in your home. When you buy existing, sometimes you need to create space of your own.

That’s exactly what has been happening in many Milwaukee area neighborhoods. Frustrated with lack of space, homeowners have turned to remodeling to convert the unused rafters above the garage into a livable space. While the practice of finishing the space above the garage into a bonus room has been common in new home construction practices for some time, area remodelors are seeing an influx of bonus room projects as well.

Kelly Behnke, a design consultant with S.J. Janis Company, Inc., says a roof pitch of 12/12 or higher works best for bonus room conversion. “We look for a decent ridge height. If you don’t have a steeper pitch, then we have to look at reframing the entire roof or adding dormers to accomplish decent wall height to make the space usable.” Behnke said. “Bonus rooms have increased in popularity because it is a space that could be converted at less of a cost than adding a first floor addition.”

Theoretically, bonus room additions are more affordable because there is no foundation work involved. Another advantage is that since they don’t increase the footprint of the home, they provide an option in areas where variances would need to be granted for first floor expansion. However, as with any remodeling project, the desires of the homeowners drive the cost. A top of the line bonus room addition can be more expensive than your most basic first floor addition.

Because the area above most garages is quite substantial, the options for homeowners are extensive. A bonus room may become a study/play area for children, a guest retreat with added storage for the family, a music room, office, library, or entertainment space. The key is to blend the bonus room with the rest of the home. When the bonus room is built on top of a three or four car garage, remodelors often incorporate features such as dog house dormers that can scale back the size of the space. Master bedroom suites are often requested because they break up the space to serve a variety of needs.

When the existing roof line can be incorporated into the bonus room, remodelors do their best to dress up the ceiling treatments. Tongue and groove cedar, exposed beams, and dormers that create visual interest are some of the more popular options. Collar ties can be also be exposed, giving the ceiling a rafter inspired look.

Whether you are building new or looking to add a bonus room through remodeling, take time to investigate all of your options. A well planned bonus room can give you all the extra space you have been looking for. If you are not specifically designating the space as a master bedroom suite or additional bedrooms, don’t limit its use to what you need today. Look down the road and plan properly so your bonus room can fulfill other functions as your family changes.

Call out for article:

“Roof pitch alone is not the only issue; clearance above items below is as big or bigger. You need to make sure there is allowable space for floor structure. The garage configuration (width, depth, height) drives the cost of the project.”

Ron Klassen, Wallner Builders

This article* has been provided by the Metropolitan Builders Association, a non-profit and non-partisan association which represents the building industry in the metropolitan Milwaukee area, as part of National Remodeling month in May. The MBA develops and offers education for consumers as well as members. By establishing business ethics and industry standards, the MBA has earned a reputation as a trusted resource. Consumers enjoy our promotions for housing and housing products, while members take part in our professional and social activities throughout the year.

* Originally appeared in the July 2005 issue of Abode, our bimonthly consumer publication.