Tempe, AZ · Member since 2016 · 76 posts · 18 votes
I am looking to start the process of buying my next primary residence in the Phoenix market, with the goal to be somewhere in the east valley (Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Ahwatukee, South Phoenix). Part of what I would like to do with this home is either turn a 3 bed to a 4 bed or a 2 bed to a 3 bed. I was curious if anyone has any experience with this in Arizona, or knew anyone who they have used before and would recommend working with?
Real Estate Agent · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2012 · 640 posts · 457 votes
5y
@Matt Dickens the easiest option is converting existing sqft under roof to a bedroom. This would usually be a den or office that simply lacks a closet or doorway. The next more expensive option would be converting covered parking to livable sqft (carport or garage). This involves more work such as exterior walls, weather proofing, insulating, adding electrical, and heating/cooling. Now you've given up any covered parking, so make sure the cost/benefit of the bedroom outweighs covered parking. Most cities would want you to pull a permit to do this conversion, but I'm sure many people have gotten away without one. The third and most expensive option is adding on an addition, but this has the benefit of increasing the size of the house while maintaining covered parking.
Keep in mind with option A that you need to be aware of the existing square footage. If you have an 1,100 sqft 2/1 and you convert it to a 3/1, then it's going to be a very small 3/1 relative to other properties.
Investor · DFW/LAX/PHX · Member since 2017 · 49 posts · 28 votes
5y
@Matt Dickens
Sounds interesting Matt. Especially for people want a home office or gym. Three bedroom seems like a sweet spot to me. If need more room an ADU in the backyard would be a bonus! Still looking for my 1st deal, so wait for advise from the pros. Happy hunting!
Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2018 · 420 posts · 388 votes
5y
@Matt Dickens I know a local contractor who specializes in these kinds of adds. Frankly, the hurdle you’re going to run into during Covid is the inspector and their availability so beat that in mind when calculating your turn time and holding costs. You’ll find plenty of places in Phoenix where people are making a habit out of turning a carport into a 3rd or fourth bedroom.
Real Estate Agent · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2012 · 640 posts · 457 votes
5y
@Matt Dickens the easiest option is converting existing sqft under roof to a bedroom. This would usually be a den or office that simply lacks a closet or doorway. The next more expensive option would be converting covered parking to livable sqft (carport or garage). This involves more work such as exterior walls, weather proofing, insulating, adding electrical, and heating/cooling. Now you've given up any covered parking, so make sure the cost/benefit of the bedroom outweighs covered parking. Most cities would want you to pull a permit to do this conversion, but I'm sure many people have gotten away without one. The third and most expensive option is adding on an addition, but this has the benefit of increasing the size of the house while maintaining covered parking.
Keep in mind with option A that you need to be aware of the existing square footage. If you have an 1,100 sqft 2/1 and you convert it to a 3/1, then it's going to be a very small 3/1 relative to other properties.
Tempe, AZ · Member since 2016 · 76 posts · 18 votes
5y
@Ryan Swan
Thanks for the three types, those all make sense. What I have been looking for this far are the “hidden” bedrooms like the den conversion you mentioned, ideally in homes that are big for the number of bedrooms they have.