Skip to content
Two investors reviewing resources on a laptop

Get industry-leading resources — for free

Unlock resources for every investing strategy and stage with a free account.

By continuing, you agree to BiggerPockets LLC's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
Rehabbing & House Flipping
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

User Stats

16
Posts
9
Votes
Shay Yao
9
Votes |
16
Posts

Cost estimate questions (new invester)

Shay Yao
Posted

Hello, everyone!

I have a few cost estimate questions. I know it's hard to accurately estimate w/out seeing the house. I'm just curious about, in the ballpark, how much these will cost with basic stuff. 

1. In Atlanta area, how much does it cost to convert a two-car garage into a living space, assuming the garage is not heated/aired? Assuming what need to be done includes floor, wall, ceiling, insulation, and painting (did I miss anything?). I know the distance between the garage and furnace also plays a role - how much difference in cost are we looking at?

2. How much does it cost to add a kitchenette, assuming there is a wastewater pipe nearby? Nothing fancy, just basic materials and appliances. 

3. How much does it cost to add a bathroom to the house? Again, nothing fancy. And assuming there is a wastewater pipe nearby.

Thanks a ton in advance!

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

239
Posts
120
Votes
Lateefah Mathews
  • Realtor
  • Atlanta, GA
120
Votes |
239
Posts
Lateefah Mathews
  • Realtor
  • Atlanta, GA
Replied

@Shay Yao Hey! Yes it's hard to price this out without knowing the property details and what grade materials you’re using etc.  Cherry-picking rehab costs won’t give you the full picture since everything ties into existing systems, permits, and infrastructure.

For a garage conversion, you’re adding sqft  which means extra costs for HVAC, insulation, electrical, and possibly new windows or structural changes. For a bathroom or kitchenette, the biggest factor is plumbing...if a water line is close, your in the money,  if not, costs jump.

Best approach for now? Use $70–$90 per sq. ft. for your napkin math. That’ll give you a rough idea until you get contractor bids. Once you have a property in mind, getting a few estimates will be the best move. But I get it, you need to know if it's a go or pass..! 

Loading replies...