Converting a carport to a garage - Profitable?

[Andrew Chase]

A lot of the properties I am looking at have carports.  I plan to do a live in renovation, and I personally need a garage.  It's hard to find properties with garages in my price range though.

In cases like the attached pictures(where the carport is integrated into the home's roof) would it make sense to convert the carport into a garage?

This seems like a reasonable DIY project.  I basically need to frame walls, and have a door installed.   

Any thoughts? Could this be a positive ROI?

Thanks all

[Jeremy Horton]

If this was a primary home that you were staying in, then I'd say for for it, because YOU personally want the garage. 

As far as doing the renovation/addition for a rental - I don't believe you'd see what you put into it. Maybe 50%, at best. It's a big project - more than your typical DIY. You have walls, insulation, electrical, garage door, lighting, siding, moisture barriers etc. If you just DIY it, then it won't be permitted - this will likely come to light when you sell. If you DIY and pull permits then you're looking at knowing the regulations, code etc. If you DIY and an inspector happens to drive by or a neighbor reports you, you'll get shut down. If you get a contractor, you're looking at a higher cost. If you do it to your primary, you likely won't have to worry about it (here we can do most work unpermitted on a personal home). 

The pictures that you show are also all single garages - close it in, and I doubt you can fit anything more than a golf cart in there. Might actually turn into a deterrent. I'd rather have a carport I can park my car in, than a garage that I can't get out of my car in. 

Also it looks like most of the market in that price range has carports. 

Long answer: leave it as a carport 

Short answer: leave it as a carport