While Garages (Garagen) and carports are normally made for vehicle storage, they can also have a number of other uses. Some popular uses for garage structures include storage rooms, office spaces, recreation rooms, and spare bedrooms. Most people who use their garage in an alternative way choose to go through a garage conversion process, in order to make their garage as comfortable and homely as possible. There are a number of separate steps to fulfill along the way towards a quality garage conversion; including doors, insulation, flooring, furniture, heating, wiring, plumbing, and lighting. While many of these tasks can be carried out by the garage owner, some of them will require the services of a professional.

No two garage conversions are the same, and it is necessary to list which jobs you want to do so you can prioritise the most important ones. For example, if a garage is already attached to the house, no additional entry needs to be taken care of, while a stand-alone garage may require the installation of a separate door structure. Many people choose to remove their garage door during a conversion, while others choose to leave it there and create a fake wall behind it. The installation of separate patio doors and large windows is also a great way to blend a garage into the rest of the home.

Once the entry is taken care of, other tasks that need to be achieved include the flooring, the electrics, and the plumbing. Most garages sit on an uninsulated concrete slab, and need to be covered by a warmer and more comfortable material like carpet or wood. Some garages already have sufficient plumbing and electrics, so any transformation will depend on the initial setup and the final use of the building. For example, if you are setting up an office space in your garage, additional lighting and heating will probably be required.

It is important to note that some aspects of electrical wiring may be much easier to perform prior to any extensive flooring or insulation work. If the garage is detached, it also may be possible to run wiring through an underground conduit. The final step in any garage or carport transformation is to make it blend into the rest of the house or building, by using clever landscaping, matching paint work, and similar windows, doors, and lighting.