Garage conversion to an art studio in Bozeman, Montana

In the first video of this multi part series Remodeling Contractor Peter Q Brown will examine the planning process and issues involved in a garage conversion to an art studio in Bozeman, Montana. The initial investigation into the condition of the building indicated that it might have been better to remove the whole building and start over, but the fact is that it’s a non conforming building with respect to setbacks.

As long as they work within the existing shell the renovation project is grandfathered in. So they will work with what they have. As a Bozeman remodeling contractor, Peter will use this video series to share his expertise in putting this building back into a usable and safe structural condition.

PART ONE Assessing the existing conditions

This first video assesses the existing conditions. They will work from the owners initial sketches and integrate their general vision of the garage conversion with the contractor’s experience as a designer. The objective will be to convert this garage into a cozy, well insulated, energy-efficient art studio.

The alteration of this building into a functional living space will involve adding new doors, sidelights, south-facing windows, and a skylight. This additional natural light will contribute to reducing the amount of energy used in this garage conversion .

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PART TWO Straighten and plumb the building

The focus of the second video in the series will be renovation techniques for re-leveling and straightening both the floor and the roof, and re-plumbing the walls. Extensive corrective interior framing will be used to help straighten and plumb the existing crooked walls.

A major component of this garage conversion will be the removal of the existing out of level, cracked, and un-insulated concrete floor. They will replace it with a level, insulated concrete slab. They will also explore the possibility of using a stained or stamped finished surface.

This program will also examine the reconstruction and repair of the roof, and the addition of an architecturally attractive entry dormer. The builder will expand the interior space by replacing the existing ceiling joists with raised collar ties. This new coffered ceiling effect will greatly expand the interior studio space.

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PART THREE Corrective framing and a new slab

The third video in the series will feature the actual set up and pouring of the new insulated concrete slab. The video will show the roofing and sky light installation, and the final corrective framing methods to achieve a plumb, level, and square interior in preparation for sheet rock installation.