Garage Conversions
Garage conversions are how a lot of homeowners get a guest suite, home office, or gym without adding a single foot to their property line.
Why Homeowners Bring Their Garage Conversion To Remodeling Journey
Remodeling Journey is a family-run dwelling contractor handling garage conversions across Central Wisconsin. The build side, the design side, and the production crew are all run by people who live in the region and know exactly what it takes to turn a cold, uninsulated garage into a room that holds temperature, passes inspection, and actually feels like part of the house.
A garage conversion looks straightforward on the surface, but it involves more structural, mechanical, and code work than most homeowners realize. We bring in licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC trades when the scope calls for them, plan the sequence so nothing gets done twice, and keep one person attached to your project through every phase.
Before any walls go up, you’ll see the converted space in 3D renderings, walk through it in VR, and approve a written contract with the scope locked in. By the time we start the demo, you already know what the finished room is going to feel like.
Licensed Dwelling Contractor
Professional 3D Designs
5-Year Workmanship Warranty
Constant Check-Ins & Updates
Justin – Owner of Remodeling Journey
Hi, I’m Justin, owner of Remodeling Journey. We are a remodeling company dedicated to upgrading your home while being respectful of your space and your family time.
From our stress-free design process with 3D designs, provided project schedules, to our transparent communication and our 5-year workmanship warranty, we turn a dreaded home renovation into a pleasant remodeling journey with an upscale experience.
- 3D Renderings And VR Walkthroughs
- 5-Year Workmanship Warranty
- Trusted By 50+ Families
- Licensed Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor
- Permits And Code Handled In-House
- Clean, Organized Jobsite Daily
What People Convert Their Garage Into
| Conversion | Typical Size | What It Solves |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Suite Or In-Law Apartment | Larger garages, often with bath and kitchenette | Multi-generational living, long-term guests, rental potential |
| Home Office Or Studio | Single-bay or partial conversion | Quiet, separated workspace away from the main living areas |
| Home Gym | Single or double bay | Dedicated workout space without giving up a bedroom |
| Family Room Or Game Room | Full conversion | Extra hangout space when the living room runs out of room |
| Primary Suite Expansion | Attached garage adjacent to bedroom | Larger bedroom, walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom |
| Mudroom And Laundry | Smaller partial conversion | Drop zone for boots, coats, gear, and laundry off the main entry |
If you’re not sure which direction makes sense for your house, that’s a fine place to start the conversation.
What Has To Happen Behind The Drywall
- Floor: Insulating and leveling the slab, often raising it to match the rest of the house
- Walls: Adding insulation to code, vapor barriers, and proper drywall over what's usually bare studs
- Ceiling: Insulating overhead, finishing it cleanly, and tying it into the existing house
- Windows: Cutting in real windows where the garage door used to be, with proper headers and flashing
- Door Opening: Framing and finishing the former garage opening so the exterior matches the rest of the house
- HVAC: Extending your existing system or adding a dedicated zone so the room actually holds temperature
- Electrical: Pulling new circuits, outlets at residential spacing, and proper lighting
- Plumbing: If the conversion includes a bathroom or kitchenette, running supply, drain, and vent lines
- Permits and Code: Pulling building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits as the scope requires
See Our Work
3D Garage Rendering
5-year workmanship warranty
Trusted by 40+ families
What People Say About Us
Patti Shirer
Justin (Rust and Sawdust) has completed many handyman type jobs for us. He is extremely easy to work with, arrives exactly when he says he will, and does an excellent job start to finish.
We trust him completely and will certainly use his services to complete both large and small projects in the future.
We give Rust and Sawdust our highest recommendation.
T Bake
I ran into Adria Pagel at the clinic today and then this post came up on my Facebook regarding their business when I got home because a friend “liked” their page.
So, I just want to let friends know that if you have remodeling needs in this area, I can guarantee that you will love their company!
Adria & Justin were next door neighbors of mine for years and I can guarantee you will be treated great and you will be happy and amazed at the beautiful work they do! If you’re thinking of remodeling, give them a call and get a quote!
Things To Think Through Before You Convert
A garage conversion is one of those projects where a few decisions made early end up shaping how happy you are with the finished room. Walking through these now saves headaches later.
The biggest question is what you give up when the garage stops being a garage. If you’ve been parking inside through winter, you’ll be brushing snow off the car every morning unless you build a new garage or a carport elsewhere on the property. Storage is the other one. Garages tend to absorb tools, sports gear, holiday decorations, and yard equipment, and that all needs a new home.
Resale matters too. In some neighborhoods, every comparable house has a two-car garage, and converting yours can affect your home’s value at sale time. In other neighborhoods, an extra finished room is a clear win. We can talk through what makes sense for your specific market during the consultation.
The last consideration is exterior appearance. Done well, a converted garage blends in completely, and most people walking by won’t be able to tell. Done poorly, you end up with a wall of mismatched siding and a window that looks added on. We design the exterior so it reads as part of the house from day one.
Our Garage Conversion Process
1
Plan
2
Build
3
Settle
FAQs About Garage Conversions
The Cheapest Way To Add A Room To Your House
A finished garage gives you a room you’ll actually use every day, and once it’s done, you’ll wonder why you held onto an unfinished concrete box for so long.
Give us a call at (715) 551-7328 or visit our contact page here to set up a free consultation. You can also read more about our other home remodeling options and circle back when you’re ready.
Amy Swiander
We want to say that working with Justin and his team at Remodeling Journey was a great experience. All the subcontractors were professional and hard working. From our initial consultation to our final walkthrough, they maintained clear and open communication.
All concerns, no matter the size, were addressed immediately and resolved without any worries. We felt very heard and Justin always worked with us to make sure we would love the final outcome.
We appreciate the 5 year guarantee on our bathroom remodel, proving Justin and his team want us to be happy with the final results.
They truly go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results, and we wouldn’t hesitate to hire them again for future projects.
Mariah Seiser
We are extremely happy with Justin and his team with Remodeling Journey. We completed a bathroom remodel project with him previously, and when we wanted to add on to the house, we knew who to ask.
He and his team again demonstrated their professionalism and attention to detail. Together, they helped us plan the best use of our space in a way that works well for our family. Justin’s team was always readily available and responsive. We always knew what the plan was.
They worked around our family with small children to ensure that the construction went smoothly with as little disruption to our daily lives as was possible.
We are very satisfied with the work and finishes. Everything is as planned, and finished on time and to budget. Justin and the remodeling journey team will always be the first people we reach out to should we need any other construction or remodeling in the future.