Finish vs convert
Simply finishing a garage (insulation, drywall, paint, better flooring) keeps it a garage and is inexpensive. Converting it to a living room, bedroom, or apartment requires HVAC, proper flooring, windows or egress, and often permits, which costs far more.
What it includes
A finished garage commonly adds:
- Insulation and drywall
- Flooring (epoxy, tile, or laminate)
- Heating and cooling for living use
- Lighting and added outlets