We were featured in a Redfin article! Check it out here: Convert Your Garage Into a Living Space: A Garage Makeover Guide | Redfin
(Parent company of Rent.com and Apartmentguide.com)
We’re proud to share that Above & Beyond Construction and Remodeling was featured in a recent article by Redfin, a leading national real estate platform. The article, titled “Convert Your Garage Into a Living Space: A Garage Makeover Guide”, provides practical, real-world advice from remodeling and construction experts across the country. It’s an honor to be included among respected professionals in a piece that reaches millions of homeowners and readers.
As a remodeling and construction company with over 15 years of experience in the Greater Seattle and Puget Sound area, we were invited to share our insight into one of the most critical parts of a garage conversion: insulation and energy efficiency. Converting a garage into a living space involves much more than just fresh paint and flooring—it requires proper planning, code-compliant upgrades, and long-term thinking.
Our Contribution to the Redfin Feature
We were asked to weigh in on how to properly insulate a garage, particularly when transforming it into a livable, climate-controlled space. Here’s what our owner, George Varga, shared:
“Garages weren’t built for insulation, so any openings must be thoroughly weatherized,” says George Varga, owner and general contractor at Above & Beyond Construction, a high-quality remodeling and construction company based in Port Orchard, WA. “Install insulated exterior doors, use high-quality weatherstripping, and caulk around window and door frames. If retaining any original garage windows, consider replacing them with double-glazed, low-E units for better efficiency. This reduces energy loss and helps maintain indoor climate control.”
This quote was included alongside guidance from professionals across the U.S., covering everything from design to pest prevention to planning permits. Our input focused on what we do best: making homes more efficient, more livable, and built to last.
Why Garage Conversions Are So Popular Right Now
The Redfin article points to a growing trend among homeowners, especially in markets like Seattle, who are looking to maximize the value of every square foot. Whether it’s creating a private home office, building an in-law suite, or designing a short-term rental unit, garage conversions are one of the most effective ways to add flexible living space without changing the footprint of the home.
But as we emphasized in our contribution, it’s critical to approach a garage conversion as a full-scale renovation—not just a cosmetic upgrade. That means addressing things like:
- Floor insulation and leveling
- Electrical and HVAC integration
- Moisture protection
- Upgrading windows and doors
- Meeting local code and permit requirements
These aren’t DIY-friendly tasks. That’s why hiring a licensed, experienced contractor who understands the structural, mechanical, and energy efficiency demands of your local climate is essential.
Garage Conversion Projects in the Puget Sound Region
Over the years, we’ve helped homeowners in Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Bellevue, Bremerton, and across Puget Sound transform their underused garages into beautiful, functional spaces. We’ve built everything from quiet guest rooms and compact studios to full-scale ADUs with kitchenettes and bathrooms.
Each project starts with a deep understanding of the structure, the client’s goals, and the site-specific challenges of the Pacific Northwest climate. From moisture-heavy soils to cold winters and marine air exposure, our region demands careful planning, especially when working with older garages that weren’t designed to support living conditions.
Want to Convert Your Garage? We Can Help.
If you’re thinking about turning your garage into a living space, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re still exploring ideas or ready to get started, we offer professional advice, full planning support, and a team of specialists who can bring your vision to life.
And yes—we’re BBB A+ accredited, Yelp Verified, and trusted throughout the Puget Sound region for our high-quality work and clear communication.
Check Out the Full Redfin Article
Want to read the full article? You can see all the great tips (including ours!) here:
👉 Convert Your Garage Into a Living Space: A Garage Makeover Guide | Redfin
