Basic Garage Conversion into Beautiful Studio Apartment
Once the space was ready, Harmon Builders stepped in to help give the apartment purpose. After asbestos specialists removed the original ceiling and installed new drywall, we framed a brand-new front wall with a secure footer where the garage door once stood. Two new vinyl windows facing west now open the space to the outside and transform the former garage into a light-filled living room.
From there, we installed high-efficiency insulation, full electric and plumbing rough-ins for the kitchenette and bathroom, and laid out recessed lighting and receptacles to support everyday living. The new high-efficiency mini-split system keeps the studio comfortable through all four Mid-Atlantic seasons.
The bathroom may be small, but it packs a punch—with a custom-tiled shower, a compact toilet, Paul Harmon’s custom hand-built vanity, and a granite top. (See another beautiful bathroom by HB.) The kitchenette, designed and crafted by Harmon Builders, uses every inch wisely, combining function, charm, and durability into a single, efficient footprint.
The owners’ design choices bring the space together beautifully—from the bold brick-red paint to the luxury vinyl plank flooring with acoustic and weatherproof insulation, to the granite countertops that tie in with the tile accents.
Today, this studio stands as a warm, inviting extension of the home—created with intention, care, and collaboration. It’s ready for family and guests as a peaceful place to land.
What the customer said:
We engaged Harmon Builders on a rather challenging project. We needed to convert a small one-car garage measuring only 12 x 24 feet into an independent suite that included a bedroom, full bath, closet, living area, and kitchenette.
Harmon Builders was able to take on this challenge and worked with us to produce and build out a design that maximized the use of this small space.
While I am a fairly capable DIY person, many aspects of this were beyond my comfort level. Harmon Builders was able to provide a proposal which handled the structural build, plumbing, electric, drywall, flooring, and custom cabinetry and allowed me to handle demolition, finishing, trim, paint, fixtures, and building a new entrance deck.
The results were fantastic and better than I had hoped for going into this project, resulting in a very comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing independent living space.
I whole heartedly recommend Harmon Builders for home remodeling and addition work. The results speak for themselves. – Jason Nathaniel
We at Harmon Builders, believe in:
- using local mills with indigenous woods (Oak, Maple, Hickory, Cherry, Walnut)
- using recycled materials whenever possible
- supporting local schools and community
- educating clients in ‘green’ resources available
- supplying local materials cultivated in our area and around the Mid-Atlantic.