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The first place you start with any garage remodel, regardless of the project, is with repairs. You want a stable foundation to avoid problems from arising down the road. Once any necessary repairs are addressed, you’ll want to move on to layout changes, like installing new walls, running new electric, plumbing, and HVAC to the space, if required, and then finishing work.

Depending on your carport's configuration, foundation or slab condition, and location in relation to the house, turning a carport into a garage has a lot in common with adding an addition to your home. However, you can skip some of the necessities of adding living space to your home, such as fine flooring, trim work, or even drywall or HVAC. It might be possible to DIY the conversion, but it’s complicated and potentially dangerous work, so it’s best left to the professionals.

Adding plumbing to a detached garage or shed can increase the value of your house, especially if the garage is properly insulated, conditioned, and finished so that it can serve as additional living space—as a rental property, for guests, or as an in-law suite. However, it’s unlikely that the cost to add plumbing to a detached garage will increase the property value enough to recoup your investment (and don’t forget: you’ll likely see increased property taxes after the renovation).

Yes, upgrading a garage can increase home value. Simply having a garage on your property, whether it’s attached or detached, makes your home more valuable. A garage remodel can give you around 80% ROI, though it depends on the type of remodel you do. Converting your garage to a living space can provide significantly higher returns.