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Avatar for Alden Painting
Alden Painting
4.7(
41
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Dorset, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 1979

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"John came, gave a very fair estimate and we figured out a good time to start the work. Every day they showed up on time and worked all day, only stoping to take a brief lunch break. Their work ethic was stellar, manners impeccable and their work is excellent. They even did some other small jobs for me while they were there! I even have them queued up for the next job."
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+48

Recommended by97%of homeowners
Avatar for The Project Pro
The Project Pro
4.9(
7
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Dorset, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

"Steve did an excellent job capturing the functionality of the displays I needed for a craft show. They came out beautiful and built well. He is very versatile, quick & polite. Highly recommend!"
Finished jewelry stands for Saged in Fire
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+9

Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

The cost to convert a carport into a garage averages about $22,000, ranging from about $15,000 and $55,000. Additional cost factors to consider include size, time of year, and how much of the carport you can reuse. Other cost factors include the kinds and amounts of materials used, such as:

  • Add insulation: $1 per square foot

  • Add drywall: $1–$3 per square foot

  • Add window: $450–$2,000 per window

  • Add outlets: $75–$500

  • Add garage door: $250–$11,200

  • Enclose framing: $5–$13 per square foot

  • Replace roofing: $1,000–$2,000

There are a few easy ways to locate a wall stud without a stud finder. First, try knocking on the wall with your knuckles. Most parts of the wall will sound hollow, but when you tap over a stud, it will sound more solid. Alternatively, since studs are spaced 16 or 24 inches apart, you can measure those distances from a corner of the room, which will always have a stud.

Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them. 

Bump-out additions can add some space to a closet without requiring any significant structural work. This entails pushing back the existing rear or side of the closet, simply moving the wall into either an adjacent room or unused space. For ground-floor closets, this could even be extended to the exterior of the home, but that has its own complications. Bump-outs are a good discussion to have with your contractor if you’re just looking to increase the space a little—not renovate the entire closet space.

It's possible to turn your carport into a living space, but there are additional factors to address over turning it into a garage. HVAC, plumbing, and electricity won't be optional, and you'll need finished flooring, drywall, trim work, and legal ceiling height, for starters. Also, keep in mind that living space conversions may require upgrading the foundation underneath, and the permits might be more expensive as well.

The Dorset, VT homeowners’ guide to contractor services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.