Cleveland News

A garage has some important parts of the infrastructure already there, so it appeals to people looking to add more living space or workspace to their house. While the cost of renovating a garage can be significantly less than new construction, there are several things to consider before moving the car.

A conversion includes the basic steps of insulating walls, adding temperature controls and windows, and replacing or redesigning the garage door. Of course, the renovation requirements will depend on the purpose of the renovated space. Here are three ways to convert your garage.

Convert into an apartment

While this conversion can help you create a revenue stream, keep in mind that it’s also a costly conversion. You will be converting the structure into a typical studio apartment having lighting, cooking and bath facilities, along with a separate entrance for your tenant if the garage is attached to the house.

There are many things to consider with this conversion. Will you convert the garage door into the entrance or create a separate entrance? Will you stain the garage floor or tile it or do something else? Gas or electric for the stove? You may also need to rework the electrical system to accommodate cooking and or washing appliances.

Similarly, the plumbing and electrical may need work as well. And, of course, you’ll have to factor in the basics – heating, cooling, insulation, etc. Converting a garage into an apartment will set you back 15k to 30k for a full scale conversion, according to HomeAdvisor.com.

Convert into a workspace

A garage can be a good option for a study space, as it’s separate from the main living areas but still within close proximity. Also, depending on the garage size, it can accommodate multiple workers, visitors and customers. Besides the basics, you’ll be spending on office equipment: workstations, storage units, computers, etc.

Do consider natural lighting for the office because research has shown that it increases productivity. Here are some tips on garage-to-office renovations by Decoist. The estimated cost of this conversion is in the $5,000 range.

Convert into a kitchen

This renovation will involve figuring out the placement of the sink, stove, refrigerator, cabinets, and the door or doorway connecting the kitchen to the house. The appliances will need suitable power outlets, and depending on your situation, you may also have to add electrical wiring, plumbing, and drainage. Here are some current kitchen design trends by HouseMethod.com to inspire you. The cost of this conversion can be more than $6,000.

Things to consider before converting

Conversion permit requirements

Your state, city or municipality may have specific building code requirements that you need to meet. And, these requirements can be very detailed. Your contractor should be able to help you with the permit application.

Effect on the vehicle

Having the car out of the garage will expose it to the elements, and it can decrease the life of the car. So, you’ll have to balance the gain from the conversion with the effect on your vehicle. Also, in some areas parking the car outside isn’t risky, while in others it can result in a break in.

Overall, the concept of converting your garage into additional living space is intriguing. It could provide a source of extra income, accommodate a growing family, or lend a quiet space to retreat to without leaving the house.

When you design any room in your house, you want it to be both stylish and functional. This is especially true for your bedroom, which is where you engage in one of the most important activities for your health and wellbeing – sleep.

Whether or not you have trouble sleeping, making your bedroom a peaceful and serene environment can have a big impact on the quality of sleep you get. We asked the experts at Mattress Advisor for some tips on how to make your bedroom a sleep oasis.

• Choose the right wall color

Painting the walls in your bedroom in a calming hue like soft pastels or relaxing blues can actually trigger your brain to feel relaxed, which is important when you’re getting ready for sleep.

• Remove any clutter

It’s not uncommon for dirty laundry and other miscellaneous items to pile up in your bedroom. While you might think no one will see it, having a cluttered bedroom can actually evoke feelings of anxiety and uneasiness, making it difficult to fall asleep at night. Make sure to keep your bedroom tidy and neat.

• Choose the right mattress

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise, but your mattress can be the difference between poor sleep and deep slumber. Make sure your mattress is still in good condition and offers the right level of support for your body. If you’re consistently waking up feeling groggy or pain, it might be time for a new mattress.

• Install the right lighting

Make sure the lighting in your bedroom isn’t too bright. Bright lights can make it harder to fall asleep, while dimly lit, warm lights can help signal your brain that it’s time to wind down.  

• Set your room at the right temperature

For many people, temperatures between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for sleep. It’s best to keep your bedroom temperature cool but not too cold.

In general, you want to make sure your bedroom is a place that you enjoy being in. Don’t think of it as an afterthought, because sleep is one of the most critical activities and you want to get the best quality possibly.

It’s no secret that not all CBD products are the same, which is why it’s important to do your research, especially when reading third-party lab results on CBD products. Lab testing is essential when evaluating products that stem from an unregulated industry. Here’s what you need to know to begin your research.

The Importance of Lab Testing

In order to truly know what type of ingredients are compiled into a CBD product, you need to read third-party lab reports.

These reports outline the following:

• The overall purity of the product
• Harmful toxins that may be present
• Profiles of cannabinoid and terpene

Since the industry is not regulated, the only way to thoroughly investigate the authenticity of the CBD products you buy is to determine whether or not the company has invested in third-party lab reports. A reputable company will provide the results of the report upon request or even post it on the firm’s website to ensure complete transparency.

What Does Third Party Mean?

Anytime a company or a product is evaluated by a third party, this means that an objective and qualified expert is offering unbiased information related to the product. The individual or individuals involved in the testing are not endorsing nor negating the product. They are merely providing details and facts about the product and its contents.

Third party companies are independent organizations who not only review how a product has been created but also responsible for determining if CBD products meet standards based on performance, quality and safety. The process of compiling the report involves testing, formulations, facility inspections and material reviews. It’s a thorough process that is time consuming and often times, expensive. However, most reputable companies invest in this type of testing to showcase the authenticity of their products and ingredients.

What to Look For When Reading a Third-Party Report

A third-party lab report can be confusing to read if you don’t know what to look for in the content provided by the company. Let’s break it down.

Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Testing

When reviewing a third-party report for CBD products, it’s important to evaluate which cannabinoids – the chemical compound found in cannabis – were found during testing and the level of cannabinoids. In most cases, this part of the report separates cannabinoids by CBD, THC, CBG, CBC and CBN.

Pesticides, Heavy Metals and Solvents

Third-party reports on CBD products detail whether or not pesticides, mycotoxin, heavy metal or other toxins were present. In addition, the report identifies the presence of pentane, butane, propane and dangerous solvents. Typically, these toxins produce negative side effects and the reports denote presence based on acceptable limits within the product, noting a pass or fail rating.

Microbes

Millions of microbial organisms consume the world, but let’s face it – you don’t want CBD products with living organisms. As a general rule of thumb, if a third-party CBD product lab report finds the presences of microbes, it’s best to avoid the product line.

The bottom line is that the more informed you are about the type of CBD products you are using, the better the results. Take the time to evaluate and analyze third-party reports to make an informed decision about the CBD products you buy.