Converting a Garage to a House in NY?

There's this lot for sale near me. 6 1/2 acres, nothing on it but a new-ish 24x30 garage with electricity. Got me thinking, why not just live in the garage? I'm in NY.

Is it unfeasible to retrofit this garage with good enough insulation for the brutal winters? What could be done about insulating the foundation?

What else would I need to consider? Putting aside installing water, waste handling, etc., what else would I need to do to make this comfortable to live in?

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/821-Kendall-Rd-Churchville-NY-14428/299273870_zpid/

Given your location, my #1 concern would be zoning and building codes.   Given those clear, I would go for it.

If, you are seriously thinking of a homestead, consider the alternative of keeping a valuable outbuilding and installing a basic shell home.

John F Dean wrote:Given your location, my #1 concern would be zoning and building codes.   Given those clear, I would go for it.

If, you are seriously thinking of a homestead, consider the alternative of keeping a valuable outbuilding and installing a basic shell home.

Thanks for the reply, John. Would you mind expanding on that second thought about a shell home?

Hi Stef,

The devil is always in the details, so check carefully.  IF you have to deal with codes and zoning, there may be significant costs and neighbor issues if you attempt to convert a garage ( the property is next to a golf course). Plumbing is certainly a concern. It looks like there may need to be an electric upgrade.  Those costs may be better spent on a basic new build.  A shell would include whatever you define it as. I am thinking floor, exterior walls, doors, window  and roof.

I am familiar with the Avon area of NY. Snow melting into a garage with a slab is no big deal.  It can become a concern with a house on a slab … especially if the house was originally designed to be a garage.