Requirements to convert a garage to a bedroom

[Milind Shastri]

Hello all,

I've got a fixer-upper under contract in a C-class neighborhood of Dallas (for those who are familiar, it's the Cedar Crest neighborhood). It has a garage that is already converted to a bedroom but it's not listed on the MLS as an added bedroom. The room already has a large window, HVAC vent and flooring.

Does anyone know what it takes to have a converted garage to be listed as a bedroom? This will hopefully get a better ARV.

Thanks!

House details:

1200 sqft, 2Bed, 1Bath, 1Garage(converted), purchase $60k, 2B1B ARV $85.

[Mike McCarthy]

Yup... a permit usually triggers a review from the city appraiser's office who will re-appraise the property.  This will likely increase your taxes, but will also update the city records.

The gotcha is whether the conversion was done under a permit.  Sometimes garage conversions require zoning approval, and depending on the city requirements, they may force you to have it inspected to ensure it's been done up to code.

I would call the city and ask how to handle it - anonymously at first, to see what your options are.  Every city is different...  good luck!