What Is a FROG Room in Real Estate?
FROG is an acronym that stands for finished room over garage in real estate terms. It's not a room used to house amphibians; it's an additional space above the area used to store vehicles and other miscellaneous items that can serve multiple functions, such as a home gym or office.
FROG rooms are attractive to homebuyers because they are a secluded space away from the main home that offers privacy and versatility. So, it helps to include mention of a FROG room in the listing if you sell your home – especially if you don't have a finished basement.
How Much Does It Cost to Add a Room Above the Garage?
Costs can vary widely based on the room’s size, the extent of structural changes needed, and the quality of finishes. A basic conversion might cost $10,000 to $25,000, while a more extensive renovation could exceed $50,000. The exact cost will depend on how large the room is and how extensive a renovation you're doing.
Most garages are around 400 sq feet, but it may be larger if you have a three-car garage. If there is already a structure there and you want to add some installation and proper flooring to make it useable, then it may only cost a few thousand dollars.
But if you're going to turn it into a full guest suite complete with electricity, plumbing, and internet, it will likely cost you tens of thousands, if not more. The latter will add more resale value to your home, but both will attract more buyers.
So, if you plan to add a FROG room, budget for at least $10,000 if you're creating an entirely new space from scratch. But it may be more or less depending on how much work you want to be done.
What Can I Do with a Room Above My Garage?
Extra Bedroom
There are a variety of different uses for a FROG room. For example, if you have enough space for a bathroom, you could turn it into a guest suite for visiting family, kids home from college, or aging parents.
Airbnb Unit
You can also rent out a FROG room on Airbnb and make some extra money when you don't have family visiting. That can let you earn some passive income without letting strangers come into the main house.
Home Office
Even if you don't have the money or space to turn it into a full guest suite, you could use it as a home office or homework area for your kids.
Media Room
You can use a FROG room as a media room, game room, or home theater. Equip it with comfortable seating, a large screen, and soundproofing for the best experience.
Fitness Studio
You could turn it into a yoga studio or fitness center, complete with a treadmill and free weights. Or you could use it as a hobby room where you paint or collect model trains.
Extra Storage
Even if you don't utilize it regularly, you can always use it for additional storage without cluttering the garage. There are so many different ways you can utilize a FROG room, which is why they add resale value to your home.
FROG Room Bottom Line
A FROG room can have many uses and is a highly desirable feature for homebuyers. It is best thought of as a bonus room which you can use for numerous purposes. As FROG rooms are popular, they can increase the value of a house. Proper planning, structural considerations, and quality finishes can transform this often-overlooked space into a valuable addition to your home. Whether used for personal enjoyment or to boost property value, a well-designed FROG room over the garage can significantly enhance your home's functionality and appeal.