It is important that your contractor has experience with design. When you hire a contractor to convert your garage into a more livable space, you are not necessarily hiring them to do massive construction work. You are hiring them more for their design sensibilities and experience working within existing spaces. Due to this, a background in design is essential for any contractor you hire to help convert your garage.

Make sure your contractor has references. For garage conversions, you don't really need to find a contractor with a large history of successful conversions. A strong background in general carpentry and general contracting is perfectly fine. It is much more important to find a contractor that has a track record that exemplifies courteousness and professionalism.

Always ask to see images of other garage conversions that the contractor has done. You want to get an idea of the contractor's sensibilities and figure out if the contractor would be a good fit for you.

Ask for an estimate before any work is done. Once your contractor knows your basic plans and vision, he or she should be able to give you a reasonable estimate.