Garage Conversion Insulation and Drywall Cost across San Diego County
Insulation and drywall for a typical two-car garage conversion runs $6,000-$18,000 in San Diego County, with the spread driven by insulation type and whether fire-rated drywall is required at the shared wall with the main house.
What moves the price
- Batt vs. spray foam vs. rigid board insulation
- Fire-rated drywall requirement at the wall shared with the main house
- Ceiling insulation if the garage has an unconditioned attic above
- Square footage and ceiling height of the space
What's included
- Wall and ceiling insulation sized to California energy code
- Fire-rated drywall where required at the shared wall
- Standard drywall for interior partition walls
- Taping, mudding, and texture to match the main home
- Vapor barrier where the slab or climate requires it
Common questions
Why does the shared wall need fire-rated drywall?
Building code requires a fire-rated assembly between a garage-turned-living-space and the attached main home in most jurisdictions, since the original garage wall was not built to residential fire-separation standards. This is one of the most commonly missed items in unpermitted conversions.
Is spray foam worth the extra cost over batt insulation?
Spray foam offers a better air seal and higher R-value per inch, which matters most in inland and East County heat, but it costs roughly double batt insulation installed. For coastal areas with milder swings, batt insulation is often sufficient.
Does the garage ceiling need insulation too?
Yes if there is unconditioned attic space above the garage, which is most cases. Skipping ceiling insulation is a common reason a converted space feels too hot in summer even after the walls are done right.
Need a written insulation cost for your project?
Insured local crews across San Diego County put the scope in writing.