Can I convert half my 2-car garage into a workshop and keep one bay in Rothesay NB?

Yes, converting half of a two-car garage into a dedicated workshop while keeping the other bay for vehicle storage is one of the most practical and popular garage modifications in New Brunswick, and Rothesay homeowners do this regularly. This approach gives you a functional workspace without sacrificing your ability to park a vehicle out of the weather — an important consideration given NB's long winters with temperatures regularly dropping to -20 to -30 degrees Celsius.

The most effective way to split a two-car garage is to build a partition wall down the centre, separating the workshop side from the vehicle bay. This wall should be framed with 2x4 lumber, insulated with R-12 to R-20 batt insulation if you plan to heat the workshop side, and finished with drywall on at least the workshop side. If your garage is attached to your home, the partition wall does not need to be fire-rated since both sides remain garage or accessory use — but the existing fire separation between the garage and the house must remain intact and undisturbed.

Whether you need a building permit in Rothesay depends on the scope of the work. Adding a simple partition wall with no electrical changes may not require a permit, but if you are adding electrical circuits, plumbing, or changing the structure in any way, the Town of Rothesay will require permits. Since a proper workshop almost always requires additional electrical — dedicated 20-amp circuits for power tools, improved lighting, and possibly a 240V outlet for a table saw, welder, or dust collector — you should plan on obtaining an electrical permit at minimum. All electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician and inspected.

Planning the layout carefully is essential for making a half-garage workshop functional. A standard two-car garage is typically 24 feet wide, so each half is approximately 12 feet wide. That gives you a workshop space of roughly 12 by 20 to 24 feet (depending on garage depth), which is adequate for a solid home workshop. Place your workbench along the back wall under good lighting, mount a pegboard or slatwall system on the partition wall and side wall for tool storage, and keep the floor area clear for a table saw or other large tool that needs infeed and outfeed space. Overhead storage racks above the workbench can hold materials and seasonal items without consuming floor space.

Insulation and heating deserve careful thought for your Rothesay workshop. If you want to use the workshop year-round, insulate the workshop walls, ceiling, and the partition wall with batt insulation and a vapour barrier on the warm side. A 5,000-watt 240V electric garage heater ($300-$600 for the unit plus $500-$1,000 for installation) can keep a 12x24 insulated workshop comfortable through NB winters. If your home has natural gas, a gas unit heater in the $1,500-$3,000 installed range is more economical to operate over a full heating season. Keep the vehicle bay uninsulated and unheated — this simplifies the project and keeps costs down while giving you a warm workshop space.

Budget for a half-garage workshop conversion in the Rothesay area typically runs $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the level of finishing. A basic conversion with a partition wall, improved lighting, and one or two additional electrical circuits runs $3,000 to $5,000. A fully insulated, heated workshop with multiple dedicated circuits, LED shop lighting, dust collection hookups, and a finished floor coating runs $7,000 to $10,000. The vehicle bay side needs minimal work — just ensure the overhead door, opener, and lighting remain functional.

This is a project where DIY and professional work can be combined effectively. A licensed electrician should handle all wiring, and if you are unsure about framing the partition wall, a carpenter can do it in a day. But painting, installing pegboard and storage systems, building a workbench, and organizing the space are all excellent DIY projects. If you need help finding an electrician or contractor in the Rothesay area, New Brunswick Garages can match you through the New Brunswick Construction Network.