Do you need garage renovation tips? The advice in this article will guide your next moves. Whether you're just thinking about it or you've already gotten started, it's important to first determine what you hope to accomplish in the area and then evaluate whether or not it's worth your resources to alter it. If that's the case, let's go over some of the potential alterations a remodel could bring about.
Consider The Shape And Location Of Your Garage
Builders and architects agree that careful preparation is essential. The garage's vaulted ceiling mirrors the shape of the roof, creating odd angles that might be difficult to work with when planning for organisation. Make sure you're prepared to leave your car outside in the cold if you reside in a region with low average temperatures.
Focus On The Details
Take into account the building's insulation, heating and cooling systems, and illumination (whether from windows, track lighting, or task lighting). The garage door needs some attention as well. Make a separate entry unless you plan to entirely seal it off, which would need constant lifting and lowering. Consider installing soundproofing and the appropriate electrical outlets if you intend to use the room for podcasting or as a music or recording studio. There are some things for which a small shed, either built or rented, is a need.
Use It To Replace A Room You Currently Pay For
Converting your garage into a gym or home office will help you save money on the kinds of spaces you're probably already paying for elsewhere. Why spend money on a recurring gym membership when you can instead design your own workout area?
Build a yoga or Pilates studio by installing a treadmill, purchasing some free weights, clearing the area, and laying down carpeting or flooring. In addition, you should pick a soothing colour for the walls, instal lighting that you can control, and set up speakers to play your inspiring music.
Consider Making A Playroom
Children enjoy playing with Play-Doh, but you probably don't. Having your favourite miniature people live in the garage is one solution. Incorporating bulletin boards or painting a wall with chalkboard paint might be a useful addition. Put in a brand-new floor and a new, low counter. You might choose to use carpet squares, carpet, rubber mats, plastic tiles, or colourful epoxy paint. Applying a polyurethane coating to the floor makes it look sleek and new. No offspring? A space with this layout would be ideal for wrapping presents or doing creative projects.
Build A Home Theater
The whole household may enjoy a home theatre setup. There's no better way to enjoy the 22nd (or is it the 23rd?) season of "The Bachelor" than in your very own home theatre. Furnish it with soft sofas, a sound system, and a mini fridge for refreshments. This could be the end of the rose ceremony as we know it.
Create The Ultimate Wine-tasting Room
Moyer claims that wine collecting has spread into the suburbs, demanding special storage facilities.
Things To Consider Before Starting A Garage Renovation
Make sure you're doing things right before starting any garage remodelling. When planning a garage renovation, keep in mind the following:
Think Beyond Just Now
It's important to build a garage in a way that facilitates leisure activities. Make sure you dedicate some room to the finer points of your interest, whether it be automobiles, woodworking, kayaks, bicycles, motorbikes, model aeroplanes, or all-terrain vehicles. You should also think about where you'll keep your hobby equipment so you're not always bumping into it.
Start From The Ground Up
Don't jump into a garage remodel without addressing the foundation. How well your garage serves your current and future needs is directly related to the garage floor finish you choose. Surfaces that are pitted, uneven, or cracked can benefit from a resurfacing. Epoxy resin garage floors are the most practical option because they can be used for a variety of applications. It is a great addition to the value of any home because it lasts a long time, is simple to maintain, and is resistant to stains, heat, and many other damaging elements.
How Many Cars?
Your choice of garage makeover plan will be influenced by the number of automobiles you intend to store there. Auto lifts are an excellent way to make the most of your garage's height if you need to store several vehicles. Similarly, there are storage elevators for motorcycles, jet skis, sports equipment, and other large goods that you want to keep off the floor but yet within easy reach.
Power Outlets
They're like tools: a garage can't have too many of them. First, check that the garage is wired onto a separate circuit from the rest of the house to prevent electrical interference. Welding and other large electrical appliances require a 220-volt circuit.
Let There Be Light
For the money, fluorescent bulbs are still the best option. However, the development of LED lighting has made it possible to not only produce a higher-quality ambience in any given space, but also to do so in an extremely energy-efficient manner. Properly positioned lighting fixtures can illuminate an entire garage, but you should pay special attention to any dark nooks or crannies, such as workbenches or storage cabinets.
Are You Turning Your Garage Into A Room, Or Keeping It As A Garage?
To begin, you must settle on a primary purpose for the room. It's an illustration of how prevalent it is for people to forgo having a garage in order to make place for an extra bedroom or living room. They turn their garage into a dressing room. That's one possibility, but perhaps you're thinking that you'd like a more impressive garage, one that can house more than just a car.
How Will You Use The Space?
Even if the intended purpose of your garage is to house a vehicle, there are still some significant design choices to be made. How often do you plan to use the garage? A mower? A lot of people choose to put seasonal decorations and other home surplus in the garage because there isn't enough room for them in the house. Installing a workbench in the garage is a common practise for those who enjoy tinkering with cars or doing house repairs.
What Kind Of Storage Solutions Do You Need?
If you primarily use your garage for storing things, you may want to consider installing new shelves. You should take use of the garage's ceiling space if you need to store a lot of stuff there. Think about whether or not you need new shelves in order to accomplish your garage organisation objectives. Potential purchasers will be more interested in your garage renovation if you include plenty of storage options.
What About The Aesthetics?
If you intend to sell your home in the near future, it is normal to want the garage to seem decent. As part of your renovation, you may decide to paint the walls, put in new flooring, or even replace the garage door.
How Much Will It Cost?
The budget always needs to be considered while doing any kind of house improvement. However, when the time comes to sell your property, you should be able to recuperate your expenditures. No matter what, you should receive some solid estimates of the likely costs and have money on hand to cover them.
What Will You Do While The Remodel Is Happening?
When doing renovations that may take more than a day or two, you will likely need a place to temporarily store all the stuff that would normally be kept in the garage. You might have to leave your car in the driveway, your mower and other outside tools on the back patio, and any fragile goods in storage inside the house. This can be an annoyance; it's not an insurmountable problem, but it's something to consider before you start remodelling.
Most Common Mistakes People Make When Doing A Garage Remodel
If you're planning a garage renovation, avoid these pitfalls.
Doing A Garage Remodel Yourself
Many homeowners decide to do a garage renovation on their own for several reasons, such as:
- Restricted spending capacity
- The difficulty of executing the task at hand
- Feeling competent in their abilities to do the task
- The pride you'll feel after finishing that renovation
Many homeowners face the challenge of working with a limited budget when attempting a garage remodel. However, unless you are handy with tools, you should put off starting the project until you have enough money to hire a professional. Nearly 40% of homeowners who had attempted a DIY project had second thoughts after finishing it, according to a survey performed by a website that acts as a marketplace for real estate and rentals. If you're planning a do-it-yourself garage renovation, be realistic about your abilities. It may end up costing more to do the project yourself and pay a professional to remedy any mistakes than to employ a specialist from the start.
Failing To Have A Strategic Garage Remodel Plan
Getting started on a garage remodel without first developing a thorough strategy is a surefire recipe for frustration. It's crucial to have a well-defined, realistic design plan, the skills to carry out the project, and the materials and equipment necessary to accomplish the work right. An inexperienced person working on their house is guaranteed to run into problems. However, the time commitment involved in a full garage renovation must also be taken into account.
DIY renovations always end up taking longer (and costing more) than expected. That should be taken into account while planning any garage renovations. While the garage is being renovated, where will the garage's contents be kept? Will two weeks or more without a garage cause you significant distress?
In view of the potential pitfalls, it's smart to hire a professional to help with your garage makeover rather than attempting to do it on your own. Garage Living, a professional garage makeover firm, has extensive knowledge of the intricacies and practical considerations of garage renovations. Hiring a professional will be money well spent.
Choosing An Inferior Garage Floor Coating
An ugly, worn garage floor is a major eyesore. Many homeowners choose the low-cost choice of garage floor paint when it comes to repairing and refinishing garage floors. Floor paint is cheap and simple to apply, but it doesn't look well, doesn't protect the floor, and wears out quickly.
The paint will flake and chip off far faster than you'd like. Though do-it-yourself epoxy garage flooring kits may seem like a good idea because of their low price and ease of installation, they aren't always the best choice. There is a limit to the amount of protection you can get from an epoxy garage floor coating purchased at a store, and even professional application doesn't always result in a completely smooth and uniform floor.
Both of these alternatives to a properly applied polyaspartic floor coating for a garage are inferior to the coating's performance. For your garage floor, it is far and away the best option available in terms of resilience, aesthetics, colour options, and security.
Using A Garage Remodel To Create Extra Living Space
It could be tempting to convert your garage into more living space for your family. In comparison to adding square footage to your home, the cost is much lower. There are many upsides to actually putting your car in the garage and using it for that purpose. And the garage is one of the most useful rooms in your house for storing things.
Long-term ramifications may arise if you sacrifice these two essential garage tasks (or reduce space dedicated to them) in order to construct a new room. There will be a lot fewer potential buyers for houses without garages. Converting a garage into a habitable space might have its own heating and cooling challenges. You should give it some serious thought before deciding to convert your garage into living quarters.
Buying Cheap Garage Cabinets
You get what you pay for, and that is true even with garage floor coating. If you try to save money by skimping on the quality of your garage storage cabinets, it will end up costing you more money in the long run. The flaws in low-quality cabinets will become immediately apparent. Drawers and doors won't shut properly, and other such nitty-gritty problems will arise. The enclosures of cabinets and doors will sag and become less secure.
And then there's the issue of rusting. The steel and aluminium used to make cheaper cabinet systems are typically of lower quality than their North American-made counterparts. A major issue with cabinets in a damp space like a garage is that low-quality metal rusts much more quickly.
If you don't want to spend more money on a sturdy garage storage cabinet system and then have to replace the cabinets every few years, go with the cheaper option. Cabinets of superior quality last much longer, look better, and are more adaptable to your specific needs.
Not Using A Reputable Garage Remodel Company
Your garage needs some work, but you know it's best left to the pros. Having a trusted member of one's family, community, or workplace provide a reference or write a favourable evaluation of a potential contractor is crucial. If that isn't an option, you might find garage remodelling companies to consider hiring by doing some web research.
Consider a company's products and level of service by checking out their displays at trade shows. You should expect to be properly pleased with a garage renovation expert's portfolio before hiring them. Get multiple bids, and unless you're very certain that the lowest bidder is also the best, don't go with the lowest bid. It is also wise to choose with a firm that has been around for a while and has a solid reputation.
Failing To Effectively Utilize Garage Storage Space
All of your storage systems may be installed in a poorly planned garage renovation, but you may not have enough usable space for your needs. Make use of the two most underutilised spaces in your garage to lessen this danger (its walls and overhead space). These two spots provide a substantial quantity of unused storage space. It's recommended that you use slatwall panels and specialised storage racks, such as overhead storage racks. Make the most of the vertical and horizontal storage space in your garage to reduce the amount of clutter on the floor (or a non-issue). With greater space, you can instal a car lift, storage cabinets, or even a garage workbench. Using securely fastened overhead racks, a garage can make better use of its unused ceiling space.
Ignoring The Importance Of A Solid Warranty
You should use a reputable business to rebuild your garage because they are more likely to provide a warranty for their work. It would be terrible if something went wrong with your garage remodel a few months or a year after it was finished, and the business that did the work couldn't replace it for free.
That's the kind of confidence you get from a solid guarantee, and it ought to weigh heavily in your contractor selection process. Garage Living provides formal warranties for all of the services we provide and the products we instal. Since we've been around for a while and continue to expand with new brands each year, you can rest assured that we'll still be here in the future.
Not Choosing Flexible Storage Systems
Inadequate planning for future storage needs is a common blunder when renovating a garage. It's not easy to foresee how much space you'll need in the garage five years from now. Because of this, you should look for garage storage solutions that provide you some leeway. For example, a Slatwall storage system gives you a lot of options for organising your garage wall. Items suspended from the panels can be easily moved around and rearranged to create an almost infinite variety of storage arrangements.
You can choose the best hanging accessories for your needs among the many options available. You may add additional storage versatility to your garage makeover by installing above racks. Aim to acquire storage racks that can be adjusted in height. Also, it's a good idea to build extra storage space than you need right now. You'll probably need it at some point.
Creating Safety Risks In The Garage
A person with little experience in home repair could overlook potential dangers in their garage. There will probably be a need for electricians and maybe even plumbers. As an example, it is important to properly anchor any ceiling or wall mounted storage solutions. Garage doors are the largest movable part of your home, so it's important to have a professional handle their installation. The average garage door is opened and closed three to five times a day, therefore it's important that it was built properly. Adjusting the springs on a garage door can be risky business but is necessary to get the door to open and close properly. It takes some knowledge to select the right garage door opener and place it correctly. In order to:
- Choose a product that can handle the mass and dimensions of your door(s).
- Adjust the opener by turning the adjustment screws.
- Put the sensors where they need to be for safety.
- Hiring a professional garage door installer can help reduce potential dangers.
Not Paying Enough Attention To Garage Aesthetics
A common error that some homeowners make is turning their garage into a habitable place. However, if you take the time to do it well, you can transform your garage into a lovely new room that serves as a convenient extension of your home. It's not enough to only have a garage that works well; it should also look good. Choose the perfect colours for your cabinetry, flooring, and Slatwall during your remodel to turn your garage into a vibrant home showpiece. This is in addition to the visual boost higher quality materials bring.
Carport illumination is also crucial. Changing out an old light fixture with an LED one may do wonders for the mood and look of a garage that has only ever had an incandescent bulb. The front door has been usurped by the garage access door since so many people these days utilise the garage as their primary point of entry. It only makes sense to provide this high-traffic area of your home the same level of care and consideration as the rest of your house.
Trust An Expert With Your Garage Remodel
Fix your garage without making these common mistakes. Instead, have Garage Living handle the details and necessities to get your garage operating and looking better than you could have imagined. Start your garage renovation with a free consultation from the experts and put your mind at ease.
Conclusion
Think about whether it's worth your time and money to transform it into a fitness centre or Pilates studio. A small shed, whether built or rented, can serve as a suitable substitute for a few necessities. Moyer says that wine collecting has spread to the suburbs and necessitates climate-controlled storage. The arrangement of this room is perfect for crafting and gift-wrapping. With an auto lift, you can make the most of the vertical space in your garage, making it possible to park more cars there.
When space is at a premium, some people choose to forego a garage in favour of an extra bedroom or living area. These are some of the most typical blunders people make when renovating their garage on their own. Things that will take more than a day or two to complete should be put away temporarily. With years of experience, Garage Living knows all the ins and outs of garage remodels. The low cost and simplicity of do-it-yourself epoxy garage flooring kits can make them seem like a good idea, but they aren't always the best option.
In the long run, you will spend more money if you choose cheap garage storage cabinets. Budget cabinet systems are typically made with lower quality steel and aluminium than their North American-made counterparts. The rusting rate of cheap metal is dramatically increased in humid environments like a garage. Garage Living stands behind the quality of the work we do and the durability of the products we instal with written warranties. Consider constructing more space for storage than you think you'll need.
It's possible that plumbing and electrical work will both be in demand in the not-too-distant future. To make your garage into a colourful addition to your home, pick the right colours for the cabinetry, flooring, and Slatwall. If your garage has only ever been lit by incandescent bulbs, switching to an LED fixture could have a dramatic effect on the atmosphere and aesthetic appeal of the space.
Content Summary
- If that's the case, let's go over some of the potential alterations a remodel could bring about.
- The garage door needs some attention as well.
- Consider installing soundproofing and the appropriate electrical outlets if you intend to use the room for podcasting or as a music or recording studio.
- Use It To Replace A Room You Currently Pay For Converting your garage into a gym or home office will help you save money on the kinds of spaces you're probably already paying for elsewhere.
- Build a yoga or Pilates studio by installing a treadmill, purchasing some free weights, clearing the area, and laying down carpeting or flooring.
- Having your favourite miniature people live in the garage is one solution.
- Build A Home Theater The whole household may enjoy a home theatre setup.
- Furnish it with soft sofas, a sound system, and a mini fridge for refreshments.
- How well your garage serves your current and future needs is directly related to the garage floor finish you choose.
- Your choice of garage makeover plan will be influenced by the number of automobiles you intend to store there.
- Auto lifts are an excellent way to make the most of your garage's height if you need to store several vehicles.
- Properly positioned lighting fixtures can illuminate an entire garage, but you should pay special attention to any dark nooks or crannies, such as workbenches or storage cabinets.
- To begin, you must settle on a primary purpose for the room.
- Even if the intended purpose of your garage is to house a vehicle, there are still some significant design choices to be made.
- Think about whether or not you need new shelves in order to accomplish your garage organisation objectives.
- Potential purchasers will be more interested in your garage renovation if you include plenty of storage options.
- No matter what, you should receive some solid estimates of the likely costs and have money on hand to cover them.
- When doing renovations that may take more than a day or two, you will likely need a place to temporarily store all the stuff that would normally be kept in the garage.
- However, unless you are handy with tools, you should put off starting the project until you have enough money to hire a professional.
- If you're planning a do-it-yourself garage renovation, be realistic about your abilities.
- It may end up costing more to do the project yourself and pay a professional to remedy any mistakes than to employ a specialist from the start.
- It's crucial to have a well-defined, realistic design plan, the skills to carry out the project, and the materials and equipment necessary to accomplish the work right.
- In view of the potential pitfalls, it's smart to hire a professional to help with your garage makeover rather than attempting to do it on your own.
- Hiring a professional will be money well spent.
- Many homeowners choose the low-cost choice of garage floor paint when it comes to repairing and refinishing garage floors.
- Using A Garage Remodel To Create Extra Living Space It could be tempting to convert your garage into more living space for your family.
- And the garage is one of the most useful rooms in your house for storing things.
- Converting a garage into a habitable space might have its own heating and cooling challenges.
- If you try to save money by skimping on the quality of your garage storage cabinets, it will end up costing you more money in the long run.
- The flaws in low-quality cabinets will become immediately apparent.
- Failing To Effectively Utilize Garage Storage Space All of your storage systems may be installed in a poorly planned garage renovation, but you may not have enough usable space for your needs.
- Make use of the two most underutilised spaces in your garage to lessen this danger (its walls and overhead space).
- These two spots provide a substantial quantity of unused storage space.
- With greater space, you can instal a car lift, storage cabinets, or even a garage workbench.
- Using securely fastened overhead racks, a garage can make better use of its unused ceiling space.
- Ignoring The Importance Of A Solid Warranty You should use a reputable business to rebuild your garage because they are more likely to provide a warranty for their work.
- Not Choosing Flexible Storage Systems Inadequate planning for future storage needs is a common blunder when renovating a garage.
- Because of this, you should look for garage storage solutions that provide you some leeway.
- For example, a Slatwall storage system gives you a lot of options for organising your garage wall.
- Also, it's a good idea to build extra storage space than you need right now.
- As an example, it is important to properly anchor any ceiling or wall mounted storage solutions.
- Adjusting the springs on a garage door can be risky business but is necessary to get the door to open and close properly.
- It takes some knowledge to select the right garage door opener and place it correctly.
- Adjust the opener by turning the adjustment screws.
- Hiring a professional garage door installer can help reduce potential dangers.
- However, if you take the time to do it well, you can transform your garage into a lovely new room that serves as a convenient extension of your home.
- Choose the perfect colours for your cabinetry, flooring, and Slatwall during your remodel to turn your garage into a vibrant home showpiece.
- Trust An Expert With Your Garage Remodel Fix your garage without making these common mistakes.
- Instead, have Garage Living handle the details and necessities to get your garage operating and looking better than you could have imagined.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garage
Inexpensive Garage Makeover Ideas That Are Cheap to Complete
- Is clutter keeping you from parking your car in the garage?
- Store tools on magnetic storage panels.
- Add ceiling hooks for bike storage.
- Craft a DIY garden tool holder.
- Hang overhead storage shelves.
- Keep sporting equipment and items together.
The best material for finishing garage walls is usually considered to be drywall. It increases the fire resistance of walls and is easy to install. However, you do have another garage wall covering option. Oriented strand board (OSB) can be screwed to the wall framing but does not require taping and finishing.
A one-car garage can probably be completed in about one to two weeks when worked on regularly. The actual length of time will depend on its dimensions as well. The cost of a one-car garage will vary from around $35 to $60 per square foot. Making the total cost of a 20 x 24 around $16,500 up to $28,000 or more.
Whether you're just adding storage, re-coating the floor, or doing a complete teardown, garage improvements are well worth the investment. Your new and improved garage will give you more storage and flex space. You can make a new hobby or workshop room, a home gym, or give your family more room to spread out.
A finished garage won't increase the value of your home's appraisal. However, it may add a “wow” effect to potential buyers and shorten the time your house is on the market.