Many people dream of having a bar in their home, but many think they can't have one. On the other hand, you may want a place outside your living room to enjoy time with all your family and friends. Or you might want a personal space you can use at night without waking up the rest of the family…
Your garage doesn't just have to store your car, and you may have a lot of wasted space on your hands--especially if you never use it often for its intended purpose anyway. So, don't let that space go to waste! Turn that garage into something you'll actually use.
Plus, this is one home renovation that is fun and easy! Updating your garage won't interrupt your daily life as much as adding an entirely new room to your house would, and you can even make it your next DIY project.
Make unforgettable memories with your family and follow our 3-phase garage renovation process to guarantee you'll love your new space!
Update that garage and relax while playing pool with your buddies! Image from Unsplash.
Phase 1 – Create the Design
First, consider your needs, wants, and budget.
Individual project factors will change how you'll renovate your garage and determine how much renovating you'll be doing. Whether you want to add a small entertainment area with existing infrastructure or you want to complete an elaborate update, make sure you have the budget to get the job done right.
An extensive renovation will take a considerable time and cash investment to complete. Consider adding heating and AC in your updated garage, and if it's worth insulating the room for more comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
However, if you are doing a small update, there are ways to cut expenses while still making your project look great.
TIP: An easy way to make any room in your house look better, including the garage, is by adding a fresh coat of paint!
Doing the project yourself will save you some money, especially if you're a handy person. However, some tasks, like electrical work and plumbing, are best left to experts as mistakes can be deadly and costly to fix. It's great to learn how to build things yourself, but don't endanger yourself or your family.
Take time to write down your plans and budget before starting. Image from Unsplash.
Helpful Notes:
Ask other people you know for advice, especially if this renovation will be your first attempt at updating your house. Take some time to get inspired by your garage and figure out how to best use your unique space. Researching similar projects may help you get started and will give you a better idea of how much your budget should be.
Even image hosting sites like Pinterest or Instagram can be a great inspirational resource. Look for articles that fit your theme, like these 50 man caves ideas we found! Even if you don't discover a reference that fits your exact needs, mix and match projects to make your perfect new garage.
Phase 2 – Prepare the Garage
Get Clean and Organized
It's normal for a garage to become a catch-all for random items that don't fit anywhere else, like tools, ladders, old clothes, and boxes of holiday decorations. You'll want to clean up and organize your garage before you do any building.
First, pull out everything--that's right, everything! With all that clutter out of the way, it will be easier to clean the floor and walls. This is also a great time to organize your things while getting rid of stuff you don't need anymore.
After that, you must clean. Dust and thoroughly clean every item in your garage. Make sure to give special care to any appliances, like refrigerators, and get any stains, dirt, or mold out now.
Worried about a large stain on your floor left by paint, oil, or rust? Expert cleaners at Gilmour figured out how to properly clean a concrete floor and show you how! These tips will show you how to keep hazardous residues out of your soon-to-be new living space!
Considering Necessities Like Insulation
Insulation is what keeps rooms at a comfortable temperature, and if you plan on using your new garage space a lot throughout the year, insulation will be a good investment in the long run.
Different garages, like attached or detached rooms, will require different levels of insulating. This means you may have to get higher-rated insulation to ensure even temperatures all year while minimizing outside air infiltration. The R-value is listed on the packaging of all insulations, and it measures the product's effectiveness. Remember, the larger the R-value, the better the insulation is.
There are also many kinds of insulation. The main categories are fiberglass, blown-in cellulose. Then there are rigid and sprayed foam installation options. Each of these options has their benefits and are better for different situation. Learn all about them, and make sure your garage is always the perfect temperature.
Picking the Best Garage door
Picture yourself in a fresh space, relaxing with family and overlooking your beautifully manicured backyard while music plays in the background. Have this vision become your reality when you choose to replace your old garage door with a new black aluminum-framed garage door with all-glass California Style garage door.
In a garage, a garage door will be a major feature. If you want to make the most of your renovation (and add to the value of your home while you're at it), picking the perfect garage door will elevate the space. Make sure to select the ideal windows, style, and color to fit your renovation dreams.
How to Pick the Right Design and Windows
Renovating your garage and getting a new door will instantly add curb appeal to your home. Choosing a full glass door is very trendy and makes a bold statement, but if you would still like some privacy, you can always choose to install them with tempered glass instead of crystal-clear panels.
Always keep the thermal resistance rating of the door in mind. Homes in colder climates will benefit from doors with fewer windows but adding a few windows can provide some beautiful natural light. If you find your garage windows are constantly fogging over, get a dehumidifier to clear up the issue.
It's so much nicer to make the most of your garage when it's also a living space… if you live in a colder climate, consider how these garage doors, styled in the Princeton P-13 Design in Desert Sand with clear panoramic windows, can protect your new room while letting in that glorious sunlight.
Maintaining The Garage
Now that your garage is an awesome hang-out spot, you may not use it to store your car. However, this doesn't mean that your garage door won't need maintenance.
Certain wear and tear issues, like pulling weatherstripping, will create gaps under the door where insects, rodents, snakes, moisture, and leaf litter can enter your garage. These are unwanted guests that you don't want anywhere in your home.
Look into local maintenance service providers or see if your new garage door comes with a company guarantee or maintenance package. A garage door technician will help you sleep well at night, making sure that your garage door is still working properly and protecting your home.
Installing electrical and lighting
Good lighting is what makes a renovation project from good to great. Nothing sets the mood of a room more than the best lighting. You may want a room that has more or less light, depending on when and how you want to use your converted garage. Make sure whatever lighting you choose reflects these desires and works with your needs rather than against them.
There are people out there who love lighting and want to teach you the tips you need to know to pick the best lighting scheme. Consider getting informed by reading this article from the lighting experts at Juniper.
The gist of their lesson is this: warm radiating light is best for comforting spaces, while bright direct light is better for visibility.
While you are considering lighting, it's good to make sure that each wall in your garage has at least one outlet, and if not, consider getting more installed. In the modern-day, it's best to have more outlets when so many of us use mobile electronics that need plugs.
CONSIDER installing that AC and heating system if you live somewhere with seasonal weather changes or extremely hot temperatures. These systems will make your room enjoyable all year long.
Addressing The Floor
A plain concrete floor is great when your garage is used to home your car. However, it's not the best flooring for a comfortable living space. Plus, gray flooring is boring! Consider one of these many flooring options provided by Family Handyman to update or improve your existing flooring.
Choose from Options Like:
● Concrete floor paint, stain, or sealer
● Epoxy
● Rollout mats
● Rigid or flexible tiles
● And more!
Phase 3 – Style and Decorating
Express yourself and make your dream room now! Put up your vintage memorabilia with neon lights, install a drink dispenser and that entertainment system you've been eyeing. The possibilities are endless!
● The Best Bar
Premade bars can be intimidating and a large investment. And getting a custom bar built can be equally expensive. Make one yourself by following these handy instructions that list all the tools and supplies you'll need to make your own bar.
● Choose the Right Screen
Getting the right entertainment system is essential if you want to use your garage for watching big sports events or playing video games. A projector or large TV is perfect for a dedicated to entertainment.
CONSIDER the location of your garage. If your new entertainment space is close to another living area, consider how soundproofing could help keep everyone in the house happy.
This new theater space will be perfect for watching your favorite movies series and TV shows. Get the most comfortable chairs and couches, and you'll never want to leave your newly renovated garage.
● Outfitted for a Gamer
Whether you like modern video games or want a place where you can play your favorite bar games like arcade cabinets, pool tables, dartboards, and more! In your garage, you'll spend so much time having fun you won't realize where the day went.
Get these items for more reasonable prices by buying them second-hand, online, or even from family and friends near you!
The Right Garage Door Will Make Your New Space Look Like a Real Living Space--Not Just a Converted Garage
Don't let your newly converted garage look strange with an outdated garage door that doesn't look like it should belong to a modern living room. Stop hesitating and get in contact with a local garage door specialist who will work with your budget to make the best door.
Nowadays, there are so many options that a garage door can fit any style. This also means the choices can be overwhelming. We at Huneault Portes de Garage Doors Inc. can help you unpack this market, so you make the best decision. We've divided our garage doors into 3 main styles
● Traditional --for enduring simple styles
● Contemporary --clean and modern looks
● Carriage House --rustic and delightful options
What an amazing contemporary look! This full-view garage door in 12' x 7' is the California with a black aluminum frame.
Worried About Costs? Get a Free Quote!
First, test out our custom Design Centre to create the perfect garage door for your home. Follow the directions and get a sneak peek at what your new garage door could look like! Plus, reach out to us through email for a free estimate.
Get Help from Experts!
Still have questions about garage doors, contact Huneault Portes de Garage Doors Inc. at 613-675-4473!
No matter the subject - garage door dimension, insulation, maintenance - we can answer all your question and provide help during your garage makeover project.
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