Remodeling any space in your house can get very overwhelming, very fast. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It means you need a plan.
In this article, we’ll discuss the steps involved, some garage space basics, and things to consider if you’re creating a new space.
Once, you’ve remodeled your garage, you may decide your kitchen needs updating as well. Kitchen remodeling is one of the services that Birdseye Construction offers.
Make a Plan and a Budget
The first step is to put a plan together. Figure out exactly what you want to do with your garage space.
It is helpful to sit down and make a list of the reasons why you’re remodeling this space to begin with.
Once you’ve put together a detailed action plan, start looking at the components you’re updating or that you’re getting rid of and replacing.
Then, start making your budget. While this may seem basic and obvious, far too many people throw a plan together haphazardly and then go over budget.
A budget and a detailed plan based on your needs and resources will help you avoid thousands of headaches.
Garages were originally designed to protect vehicles from precipitation. Nowadays, people use garages as extra storage rooms, workshops, home gyms, and more.
To prepare for this project, start sorting through your belongings. Make two piles, items to keep and items to get rid of.
This will work to your benefit in a couple of specific ways:
- You won’t have to rush this process at the beginning of your construction project.
- You might discover some structural components that need further attention than you first assumed, giving you time to adjust your budget and plan.
A wise man once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
Let’s plan for a remodeled garage, shall we?
Prep Work
- Let’s put everything we mentioned previously right here: budget, plan, sort your belongings.
- Replace all drain covers/floor covers, especially the ones in poor condition or missing.
- Replace your garage door seals. If you’re going to refresh the inside, might as well protect it.
- Remove all floor fixtures. Every garage remodel needs to address the garage floor. You can’t do that with all the floor fixtures in place.
- Also, if you know you’re going to be replacing your shelves, overhead cabinets, etc, go ahead and get all that deconstruction done first. Who wants to tear down cabinets onto a brand new floor?
Check out one of our other articles titled, “Shelf that Space,” for great ideas on incorporating shelves throughout your home.
Now, on to what is most likely the biggest reason for this project…
Maximizing Storage Space
- It goes without saying that if you’re maintaining your garage space as a parking area, you’ll want to plan your storage around your vehicle requirements. A garage, especially a multi-car garage, has some great benefits and adds more utility and value than a bedroom ever will.
- In a limited space, where you have to plan creatively to maximize storage capacity, quality has got to win out when you make your cabinet decisions.
- That being said, don’t get boxed into this cabinet thing. Consider all the wall space and above head space available that you can utilize for storage.
- Hanging things on a wall storage system allows for flexibility for the present and the future. As well as, the benefit of all the different types of hooks and apparatuses you can invoke in your wall and above-head storage.
- Yes, cabinets are usually preferred, but if you incorporate flexible storage solutions, you’ll be surprised at all the options.
Flooring
- Decide if you’re going to handle this or if you’re going to have a team come in and do it. Ideally, you already made this decision in the planning phase.
- The main things to consider are time and cost. Having a professional/professional team come in will cost between $5-$7/sq ft for decorative chip coating and between $4-$5/sq ft for solid color epoxy covering.
- The benefit of having the floor professionally done, is that they can usually be in and out in two days.
- The cost savings here could actually be worth the extra effort on your part though. A DIY kit is going to range from $200-$800 for a 400-600 sq/ft garage.
- Unfortunately by the time all the epoxy coating dries, it’s likely going to take you 2-5 days to complete this step, depending on your proficiency and the number of coats your kit requires.
Walls
- What’s most likely is that your current garage walls lack insulation. If you’re using your garage as a home gym or a workshop, you’ll definitely want it well-insulated.
- Paint the walls for a finished look.
- Some homeowners decide to soundproof their walls.
Lighting
- If you will be spending a lot of time in your garage, upgrading the lighting is absolutely necessary. You may install new fixtures, add windows, or attach battery powered lights.
- This is a key concept if you’re planning on incorporating some type of workshop where you’ll be working with tools and other material.
Ventilation
- When you will be working or exercising in your garage, it is very helpful to install some types of ventilation, like a portable AC unit.
- Securing a mountable fan to the ceiling will also improve ventilation.
Wrapping Up
Think of your garage as a space with limitless potential, from the bare cement floors to the unfinished walls and ceiling.
You can develop a storage space that is flexible and functional for whatever your needs may be.
Hopefully, this guide will facilitate a firm step as you kick in the door and master YOUR space.
If DIY projects are not your thing, consider calling Birdseye Construction today. We would love to help you remodel your garage or any other part of your home’s exterior.