Don't you sometimes daydream about having a great man cave or entertainment center, where you can sit back and have a drink with your family? Where can you watch the big game or play video games undisturbed?
You might not have considered this, but your garage can be turned into an entertainment space, like a bar! As a closed-in extension of your home, take advantage of your garage space by turning it into another room fit for relaxing or entertaining.
It's also a fun renovation project! Your garage is already a self-contained structure, so converting it into a space you can live in is a responsible DIY project. You can even work with your family to make unforgettable memories.
All that sounds wonderful! However, you may not know where to start. Our 3 phase project processes can help you plan your project to make your garage renovation a success!
Play games you love, like pool, with friends while enjoying some drinks in your renovated garage! Image from Unsplash.
Phase 1 – Get the Design Plan Together
Ask yourself two essential questions: What do I want from this space? What is my budget?
If you just want to make a space in your garage so you can focus on your favorite hobby, like wood carving, sewing, or painting, you won't have to renovate your garage as much. However, if you'd like to make it into a full living space with heating, AC, and other amenities, you'll have to budget accordingly.
When it comes to simple renovations, an easy way to refresh your garage is with a few cans of paint! Putting paint on the walls will instantly change the room's atmosphere. If you're looking to do a little more than just paint, though, if you're a handyperson who enjoys DIY, you can do a lot of the renovating yourself.
Going the DIY path can be a great way to show off your skills while saving some money for the new equipment and furniture you'll fill the garage with.
Sit down and make a detailed plan and budget the project. Image from Unsplash.
BE AWARE: Some jobs, especially electrical and plumbing work, should be done by contractors. They understand how to safely complete the work but also know what permits are necessary to complete the job. Mistakes made by your DIY attempt can--at the least--cost you a fine. But at worst can damage your home or leave you or a family member severely injured.
Garage Renovation Ideas
First, you should know if this will only be a partial or full renovation. It's best to get started by searching online about garage renovations. What have other people done? What were their budgets? How did they maximize their space?
This research can help you figure out what you like and don't like and help you plan your renovation accordingly.
Think about talking to your friends, family, maybe even your neighbors, if any of them have done a similar project. They can point you to helpful local contractors and inspire your own project.
If you'd rather search online, Pinterest is a great resource for inspiring pictures. Some websites even compile ideas into fun articles, like one we found about 50 man cave design ideas.
Phase 2 – Get the Space Ready
First, clean up and clear out.
Most garages become the final resting place of things that don't have anywhere else to go, like decorations, old yard equipment, half-finished paint cans, old clothes, and so much more.
To really get the garage ready for renovation, pull out everything and sort it. Decide if some things can be donated, thrown out, put away elsewhere, or stored in a self-storage unit. This can help you clean out old things and give you more space for that new bar!
Before you put everything back, it's time to get cleaning. From the walls to the floor to scrub them down to your paint jobs and floor treatments are of the highest quality. Also, scrub down shelves and make sure any freezers or refrigerators are free of dust on the exterior and mold inside.
But wait, there's a huge stain in the middle of my floor! Keeping an oil, paint, or rust stain can be dangerous for your health if you spend a lot of time breathing in the fumes. Floor cleaning professionals a Gilmour have written a great article to help you properly clean any concrete floor.
Consider Insulating the Garage
If you plan on using your garage more as a living space than a workplace, then temperature control will become important. You don't want to sit in a room that's sweltering hot half the year and freezing in the other half. Insulation will help keep the temperature stable.
The amount of insulation you'll need will change based on the current finish of your garage and if it's an attached or detached garage. When picking insulation, look at the R-value, which describes how thermal resistance the material is. The higher rated it is, the better insulation you're purchasing.
There are many kinds of insulation. They include fiberglass, blown-in cellulose, plus they come in different forms like rigid panels or sprayed foam, and more. If you have questions about which you should get, or each option's pros and cons, this handy article will give you a lot of valuable information.
Find the Right Garage Door
Picture it: You have a book and a cup of coffee beside you while you look out at your beautiful yard. This cozy entertainment space is pulled together by the garage door and its industrial black aluminum frame and all-glass design of this California garage door.
When you renovate your garage, you must keep in mind that the fourth wall of your room will be a humongous garage door. Finding an insulated door should be a priority. As well as making sure that the door is properly maintained, and the design aspects (like styles, color, material, and windows) fit your design plan.
Designing the Right Door
While the garage door will be a focal point of your renovated garage, it will also add curb appeal to your home.
Full glass doors are gaining popularity because of their bold modern design. But it's important to know that garage doors with many windows will have less thermal resistance. In cold climates, it may be best to limit the number of windows in that case. If you love the look of those windows but desire more privacy getting tempered glass instead of clear may be your solution.
TIP! Some people have difficulties with condensation on their garage windows. Getting a dehumidifier can clear up these issues.
Do you not really use your garage? Would you spend more time in it if it were a living or entertaining space? If you think so, that this pair of single Princeton P-13 Design garage doors in Warm Desert Sand makes a stunning statement in and out of your garage.
Ensure it's maintained
You might not actually use your garage door for its intended purpose anymore because your garage is now a living space; it still needs proper maintenance. There are several elements you should ensure are maintained.
First of all, if your weatherstripping is damaged, it could let in unwelcome visitors. The gaps in the stripping could allow water, leaves, dirt, and small pests like bugs and rodents. We want to keep all those unwelcome friends out!
Look at your purchase agreement or see if there's a garage door company in your area that can offer maintenance services. A technician can make sure your door is well maintained, working properly, and can address any repairs it may need.
Adding lighting and electricity
Lighting can make or break the atmosphere of a room. You don't want stark bright lights when you want a warm, entertaining space.
It's alright if you don't know what kind of lighting you want. This article by Juniper is all about how to design lighting and will help you understand how to pick the right lighting scheme.
Remember these vital tips:
- Warmer lights are a kind of indirect light that's great for a relaxing space
- Brighter lights offer direct light that illuminates the room more
While you're running lighting in the room, hire an electrician and ensure there is at least one outlet on every wall in the garage. This will ensure you always have plenty of plugs in your entertainment center!
CONSIDER THIS! If you live in a place where the weather is very hot, cold, or you experience all four seasons, getting an AC and heating system will lower the room's humidity and keep the temperature comfortable all year long.
Address the Flooring
A concrete floor in gray is great… for a garage that is just storing your car. But you want your living space to be more fun than that. From painting to stains, there are a lot of options out there that can help you beautify your concrete floor. This handy list from Family Handyman lists several flooring alternatives you can use.
These include:
- Concrete floor paint, stain, or sealer
- Epoxy coating
- Rugs
- Rollout mats
- Vinal tiles
Figure out which one is best for your needs and budget with this handy guide!
Phase 3 – Decorating
Have fun; this is your dream space! Pull out those neon lights, classic signs, memorabilia, or whatever you want to decorate with. Splurge on some dream items, like your own beer tap, and get some comfortable seating. Soon, you'll never want to leave!
Here are some tips for making the most of your space.
- Make a beverage bar
Buying a prefabricated bar can be costly and nerve-racking. Instead, make a custom home bar using this guide! It lists all the tools you'll need, plus helpful tips, so you're so happy with the results you'll throw a party just to show it off.
After that getting a mini-fridge or liquor cabinet will finish off your new bar with enough storage for all your favorite beverages!
- Outfit Your Entertainment System
Get that big projector you've always wanted to watch movies on or get the best television so you can enjoy the big game as best you can. While you're at it, get a good sound system, and you'll feel like your there! This way, you can binge your favorite show or series all day long.
- Have you considered?
If your garage is attached to your home and it is near the living room or a bedroom, it might be a good idea to install some soundproofing as well. This can be done simply by adding another layer of drywall.
- If you're not sure how to design your entertainment space, home cinema ideas on Pinterest are a great place to start!
- Get Your Games
Now it's time to get that pool table, arcade cabinet, or card table ready. Fill up your room with fun activities you love and watch the time fly as you relax and have fun.
If you don't know where to find these items, check at retail stores, by looking at online advertising, or even on sites like eBay.
A New Garage Door Will Really Complete Your New Living Space
Mix practicality with aesthetics with the right garage door! But you might not know how to pick the right one yourself. Instead of frustrating yourself, get in contact with a specialist who understands what you need and is happy to work with your ideas and budget.
With so many options for such a big investment, you want to make the right choice. The specialist at Seacoast Overhead Door Inc. can help you! Our designs come in 3 main styles, so it's easier for you to pick the right fit for your home:
- Traditional is for the simple classic styles that remain tasteful through the decades
- Contemporary is for a modern, sleek design
- Carriage House is for homes that need a charming rustic look
This is a stunning contemporary full-view garage door in the California Design, with clear glass in 12' x 7' and a Black aluminum frame.
Make budgeting and designing easier
Consider using our Design Centre to make a custom garage door design from the comfort of your home. If you love it, reach out to us for a free quotation. We'll be sure to get back to you by email with an estimated installation quote.
Get help from experts
If you have any questions, need help, or want more information, reach out and contact us.
Or call at 1-888-754-0357! If it's about garage doors, Seacoast Overhead Door Inc. can help.
From dimensions, installation, insulation, maintenance, replacements, and more! So get the information you need today from our helpful experts.
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