Garage Remodels: Cost, Ideas and Mistakes to Avoid

Dec 1, 2023

Around the House Tips

9 minute read

Your garage might not be the first area you think of when you decide to take on a remodeling project for your home. But the truth is, remodeling a garage can be just as exciting, fulfilling and lucrative as any other room remodel.

Typically, garages serve a distinct purpose: storage — mainly for vehicles, but other items such as seasonal decorations or stuff that just doesn’t fit inside the house. However, these versatile spaces are capable of much more. Depending on how you, the homeowner, want to make use of your space to suit your needs, garages offer a blank canvas to create.

Here, we’ll offer some garage remodel inspiration, including top considerations such as costs, ideas and mistakes to avoid before your project begins.

Reasons to Remodel Your Garage

Increased storage space may be the first reason you think of when deciding whether or not to remodel your garage. However, there are myriad other motivations that make a garage remodel even more appealing. For example:

Improved Curb Appeal With a New Garage Door

Improving the appearance of your garage door can boost the overall curb appeal of your home. With the garage door being the largest entrance into your home, passersby will definitely notice its improved appearance — which provides one of the best returns on investments for home remodeling projects (Remodeling Magazine Cost vs Value report 2023). So, no matter which other garage remodel projects you decide to pursue, replacing or upgrading your garage door is worth it.

Better Energy Efficiency

Existing garage spaces may not follow the best construction practices for insulation or energy efficiency. Installing energy-efficient garage doors during your remodel can help maintain the temperature in your garage during the winter and summer and may reduce energy bills — especially if your garage is attached to the house. Insulating the garage space in addition to installing an insulated garage door will provide even more home energy savings.

Increased Home Value

Akin to heightened curb appeal, a well-designed garage remodel may actually increase the resale value of your home, which is a big bonus if you’re planning to sell in the future. Potential buyers often appreciate a well-organized, multi-functional garage space that shows lots of potential for a variety of different uses.

Increased Home Safety and Security

A study conducted by the ADT security company revealed that 9% of burglars gain access to a house through the garage. That may seem like a small percentage compared to the 34% of criminals who simply twist the knob on the front door and walk right in. But when it comes to burglaries, any percentage is too high.

To protect yourself and your property, upgrading your garage security as part of your remodel can help mitigate break-ins. Home security hardware such as motion-activated lighting, a security entry system, a smart garage door opener or a garage door with a locking mechanism can enhance the security of your garage.

Garage security is easy with all the new technology available today.

What Factors Influence the Garage Remodel Cost?

When doing a garage remodel, there are a few cost considerations to keep in mind before starting your project:

  • Size: The total cost of your remodeling project will hinge heavily on how large your garage space is. It’s generally safe to assume that the larger the garage is, the more costly the remodel will be.
  • Materials: Just like your home, the garage makes use of all sorts of materials. Depending on which materials you choose to use for each aspect of your project, prices can vary.
  • Permits: Some jurisdictions require you to obtain a building permit before you start remodeling, which can range in price depending on your location. Always check with your local building department before starting a project — or else you may incur hefty fines.
  • Labor: Unless you plan to remodel your garage yourself, you’ll need to hire professional labor.
  • Electrical: Garages have lots of electrical components that, during a remodel, may require a professional electrician to rewire or add new wires altogether.
  • Garage door removal/installation: Keep in mind the cost to install a new garage door and remove the old one, as remodeling your garage wouldn’t make much sense if you kept the old, raggedy door. Plus new insulated steel garage doors are low maintenance, quiet during operation and help maintain the temperature in your garage.
  • Repairs: If you’re working with great bones and decide to keep some of the original garage intact, a few repairs may be required to bring the space up to par with your vision for the remodel.
  • Insulation: If your garage isn’t already insulated, it’s worth looking into — especially if you plan to spend a lot of time in it.

It’s important to note that, depending on what you intend to use your garage for, remodeling costs can vary greatly based on the above factors and more. Always create a solid plan for your project to help you stick to a budget.

Garage Remodel Ideas

With common cost considerations in mind, deciding how to remodel your garage is the exciting part. As mentioned earlier, garages are much more versatile spaces than many believe and are great for more than just storing vehicles.

If you’re unsure about what to use your garage for, here are a few remodeling ideas to help inspire:

Workshop

A popular option for good reason, garages make exceptional workshop spaces — whether for the hobby craftsman or car enthusiast. For this type of remodel, there are a few key components you may want to account for in the remodel design:

Adding an organized workshop as a garage door remodel is a fun and rewarding project to complete. Additionally, if you anticipate spending a lot of time in your garage, you might consider a garage door that allows for lots of natural light. That way, you can work in a naturally-illuminated space.

Storage

Garages are popular storage spaces for a few good reasons; mainly because personal items stored there are out of sight and allow you to keep your home’s closets and basements clutter-free. Of course, remodeling your garage for extra storage space requires careful cabinetry planning to allow for maximum storage. If this is how you want to use your garage, consider adding the following elements when designing:

  • Extra garage cabinets, racking or shelving.
  • Overhead storage racks.

Add more space with your garage remodel with shelving and overhead storage systems.

Home Gym

If staying active is an important part of your lifestyle, converting your space into your dream garage home gym could be just what you need. Gym memberships can be expensive, and if you already have lots of equipment and nowhere to put it or are tired of dedicating a portion of your indoor living space to bulky machines, garages can make great workout areas.

For this type of garage renovation, you’ll want to consider design aspects such as:

  • Insulation to regulate temperature.
  • Drywall so you can paint or add mirrors to your new home gym.
  • An epoxy coating to protect the garage floor from sweat.

Overhead garage doors are an ideal option for a home gym. They allow you to easily air out the space on nice days and work out with a fresh breeze. Plus, the doors stay out of the way so you can fit more equipment in your gym.

Entertainment Room

Convert your garage into another living room for entertainment and recreation. If you decide to go this route, it’s important to be extra mindful of the garage’s electricity and wiring, since additional electronics may be needed.

If you’ll be spending many hours here, a garage door with frosted windows is a good option to consider for natural lighting as well as added privacy.

A garage has so many uses such as being the perfect spot to hold band practice.

Mistakes To Avoid During a Garage Remodel

‘Mistakes’ might be a bit harsh; however, there are a handful of aspects related to your garage makeover that you definitely shouldn’t neglect:

  • Don’t cheap out on materials: With materials, you often get what you pay for. Investing in high-quality resources for your garage remodeling project will ensure it stands the test of time (or until you’re ready for another change).
  • Don’t forget to create a solid plan: All building projects require a solid plan. Before you start doing anything, make sure you have a good idea of what you’re looking for. This makes it easier to share with your general contractor, too.
  • Don’t make it impossible to fit a vehicle: It can be easy to get excited about a new home gym or workshop. However, making it difficult or impossible to fit a vehicle in your garage can pose a problem — particularly if you plan to sell the house in the future.
  • Don’t skimp on storage: Remodeling a garage for extra storage is a popular design choice for a reason. Whatever project you choose for your garage conversion, make sure to include ample storage space — just in case!
  • Don’t neglect the garage door: It’s worth reiterating that any garage remodel project should include replacing the garage door. This is often the most important item of the whole renovation as it is the largest door into the house. With so many styles to choose from, there’s sure to be a garage door that matches well with your aesthetic. Beyond that, the garage door itself plays an important role in climate control, noise reduction and security — both of which are top considerations based on your project.

The Perfect Garage Door For Any Remodel Project

Amarr has a huge selection of garage doors with styles suitable for all kinds of remodeling projects.

Whether you’re simply looking to increase your home’s curb appeal before putting it on the market or want to create some extra space for you and your family, we’re sure to have a garage door that fits both your budget and your needs.

Find a garage door dealer near you today to get started.

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