All You Need to Know About Garage Remodel

A smart garage remodel tip is to focus on areas that can increase your home’s resale value. For instance, installing a new garage door can enhance curb appeal while also being a wise investment. 

On that note, let’s delve deeper into the whole idea of remodeling a garage. 

How Much Does Garage Remodel Cost?

Depending on the type of project you take up, the price range for a garage remodel varies. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $50,000.

For minor fixes like painting walls or installing shelves, the cost isn’t a lot. Simple remodels usually start at $2 to $5 per sq. ft.

On the other hand, a major overhaul can go as high as $85 per square foot.

One of the key factors that determine the remodel cost is the size of your garage. If you have more than one car, you’ll need a larger space to fit in all your vehicles. Here’s a table that lists the price ranges for remodeling garages in different areas. 

Number of Cars	Garage Size	Cost
One-car	240 sq. ft.	$4000 – $9000
Two-car	440 sq. ft.	$7000 – $15000
Three-car	680 sq. ft.	$10,000 – $22000
Four-car	800 sq. ft.	$14,000 – $30,000
RV	880 sq. ft.	$15000 – $35,000

Here is another important thing to keep in mind. If the wall or floors of your garage need repairs, you must tackle that first before getting started on the main project.

An old garage will usually require various fixes to prevent obstacles and complications down the road. Keep aside about $2000 for repairs, if you notice potential damages or problem areas.

Do I Need A Permit To Remodel My Garage?

Not in every scenario. You will only need a permit if you’re completely changing the purpose of your garage. This type of permit is known as a garage conversion permit. The rules for the permits may vary as per the county and state, though. In general, you will have to seek a permit if you want to do any of the following:

• Replacing windows or garage doors
• Adding new structures to your property (sheds, garages, swimming pools, etc.)
• Structural changes
• Plumbing work
• Electrical work
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) work

However, tasks like painting, installing a ceiling fan, repair work on countertops or cabinets, patio, carpeting, etc. do not require such permits.

Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you want to experiment with a DIY project or hire a contractor, here are some of the common mistakes that you should be wary of. 

Lack of Planning

This is one of the most common mistakes, to begin with. Oftentimes, homeowners decide to revamp their garages without a proper plan in hand. This eventually leads to chaos as you wouldn’t have an estimate of the time required, the tools required, and the knowledge to get the job done.

So, always start with a clear, achievable design layout and strategize on the other aspects such as timeline, budget, etc. 

Cost/Benefit Analysis

Just because you’re spending a fortune revamping your garage, it doesn’t mean the remodel will translate into a financial return. The ROI will depend on what kind of changes you are implementing.

A smart decision is to turn your garage into a multi-purpose space, like a workshop-cum-gym or an additional living space. On the contrary, there’s no point changing the decor of your garage to suit your taste, because that wouldn’t lead you anywhere. 

Choosing an Unreputed Company 

While we understand that a garage remodel could be a financially ambitious project, we advise you against hiring just anybody. There are many contractors who might offer an affordable quote, but you need to verify their track record.

Scour the internet to find reliable contractors near you or ask your friends and neighbors for referrals. It is also important to check customer reviews to gauge the reliability of the firm. If you only go after a cheap rate, you might end up with low-quality products and a job poorly done.

Cheap Fixes for the Floors 

Under the pretext of saving money, you might be lured into buying cheap floor paints for your garage. However, don’t forget that the quality and durability of the product will be as cheap as the price tag.

On the other hand, if you invest in a DIY epoxy floor coating, the outcome will be smoother and long-lasting. That way, you can save a lot by avoiding constant flooring repairs in the future. 

Overlooking Storage Systems

Many homeowners end up installing too many storage systems in their garages which cram the space up. While there are numerous shelves to store equipment and tools, people do not have the necessary space to walk about or get things done.

To avoid this mess, you can utilize the walls and the overhead space for storage and leave the rest for other purposes like a garage workshop.  

Underestimating Electrical Needs

Wiring needs are one of the first things to consider when you plan to remodel your garage. You need to fix the power outlets and determine the placement of plug points and switchboards.

Many keep this task till the final stage and end up damaging walls or are left with little to no space for installing power outlets.

Ignoring Insulation Needs

Ensuring that the garage is properly insulated is one of the things that people often miss out on.

However, insulation helps regulate indoor temperature and keeps your space hygienic. It is especially crucial if you decide to incorporate supplemental heating or cooling. 

Neglecting Ventilation

It is easy to overlook this aspect but know that it can lead to serious consequences for the rest of your remodel. Since the garage primarily houses vehicles, poor ventilation can lead to the accumulation of toxic fumes and chemicals.

Fan-powered vents and roof vents are highly recommended by experts.

Sacrificing Car Parking Area

It can be tempting to free up floor space by sacrificing the parking area, but it can negatively impact your home’s resale value. One way to make more space is to install specialized storage units but not by getting rid of parking capacity. 

Garage Remodel Ideas

Your garage can be a space that can do more than just house your car. It’s a space with untapped potential and you can transform it in myriad ways. Here are a few interesting ideas that you can incorporate to take garage remodel to the next level.

Turn It Into A Multi-Purpose Space

Why spend hundreds on buying gym subscriptions when you can have your personal gym in your garage? You might have to install rubber flooring, an AC, and soundproof walls but these are one-time investments that are going to serve you well for years.

On average, you can expect to spend around $500 for rubber flooring and soundproofing and $1200 to add insulation and ventilation. 

Another idea is to use your garage as a workshop for DIY carpentry, woodwork, or even for hobbies like photography. All you need to do is buy a sturdy, flexible workshop bench which will cost you $150 to $1,200, depending on the quality. 

Invest in Good Lighting

If you want your garage to be an active space, you might want to add good lighting for better navigation and round-the-clock usage. You can also be creative and install LED lamps or color-changing bulbs to perk up the space. 

Change the Coating of the Floors

If you wish to change the aesthetics of your garage, an easy solution is to coat the floors with epoxy paint. It’ll cover the rough patches and lend a new shine that’ll turn the place lively.

Depending on the size of the space, you’ll need about 4 to 5 gallons costing you around $35 per gallon. But the good thing about epoxy paint is that it’s long-lasting, has a smooth texture, and will keep your floor protected. 

Paint the Walls

While you’re painting the floors, consider getting the walls painted as well. If your garage isn’t insulated, consider a pastel shade to keep the space cool during summer.

If you have a properly insulated garage, you have a world of colors to choose from. You can jazz up the space with any desired shade or mix n’ match to add more character. 

At most, you will probably need 2 gallons of paint along with paintbrushes, tarpaulin or plastic films, and tape. All the equipment combined should cost you around $100 to $200, depending on the type and color of paint you use.

Don’t Skip Insulation

Insulation can turn your garage into a more liveable and comfortable space. Besides, it’ll add up to the overall value of your home. On average, you can expect to pay around $1-$2 per sq. ft. for insulation. 

Add Ample Storage Units

Cabinets help you keep your stuff organized in any room. Going by that logic, they are a much-needed component in a garage. You may consider investing in good-quality cabinet stands, shelves, racks, etc.

However, make sure that you leave enough space for yourself to work and move about comfortably. 

Buying and installing cabinets can cost you around $1,000 on the low end and $5,000 on the high end. The prices will vary based on the brand, material, and cabinet type. 

Final Thoughts

We hope the article will come in handy if and when you plan to revamp your garage in the future. But we recommend that you hire a reliable contractor rather than taking things in your own hands. However, you can always discuss and hatch a strategy that aligns with your requirements as well as your budget.