Common Garage Remodel Mistakes You Need To Avoid

A garage renovation can upgrade the appearance of the garage and make it more functional. Of course, you want to set yourself up for success with a great remodel plan from the beginning. That involves knowing the most common garage remodel mistakes homeowners make to ensure you don’t make them yourself.

10 Garage Remodel Mistakes

Learn from the people who made the mistakes already by learning the top 10 garage remodel errors. When you know better, you will know not to do the same thing. 

Mistake #1: Planning to Create Extra Living Space

Some people plan to turn the garage into a new living space, such as a living room or a bedroom. However, garages frankly don’t provide the most comfortable living accommodations. 

Garages tend to get cold in the winter and hot in the summer. They also have more openings, making them more vulnerable to pest infestation. Even finished basements don’t provide the required protection necessary to use the room as a regular room in the home. 

If you decide to finish the garage, you will do better by using the space for storage instead of a living space. With that being said, you can still turn the garage into an area to enjoy a beverage while listening to music on a nice day. It just probably won’t provide a good space to rent out an extra room on Airbnb. 

Related Link: How to Convert a Garage into a Master Bedroom

Mistake #2: Not Getting a Site Plan

A site plan lays out the space you are working with in a clear and easy-to-understand format. This will make it easy for you to plan the remodel properly. 

You will see the size of the space and the different components, making it easy for you to describe the space to contractors and salespeople when you order supplies or ask questions. 

You will also get as detailed of a site plan as you need. You can choose between a basic site plan, medium detailed site plan, or a detailed site plan, depending on your needs. 

Do you want a detailed site plan for your garage? Learn more about My Site Plan and what they can provide for you. 

Mistake #3: Failing to Clarify Goals 

Clarify exactly what you want to get out of your garage remodel. Some common reasons homeowners decide to take on a remodel include:

• Increase efficiency
• Enhance appearance
• Increase storage space
• Install additional features/utilities
• Create work space  

Once you clarify your goals, you can make the proper decisions during your remodel to best meet those goals. 

Mistake #4: Skipping Waterproofing 

Garages experience a substantial amount of water damage. After you complete your remodel, you will not want to see it destroyed by water damage. That’s why you want to take the proper steps to waterproof your garage. 

There are numerous ways that you can waterproof your basement, including: 

• Waterproof paint
• Floor coating
• Repair cracks 
• Install durable roof

Performing these simple tasks can ensure that you protect your garage from water damage, prolonging the life of your garage and protecting the money it costs to complete the project. 

 

Mistake #5: Spending Too Much Money

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get high-quality results. 

Start by establishing your renovation budget early in the process while also leaving a bit of wiggle room for these unexpected expenses that inevitably pop up throughout the project. 

Next, you need to prioritize what needs to be done and what requires the most attention. Once you prioritize the different things that need to get done, you can eliminate certain things or save money in areas that fall lower on the priority list. 

Finally, you will buy with your goals in mind. Spend money on the things that will accomplish your goals in the best way. 

How Do I Save Money on My Garage Remodel?

If you want to save money on your garage remodel, you should use the setup already available to you instead of making expensive upgrades to the utilities. You should also use as many shelves and cupboards already in the garage. Instead of installing brand new cabinets, you can simply give the current cabinets a makeover. 

Related Link: DIY Shed Cost: Step-By-Step Guide

Mistake #6: Forgetting Efficiency

The efficiency of the garage affects the amount of money you spend on utilities every month. Efficiency of a building, such as a garage, is rated with a R-Value. The higher the R-Value, the more efficient the structure. 

You can increase the efficiency of a building by:

• Building with efficient building materials
• Install insulation (including the garage door)
• Caulk cracks 
• Use efficient windows and doors
• Buy Energy Star Appliances

 

Mistake #7: Not Creating Enough Storage Space

When you need to store Christmas decorations, tools, or boxes of linens, you need storage in the garage. As part of your renovation, ensure you give yourself plenty of storage space. 

You can install cabinets, shelves, hooks, and other items to increase storage. Make use of the wall space available to you so that you can leave more space on the ground to store vehicles or allow for workspace. 

Mistake #8: Not Upgrading Appearance

Some people assume that the garage can have a dreary appearance since it's just the garage. However, an attractive garage makes it feel like a part of the rest of the home. Plus, it adds a little extra something special for potential buyers. 

Do what you can to make your garage look its best. Some things you can do to upgrade the look of your garage include:

• Paint the walls an attractive color
• Hang artwork
• Use new hardware
• Install aesthetically pleasing cabinets/flooring

Many people choose to turn the garage into a space that allows them to express their unique style in a way that they can’t do inside. Feel free to break away from the rest of your home’s style design and go for something more experimental, unless you plan to sell your home in the near future. If selling, you want to make the garage as appealing to as many people as possible, meaning less personal touches and experimental designs. 

Mistake #9: Doing the Work Themselves 

To ensure that the new remodel looks and works how you pictured, you may need to enlist the help of professional contractors. 

Professional contractors will have the knowhow and experience to get the job done properly the first time. Installing the frame of the walls, in particular, can prove somewhat difficult for a beginner.  

Furthermore, they know how to do things safely. Some jobs in the garage, such as installing garage doors, can become fatal when not done by a professional. You also don’t want to tackle electrical jobs or plumbing jobs unless you have the proper training. 

To ensure you and everyone in your home remains safe, hire professional contractors, plumbers, and electricians when necessary. If you want to complete some of the work yourself, you should stick to the easy DIY tasks. 

Some of the easiest parts of a garage remodel that you can do yourself include: 

• Painting 
• Putting up cabinets
• Installing drywall 
• Adding tile

You can save money by doing some of the work yourself, but you won’t save money if you need to hire someone to complete the job you started, so choose your DIY garage projects carefully. 

Related Link: Everything You Need to Know About House Framing

Mistake #10: Using a Cheap Company with No Warranty

When you select a garage contractor, you want a contractor with experience and the right equipment. However, it can be tempting to hire a local handyman who may not possess all of the skills you need.  A handyman probably also won’t offer a guarantee on the work. 

Look for companies with an established clientele and numerous good reviews. You can search online or ask friends and family who they used for their garage remodel. 

 

My Site Plan

At My Site Plan, we create site plans of your property to help you get a clear visual of the space of your garage. You don’t need to have anyone show up to your home, and we will return your site plan in 24 hours. 

How Does It Work?

You simply select the amount of detail you need for your site plan and provide the address of the building. At this point, we can use the information available to us already to create the site plan for you. If, for some reason, we don’t have the necessary information, we will inform you as soon as possible. 

At My Site Plan, we also offer:

• 3D plans
• Home marketing 
• Floor plans

Are you interested in getting a site plan of your garage to help make your garage remodel as painless as possible? Contact My Site Plan today to learn more!

 

 

Question	Answer
What are the legal considerations before starting a garage remodel?	Before starting a garage remodel, it's important to check local building codes and obtain any necessary permits. This ensures that the renovation meets safety standards and legal requirements, avoiding potential fines and complications.
How can lighting improvements enhance a garage remodel?	Improving lighting in a garage can enhance functionality and appearance. Consider installing bright LED lights for better visibility or adding windows or skylights to incorporate natural light, which can make the space feel more welcoming and spacious.
What are the benefits of installing a new garage door during a remodel?	Installing a new garage door during a remodel can improve the garage's security, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Modern garage doors offer better insulation properties and styles that can complement your home's exterior.
How long does a typical garage remodel take?	The duration of a garage remodel can vary widely depending on the scope of the project. Simple upgrades like painting and shelving might take a weekend, while converting a garage into a living space could take several weeks or more.
Can a remodeled garage increase home value?	Yes, a well-executed garage remodel can increase home value, especially if it adds functional living space, improves energy efficiency, or enhances curb appeal. However, the return on investment can vary based on the quality of the remodel and local market conditions.