Your garage is more than just a place to park your car; it’s an extension of your home and can be a multi-functional space that serves a variety of purposes, from storage to workspace to entertainment. However, if your garage looks like it hasn’t been updated since the 80s, you may want to consider some upgrades as described below.

I’m lucky, I bought our house when it was new and immediately built a bunch of high wall cabinets and a small workbench bio my then little SUV could still fit inside its walls.

Fast forward 24 years later and yeah, the place does look like it was born the year before Y2K. There’s been quite a lot of additions into the space since. Shelving, and cabinet pantry, another pull out workbench and some overhead LED lights so I can see more than the original 60 watt incandescent bulb could ever hope to provide.

I look at the walls and definitely see a great potential to lighten the room with a fresh coat of paint. Thankfully I had the walls insulated before we moved in which makes a huge difference in temperature stability year round. It does a pretty decent job of cutting out outside noise as well as the opposite.

The only weakness is our solid wood garage door which doesn’t hold back any sounds. As our neighbours and passersby could attest when my younger son decided he was going to learn to play drums! And not just any music would do, oh no. Metallica, Judas Priest and well anything heavy metal that required a double base petal to hammer that freight train home.

We have very patient and understanding neighbours. And to his credit he did get pretty good and his repertoire expanded. Was that “Stairway to Heaven?!” I almost cried.

Installing New Garage Doors

If your current ones are old and outdated, replacing them with modern doors will not only improve aesthetic appeal but security, temperature and soundproofing as well.

When selecting new doors for your garage consider a few of these factors: material durability, insulation value, cost-effectiveness as well as long-term maintenance requirements. An improved aesthetic appeal might be another, but security, temperature stability and soundproofing are also good to put on that list.

I would recommend you consult with a couple professionals in this field for assistance and opinions. Debate the different types of materials to choose from, including aluminum which is lightweight yet sturdy; wood which provides an excellent natural beauty; steel which is durable but requires minimal upkeep; or vinyl-coated options that offer excellent resistance from harsh weather elements. They all have their pros and cons.

Presently we’ve kept our wooden garage doors as they’ve been very durable all this time and easily got a fresh coat of paint when we finally decided to do the whole exterior of our home.

Adding Insulation to Walls and Ceiling

As I wrote above about our garage, for comfort and efficiency purposes, adding insulation to the walls and ceilings of your garage space is a very “sound” upgrade. Our main bedroom sits above the garage and I can tell you that having the space below insulated saved a LOT on the heating bill. And my sanity when the younger one picked up his drumsticks while I was napping. Sound, from the garage was thankfully never an issue for us. The main door to the garage was also a steel insulated door that kept the noise out.

There are various types of insulation products available out there. Ranging from fiberglass batts that install easily between studs or joists without professional assistance, to spray foam or flocking insulation where professionals blow the insulation into crevices sealing all void spaces without causing any messes over time. These also help to repel moisture build-up leading to damage like mold growth on surfaces which can affect your air quality greatly.

Painting Walls and ceilings

Another way to give your garage a facelift is by painting the walls and ceiling. This simple garage upgrade can transform any dingy, dark space into a bright, welcoming one. 

You can choose from the epoxy-based paint that is durable and resistant to stains and oil spills or latex-based options which are more budget-friendly but still offer excellent coverage. 

Consider choosing colors that match your house’s exterior or go just with something bold like bright oranges or blues, creating an inviting space for entertaining friends or family during summer barbecues.

Storage Solutions: Organize your space with shelving units and cabinets

If you’re like most people, your garage isn’t just a place to park your car. It’s also a storage space for tools, sports equipment, and seasonal decorations. But when items start piling up on the floor and cluttering the space, it can quickly become overwhelming.

Fortunately, there are some easy solutions to help you organize your garage. One of the best ways to maximize storage in your garage is by installing shelving units. Depending on what you plan to store on them, you’ll want to consider weight limits and durability. 

Another option is adding cabinets that offer closed storage so that you can hide everything away behind doors for a more streamlined look. Cabinets also provide an opportunity to add style elements such as matching hardware or finishes that complement other design choices in the garage. These can incorporate a workbench and pegboard systems too whether you buy an expensive system or make it yourself.

Lighting

Good lighting can make all the difference in a garage renovation project, especially when it comes down to visibility during nighttime projects or when the garage door has to be closed.

LED lights are excellent because they use less electricity while providing brighter light than traditional bulbs. Additionally, they come in different color temperatures that create ambiance while working on projects or doing general activities along with being long-lasting compared to other options available in the market. 

Just be aware that some of the cheaper LED can subtly flicker. Turn on your phone camera and aim it, from a distance, at the light when it is on and you may see it flicker. Normally most people won’t pick it up, but for some reason I am one who can see it and it can be darn annoying.

You can add motion sensor lights that turn on automatically whenever someone enters your garage after dark which helps put safety concerns aside while moving around within limited light sources during peak seasons like winter days when sunlight fades quickly. This upgrade can provide peace of mind while providing a convenient feature to your garage especially, like us, our recycle bins are in there.

Flooring

If your garage floor is stained or cracked, upgrading it can make a significant difference in the look and feel of your space. Epoxy coatings, interlocking tiles, and rubber mats are all popular flooring options for garages. They are durable, easy to clean.

Epoxy Flooring Options

Epoxy flooring is a type of coating that is applied to concrete floors to protect them from wear and tear. One of the greatest advantages of epoxy flooring is its durability. 

This type of coating can withstand heavy traffic, spills, and chemicals. The best thing about epoxy flooring is that it comes in various colors and designs, which allows you to customize your garage floor according to your preferences. 

Before applying an epoxy floor coating, make sure your concrete slab surface is prepared. Preparing the surface requires a few steps such as cleaning, repairing cracks or holes, and etching the surface with a chemical solution. 

Once the surface is fully prepped, apply the epoxy coating in thin layers using a roller or sprayer. Let each layer dry according to manufacturer recommendations before applying another layer. 

Pro Tip: If your garage is situated below ground level or if the ground outside is often wet. A simple moisture meter can be purchased from any home improvement store and will help you determine if there are any underlying moisture issues that could cause problems with your coating.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Once you’ve invested in a new garage floor, it’s important to maintain it properly. Regular cleaning will keep your floor looking great for years to come. The best way to clean an epoxy-coated floor is with a soft-bristle brush and warm, soapy water.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the coating. Additionally, it’s best to avoid parking cars on your garage floor for at least 48 hours after applying an epoxy coating.

Interlocking Tiles

Interlocking tiles are another popular option for garage floors because they’re easy to install without any adhesives or special tools required. There are different types of interlocking tiles available such as rubber, PVC plastic, and polypropylene plastic tiles. Rubber tiles are durable but can be expensive while PVC plastic tiles are affordable but not as durable as polypropylene plastic tiles which are known for their strength.

They are also resistant to stains and oils which makes cleaning them easier compared with other flooring options like concrete staining or carpeting. However, interlocking tiles can shift over time which makes them less suitable for heavy machinery use in garages where cars are worked on regularly.

If you plan to spend a considerable amount of time treading on your concrete floor, then you should think about the thick shop-style rubber tiles to give your feet some measure of comfort from all the hard impacts.

Concrete Staining

Concrete staining is a unique option to add color and texture to your garage floor. Before staining, it’s important to clean and prepare the concrete surface by removing any paint, sealant or other coatings first. You’ll want to remove as many imperfections now so you’re not staring at them the the floor is finished. Once the concrete surface is ready, apply the stain using a brush or roller.

There are two types of stains: acid-based and water-based stains. Acid-based stains tend to last longer but require more careful handling due to their corrosive nature.

Concrete staining is an affordable way of updating your garage floor while adding a decorative touch without having to replace the entire flooring. Besides its affordability, it’s usually resistant to moisture and easy to maintain.

However, it requires proper application techniques due to its sensitivity which can make it challenging for beginners without experience applying it. You’re working with chemicals that need proper ventilation while applying them so you need protective gear such as gloves and masks when using them. Keep the garage open and use a fan to more the air around. Don’t work on the floor with the garage door closed if you can possibly help it.

Garage Heating/Cooling Options

Most people don’t think about garage heating options when they think about garage upgrades because they assume garages are meant to be cold spaces. However, adding heat to your garage can not only help you work comfortably during colder months but also extend the life span of certain tools and equipment that might be vulnerable in lower temperatures. 

Options for heating up your garage are installing an electric heater or forced-air furnace system. These systems provide controlled warmth without much hassle since they don’t require ventilation like gas heaters do. If you want a more permanent solution, consider installing a decent mini-split system.

If you’re planning on doing a full renovation on your garage flooring anyway, another option would be radiant floor heating as it’s easy to install under concrete floors during construction or renovation projects. Ultimately, choosing how best to heat up your garage will depend on what you use the space for mainly – do you need constant heat throughout winter months or if you’re like me, only when you’re in there working at the workbench

Final thoughts on inspiration for garage renovations

When it comes to renovating your garage, there are plenty of sources of inspiration to draw from. Consider browsing home design websites or magazines to get ideas for color schemes or storage solutions. 

Drive around the neighborhood or even attend a few open houses to see how others have transformed their garages into beautiful spaces. Take note of what works well in other garages and incorporate those elements into your own design plan. 

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – maybe you want to turn part of the garage into a home gym or create a fun hangout spot with games and seating areas. However you choose to renovate your garage, remember that this is an investment in both yourself and your property! Cheers!