The garage is often an overlooked part of the home. It serves as a storage space or workshop, sometimes cluttered and in disrepair. If you’re looking to give your garage a fresh new look and restore its functionality, there are several steps you can take.
This guide will walk you through the essential aspects of revamping your garage, whether clearing the mess, upgrading the lighting, or making structural changes.
Let’s get straight to the point.
To revitalise your old garage, thoroughly clean the space, remove clutter, and address dust and stains. Use citrus-based cleansers for stubborn grease on floors. Organise your belongings with new shelving and watertight storage bins, ensuring everything is neatly stored and protected.
Upgrade your garage’s lighting with a track or fluorescent bulbs for better visibility. Restore the floor with epoxy paint or explore other flooring options, such as tiles or polymer coatings, for durability. Finally, refresh your garage doors by repainting or replacing them, opting for modern, unique designs like faux wood or barn doors for added curb appeal.
1. Start With A Thorough Clean-Up
A proper clean-up is the first step in transforming your old garage. Over time, dust, dirt, and cobwebs accumulate, making the space less inviting and harder to use. Cleaning up will make the space more aesthetically pleasing and improve its functionality.
- Remove Clutter: Garages are notorious for accumulating unnecessary items. Start by decluttering the space and sorting through what you need and what can be tossed or donated. You can organise items into three categories: keep, throw away, and donate. Be firm with your decisions to avoid holding onto things that only take up space.
- Dust and Vacuum: After decluttering, it’s time to dust off all surfaces. Ensure you wipe down any shelves, walls, and equipment. Use a vacuum to clean up dust and debris from the floor and any nooks and crannies.
- Pressure Wash: Consider pressure washing the floors and walls for a more thorough cleaning. This will remove grease, dirt, and stains built up over time. For best results, use citrus-based cleansers, especially if your garage floor has oil or grease stains.
Don’t Forget The Garage Door Tracks And Cupboards
Cleaning the garage door tracks is crucial to ensuring smooth operation. Dust and debris can build up, causing the door to function improperly. Similarly, if you have storage cupboards in the garage, take the time to clean and organise them.
Cleaning The Floor
If the floor is heavily stained or worn, a thorough cleaning can do wonders. Use degreasers and industrial cleaners to scrub off any built-up grime. Citrous-based cleansers are particularly effective at cutting through tough stains on concrete floors.
2. Organisation: Time To Declutter And Store
A well-organised garage can be a game-changer, turning a chaotic space into a functional part of your home. Garages often serve as dumping grounds for random household items, but with some planning, you can optimise the space for storage or other uses.
Assess Your Needs
Begin by assessing what’s currently in your garage and categorise items. Tools, sports equipment, gardening supplies, and seasonal decorations should have designated areas.
- Decide What to Keep: Take stock of everything and decide what must stay. Anything not used in the last year may be worth discarding.
- Invest in Storage Solutions: After decluttering, invest in new shelving units, pegboards, or even cabinets. These can help you better use vertical space and keep the floor clear.
Containers Are Key
Use watertight storage bins to protect your belongings from moisture and pests. These sealed containers ensure that items like tools, decorations, and memorabilia are safely stored and in good condition.
For added security, opt for containers with a reliable locking mechanism. This is especially useful if you store more valuable items in the garage.
3. Upgrade Your Garage Lighting
Lighting can make a huge difference in your garage’s usability and appearance. Many garages rely on the single dim bulb from the garage door opener, which may need to provide more light for detailed work.
Types Of Lighting To Consider
There are various lighting options to choose from depending on the function of your garage.
- Track Lighting: Track lighting can be a great option if you use your garage as a workshop. It allows you to direct light exactly where needed, such as over a workbench or a specific workspace.
- Fluorescent Lighting: Fluorescent bulbs provide bright, energy-efficient lighting for larger garages with extensive storage or if you need to illuminate a broad area.
- Directional Floodlights: These lights are perfect if you need to focus on particular areas, such as where you park your car or where mechanical work takes place.
Replacing Old Fixtures
If your garage already has lighting but it’s outdated, consider replacing the fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options. This can help save on energy bills and make the garage more pleasant to work in.
4. Revamp The Garage Floor
Your garage floor takes a beating from foot traffic, vehicles, and spills. Restoring it can enhance the space’s look and durability.
Paint The Concrete Floor
Painting your garage floor is a straightforward and effective way to refresh the space. Epoxy paint is a popular choice for garage floors due to its durability and resistance to stains, chemicals, and moisture. It also gives the floor a polished, sleek appearance.
- Preparation is Key: Before painting, ensure the floor is thoroughly cleaned and any cracks are repaired. A smooth, dry surface is essential for the paint to adhere properly.
Consider Other Flooring Options
If you want to take it a step further, there are several other flooring materials you can consider:
- Tiles or Pavers: These give your garage a high-end look and are easy to clean.
- Clay Flooring: This option is durable and gives a unique aesthetic.
- Polymer Flooring: Hybrid polymer coatings are a newer option that provides a highly durable and attractive finish.
Polishing the garage floor to a high sheen can make it look like a professional workshop, similar to those found in car dealerships and race garages.
5. Garage Doors: A Makeover For The Exterior
The garage door is often the most visible part of your garage and can greatly impact the overall look of your home’s exterior. Replacing or refurbishing the garage doors can give the entire area a facelift.
Repainting The Doors
If your garage doors are in good condition but look worn or outdated, a fresh coat of paint can give them new life. Choose a colour that complements the rest of your home’s exterior. You can also add finishing touches like new hardware or decorative handles to elevate the look.
Install New Garage Doors
If the existing garage doors are beyond repair, consider replacing them entirely. Opt for modern, energy-efficient garage doors that enhance your garage’s look and insulation.
Consider Unique Designs
Explore custom doors like faux wood or barn doors to make a statement. These can add a distinctive character to your garage, making it a standout feature of your home’s exterior.
Conclusion
Fixing up your old garage is a rewarding project that can increase the value and functionality of your home. You can transform your garage into a more usable and aesthetically pleasing space by starting with a thorough clean-up, implementing effective storage solutions, upgrading the lighting, and making thoughtful design choices.
Look at the garage door, too. Whether you repaint or replace it, a refreshed garage door can dramatically improve kerb appeal. With some effort and planning, you can turn your cluttered, old garage into a clean, organised, and stylish space that meets all your needs.
FAQs About Garage Renovation
What Is the Cheapest Way To Cover Garage Walls?
In all honesty, shiplap is the most suitable material for use on garage walls. It is not only inexpensive but also very simple to put in place. What is this, exactly? The fact that it is solid wood, as opposed to drywall, makes it an ideal material for securing anything, anywhere, with hooks or nails.
Can You Make A Garage Livable?
You are free to convert your remodelled garage into any kind of living space you want as long as you adhere to the requirements of the building code. When you try to build an independent living space, such as an apartment, on your property, you might run into more challenges than when you try to convert your garage into a single room. This is because the zoning regulations for each property are different.
Can You Put Drywall In A Garage?
Putting up drywall in the garage is the first step in this project. The installation of drywall and insulation in the garage will help to make the garage more energy efficient and will assist it in maintaining a temperature that is comfortable. Additionally, it will make it appear less like a cold or sterile garage and more like a living space that is fit for human habitation.
Is It Cheaper To Build Or Buy A Garage?
If you look into the total cost of the garage, you will discover that the cost of building a garage for the first automobile is higher than the cost of building a garage for additional automobiles. When compared to the price of a one-car garage, the price of a two-car garage is less than twice as much, and the addition of a third bay is even cheaper.
How Thick Is Drywall In A Garage?
Standard drywall panels of half an inch in thickness are used in garages the vast majority of the time. The only exception to this rule are ceilings that require 5×8 panels. In addition, for garages that are attached to the house, the wall that connects the two spaces must be constructed out of drywall that is rated for type X or 5×8 panels.
