3 Garage Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on December 8, 2021

So you’ve decided that after years of thinking about it and complaining about the junk that’s piling up in your garage, you’re finally ready to undertake the remodel of the century. You know what you want to use the space for in the future and you know what you don’t want to keep (goodbye kid’s tricycle with the flat tire!). What you need now is a little guidance. Here are three things you want to avoid when you’re embarking on a garage remodeling project.

Mistake 1: Thinking A Few Shelving Units Will Solve Your Storage Issues

Chances are, part of the reason (if not the entire reason) you’re looking to remodel your garage is that you need more storage space. The mistake is thinking that just adding a few shelving units on one wall will solve all your problems. You have to optimize your garage organization options. Take advantage of the overhead storage potential for objects like ladders or snow shovels. Look into other organizational options like pegboards for hanging your tools on and racks for mounting the kids’ bikes on the far wall. Maybe add a few hanging wall cabinets with doors that lock for expensive power tools or harsh chemicals you want to store away safely when they’re not in use.

Mistake 2: Underestimating The Need For A Plan Before You Start

To successfully remodel your garage, it’s going to take a lot more than rearranging a few shelves and adding a fresh coat of paint. There are a lot of elements to be considered, which is why you need to start with a concrete plan—and it’ll help your budget in the long run. It’s easy for a poorly-planned reno to get away from you and suddenly you spent twice as much as you intended to.

When planning out your garage remodel, you need to consider anything from where everything in your garage is going to be stored while you’re renovating to how many electrical outlets you have in the space. Do you need replacement windows that are more energy efficient and reduce noise? What are you going to reseal your floor with? While you’re planning, you should also take the time to do a cost/benefit analysis for the upgrades you’re considering. Do the research so you know what upgrades will pay off the most in the long run or give you the best return on your investment. For example, a new garage door enhances the curb appeal of your home so while it can be pricey at the time, you know it’ll pay off in future if you’re looking to sell.

Mistake 3: Overlooking Your Ventilation, Insulation, & Heating or Cooling Needs

You might think you don’t need to consider matters of ventilation or heating in your garage because it’s never been an issue before, but now is the time to think about it. Heating or cooling units should be considered if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the space as an extra living area like a man cave or spare guest accommodation. If the garage is attached to your house, adding insulation can prevent heat from escaping during colder months.

Having adequate ventilation will prevent moisture build up that can cause long term damage, and will keep your garage from feeling damp.

These tips are a great starting point for anyone planning a major renovation or remodel, but they don’t tell you everything you need to know. Even though it can be time consuming or you may think you know what you’re getting yourself into, it’s always good to do research and talk to experts before embarking on a big project like a garage remodel. Remember that proper prep is how you avoid problems!