What You Need to Know About Remodeling or Converting Your Garage

If you're looking to increase livable space or storage space without major changes to your home, remodeling your garage can be a great option. Building an addition onto your home is often more disruptive and expensive than renovating an existing garage. One of the best things you can do is to work with an experienced team to make sure that your garage or shed is completed safely and efficiently. Our team at HDR Remodeling works closely with our clients to determine budget, develop clear design plans, address challenges of renovation. 

The first thing we do is understand your needs and develop a clear scope of work. Is it additional storage space you’re looking for? Do you need a personal workshop for hobbies and activities? Perhaps, now more than ever, you’re looking for a home office space? Or maybe even extra living space? Whatever your goals are, we’ve seen it all with garage conversions. Updating even a small garage can have a big impact on your lifestyle. Here are some ideas from a past project to help you make the most of your garage remodel. 

The clients areas of concerns and goals for this project included:

  • A functional workspace with easy, secure access

  • A space that accommodates bike storage

  • A space where the client can do electrical design work

  • The client wanted the garage design to match the aesthetics of the house

  • Fixing foundation damaged by tree roots and flooding caused by a previous owner’s remodel 

Florence garage interior garage door and work bench

Aesthetics and quality craftsmanship were important to these clients for this garage remodel. Because the garage is so prominent in their backyard, a thoughtfully remodeled building that matched the style of their home and worked with the layout of their deck and yard was essential.

Add Storage Space

Whether you’re storing tools, bikes, gear, toys, or other household items, there are endless creative options for turning your garage into a functional and accessible storage space. Take advantage of the walls and install hooks, shelves and cabinetry that can accommodate items like bikes, tools and ladders. Large floor standing shelving units will give every item its own place. You can even add overhead racks on the ceiling to store bulky items. 

Create a Workshop or Home Office

Our clients wanted to upgrade their garage to accommodate for extra storage space, along with space to work on their hobbies. If you’re into gardening, carpentry, crafting, metalworking, or other DIY projects, creating a dedicated workshop is a great way to utilize extra space in your garage. Add a workbench and a place to store your tools and you’ll be all set for your home improvement projects. Alternatively, with many people now working from home these days, adding an office in your garage can provide you with a quiet space to work away from the hustle and bustle of your main house. 

Storage space for bike storage, a main mode of transportation for the client, was essential

Storage space for bike storage, a main mode of transportation for the client, was essential

Exterior style of the garage mimics the main house to make it an extension of the home.

Exterior style of the garage mimics the main house to make it an extension of the home.

Make it Pretty

Having an aesthetically pleasing garage is just as important as having one that is functional. Choosing to mimic the exterior style of your main house unifies the aesthetic and makes the garage truly feel like an extension of your home and the rest of the property. It’s important to invest in quality materials to ensure an elevated look. Some upgrades you can make include adding an automatic overhead garage door to replace a sliding carriage door. Incorporating glass panels and windows allows natural light to filter into the space. Select the window design, siding and paint colors to mirror the main house. And finally, finish the interior with a wall that is durable, low maintenance and visually pleasing. 

When all is said and done, the results speak for themselves. You’ll end up with a space that is charming, highly functional and will increase the value of your home. Check out the full garage remodel and contact us to get started on your own garage renovation today.