How do you transform a garage into a renovation you can be proud of?

The garage is a primary entry point for most homeowners and is usually the least desirable. As a curbside appeal, it often leaves a lack-luster impression, and we quickly rush our family, guests or visitors through the front door, awkwardly closing the garage as quickly as possible, or simply parking in the driveway so the door never opens in the first place. Sound familiar?

Here are 5 quick remodeling tips to keep your garage more organized and less of an eyesore. For the tasks you don’t want to tackle or would be better accomplished by a professional, seek out custom home builder contractors in your area to handle the tough stuff.

Garage remodel tip #1
Store only what you need
Move unnecessary items to your basement or other storage area that is less visible to the neighborhood, removing the clutter and creating an area ready for a great remodeling project.

Tip #2
Restore your floor
Once the space is cleared, finish out the garage shell by rolling on a high quality speckled or textured epoxy finish to allow for a much easier cleaning. If you work your renovations right, you can easily clean out cob webs, dust and leaves from the garage with a leaf-blower on a low setting.

Tip #3
Remodeling the walls is a win
After properly allowing the new garage floor to dry, patch up the drywall (or install some if you don’t have any), install a good wood baseboard (damp unconditioned spaces are not good candidates for an MDF-type or composite product as they will absorb moisture and swell over time, leaving it susceptible to mold), caulk in the cracks to seal the gaps, and give the entire space a bright coat of paint. Don’t forget to paint the ceiling and also to fill any holes left from the original build or wear and tear over the years.

Tip #4
Renovation should always include well thought-through storage
Now the fun begins. To complete your garage remodel to the cleanest and most sustainable way possible, take the time to design the storage spaces so that you can utilize the wall space effectively – allowing for those two shiny cars to park effortlessly in their designated home, without fear of things falling on top of them. Use professional fittings, well designed wall mounted shelving units, and work hard to store your car wash gear and other essentials inside storage containers instead of loosely on the shelf. An upgraded renovation would include closed-door cabinets and an overhead rack system for additional storage. Hang bicycles on the wall securely, and be intentional about neatly organizing handtools like brooms and rakes onto a well designed rack system. The more you can get up off the floor and onto a well-mounted wall unit, the more chance you have of getting the Chevy to fit.

Tip #5
Get buy-in from the family
If it’s anything like my home, I seem to be the only one that cares about how the garage looks. It becomes a dumping ground as the family enters the house. The best way to get around this is to require their help in the project. Even if you have a professional renovation company do the heavy lifting, your family can own their stuff and help clean it up. Involve everyone in the design process and allow the excitement to build. Grab them for a quick “15 minute blitz” on a group clean up project. There is power in numbers and you’ll get a great deal accomplished with the whole family taking part. Lastly, create a fun penalty system for anyone who leaves a mess and include yourself, so that all can keep each other accountable to maintain a beautifully designed and organized entry point into your home.

Riverstone Homes is a custom home builder covering Canton, Acworth, Woodstock, Holly Springs, Marietta ,Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and Ball Ground, Georgia. Remodeling projects fit neatly into our portfolio to make your home renovation a reality. Call 770-479-7205 to get a free estimate on your garage remodel.