Garage Remodel Ideas

The garage is usually the first space considered when room additions are required.  The reason is obvious; of course, but the garage may have qualities about it that can give the homeowner a little trouble down the road.  The main difficulty is to be certain that the concrete does not sweat.  This is easy to check, as moisture in the air is usually the cause.  However, checking it on a regular basis will give peace of mind when deciding to remodel. 

The Beginning Of A Great Remodel

Additions need walls

Any garage remodel ideas require closing in the open walls of the garage.  In most cases, this only applies to the garage overhead door opening.  When removing the overhead door, be cautious because the spring, if in use, is powerful enough to snap bones into fragments.  If the garage door is automatic, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  Once the overhead door is removed, the wall needs to be constructed.  Measure the distance between the two posts on either side of the garage door opening, and purchase a stud for every twelve inches plus six for the top and bottom plates.

Lay out three of the studs that equal the measurement of the garage door opening on the floor of the garage.  Measure the distance from the floor of the garage to the top of the opening.  Subtract 4 ½ inches from the length of the wall studs and cut them to fit.  Place these studs between the bottom plate studs and the top plate studs.  Set the wall studs on 16 inch centers and secure with 16d nails.  Add the top layer of the top plate last.  Next, stand it up and slip it into the opening.

Secure the bottom plate to the concrete with a ram-set tool that uses a small .22 caliber cap and drives the nail through the floor plate and into the concrete.  Once this is done, secure the top and the sides of the wall to the garage opening with 16d nails.

Covering The Walls

Wall coverings abound

This is where the imagination can soar.  After installing panels to match the outside of the wall, it is time to insulate the wall properly.  Use standard insulation that comes in a roll.  Be careful to cover arms and other skin that will be exposed to the fiberglass as this can cause itching.  After the insulation is installed, it is time to decide what to put on the walls.  The most common product to begin covering walls is drywall, or sheetrock, as some call it.

One great garage remodel idea is a game room.  This will call for a different wall covering than a bedroom or a den.  Be colorful and busy.  This will brighten up the room and the atmosphere, as well as give the room a personality.  Covering the ceiling of the garage with acoustical tile is the easiest and least expensive way to give the room a brand new look.  This can be installed directly to a wooden garage ceiling.  If the ceiling is sheetrock, secure 1-by-4 inch lumber to the ceiling joists on twelve inch centers. Then, the tile will go up easily.

Continuing with the game room remodel, hang a bar light from the ceiling over a pool table or ping-pong table.  Setting up a video game center in a corner of the room adds more character and keeps the atmosphere light.  Some rather bright ideas for game rooms are discussed in an article called “Game Room Design Ideas” and can be found at servicemasters.com. 

Decorating The New Room

After the decision to make this garage remodel idea into a den, there are a variety of choices in décor.  From wall paper and matching carpet, to real wood walls and flooring, the extent of the imagination is the only deterring factor.  The den is actually a multi-purpose room.  In just a few short minutes, a comfortable, low lighting room for relaxation can be transformed into a night of games and activities for friends and family.

A folding card table can be brought in and set up in a snap and can be used as a card table or a table on which to place snacks and drinks.  Also, the entertainment center chosen to brighten up the room can open up new boundaries as a favorite movie is played on the DVD player and an LCD, flat screen television.  A good selection of entertainment centers can be found at Overstock.com.  There, you are sure to find something that is both within your character and budget.

Garage remodel ideas are as vast as the imagination can muster.  Don’t be held back by impossibilities; hit the Internet and explore all the great things that can be used as garage remodeling ideas.  Remember to do plenty of research to make your endeavor both pleasurable and rewarding.