Here in the U.S., we’re lucky that many properties have built-in garages, ideal for storing our vehicles. This doesn’t have to be the only use case, though–many people love the idea of converting their garage into a different kind of space, renovating it to suit their hobbies, work, or exercise routine. If this is something you’re planning to do soon, though, be careful, as the following garage renovation mistakes are very common and could cost you dearly.
Forgetting About Insulation
There are countless alternative use cases for your garage, such as a home office, gym, or even a music studio. Honestly, you might just want to renovate the space to improve your comfort when working on your car. Either way, though, you’re going to want the space to be at a comfortable temperature when you’re doing this. Sadly, though, so many people forget that they need to insulate their garage to facilitate this, especially if it’s single-skinned, regretting not doing so after the renovations are complete.
Ignoring Building Permits
For many types of garage renovations, permits will be required, especially when it comes to structural, electrical, and external aesthetic updates. Some people choose to ignore these, but that’s easier said than done–it will inevitably cost time and money due to fines or issues when selling the property. Therefore, checking with local authorities before conducting garage renovations is essential to ensure that your project complies with regulations.
Choosing the Wrong Flooring
Garage flooring needs to withstand heavy loads, frequent use, and possible spills. So, you’ll need to use durable, stain-resistant options like epoxy or sealed concrete. These materials are designed to hold up in a garage environment, unlike softer flooring that may wear down quickly, yet so many people choose the latter options just to save on some short-term spending.
Neglecting Storage Planning
It’s a very wise idea to plan storage in advance when designing your garage renovations. Shelving, hooks, and cabinets help organize tools and gear, keeping them accessible without cluttering the floor. Sure, you could install these after you complete your renovations, but there might not be space for everything you need. Meanwhile, if you plan ahead, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting yourself into when it comes to storage.
Skimping on Lighting
Many garages have poor lighting, relying on a single bulb that leaves corners dark and dingy. You wouldn’t imagine that anyone would want that for their freshly renovated garage, yet it’s a common mistake to overlook this. Simply adding multiple light fixtures, particularly LED options, can greatly improve visibility and safety. Remember: better lighting also makes it easier to complete projects and find tools, enhancing the garage’s usability and making it a more pleasant place to spend time.
Overlooking Electrical Needs
Another common garage renovation mistake that will cost you later on, is forgetting to add outlets or planning for circuit load. This is crucial if you’re introducing powerful appliances or power tools to your garage, such as an EV charger. Overloading a circuit is not only inconvenient but can also be unsafe, so take the time to consult an electrician to prepare your garage for your renovation plans.
Failing to Seal the Garage Door
It should go without saying that an unsealed garage door lets in drafts, moisture, and pests, which can lead to a less comfortable and more costly-to-maintain space. Just installing weatherstripping and sealing gaps can make a noticeable difference in energy efficiency and overall comfort, especially if you’re spending extended time in the garage. So, don’t overlook this step, or you’ll kick yourself once the project is complete.
Forgetting to Ventilate
Without proper ventilation, garages can quickly become stuffy or even dangerous if used for projects that generate toxic fumes. This is why it’s so important to add a vent or an exhaust fan to your renovation list, helping you to improve air quality and safety in the future.
Underestimating Parking Space
There’s no denying that it’s tempting to add storage or work areas to your garage, but don’t forget that the garage’s primary function is often to store vehicles. Losing parking space could expose your car to the elements and limit your options, so you’ll want to balance new uses with your parking needs, deciding whether the garage should become more versatile or stick to being functional for its original purpose.
Choosing Cheap Materials
As with any other renovation project, selecting low-cost materials can lead to all sorts of problems, and the money you save will likely be exceeded in future repairs. For example, garages are subject to heavy wear and temperature changes, and cheap paint, shelving, or flooring may deteriorate quickly. Just spend a bit more upfront on quality materials, and you won’t regret it.
Not Planning for Future Needs
When planning your garage renovations, it’s very important to think about how your garage might need to adapt over time. Yes, you might benefit from storage and workspaces today, but what about in five or ten years? Remember to plan for flexibility now, and your future self will thank you later when the past renovations weren’t permanent.
Disregarding Moisture Control
As we briefly mentioned earlier, garages are prone to dampness, and without moisture control, you risk mold and damage, which can be both expensive and unsafe to resolve. A moisture barrier or dehumidifier can keep things dry, preserving both stored items and the condition of the space itself, yet countless Americans forget to install one when renovating their garage. Don’t make the same mistakes as them!
Neglecting Wall Space
It’s surprisingly common for people to leave walls bare when renovating their garage, wasting valuable storage potential. This is a shame because wall-mounted storage solutions, like pegboards and hooks, can help organize tools, bikes, and other gear without cluttering the floor. So, don’t make the mistake of leaving your wall space bare, as using it wisely could greatly expand your renovation options.
Overloading the Structure
Adding too much weight to the walls or floor of your garage is never a good idea, as it will strain the garage’s structure and potentially cause very expensive problems. Thankfully, most garages are built to handle additional storage, but substantial modifications—such as heavy shelving or large appliances—may need professional guidance. As long as you consult a pro and get their approval before major installations, you should be OK.
Ignoring the Ceiling
This might sound unusual, but your garage’s ceiling offers an often-overlooked storage opportunity: adding overhead racks or ceiling-mounted systems! These options can significantly free up floor space while keeping items out of the way, so it’s a big mistake to leave them unused. Make sure that anything installed overhead is secure and properly supported, though, or you could be putting yourself (and your vehicle) at serious risk.
Not Budgeting for Unexpected Costs
Just like with any DIY project, unforeseen issues can arise in a garage renovation, so setting aside extra funds is wise. Such unexpected expenditures could involve hidden water damage, outdated wiring, or just about anything else, so it would be mad not to have a contingency fund.
Failing to Consider Resale Impact
Arguably the most disastrously common mistake on this list is when people conduct excessive renovations on their garage, only to learn later on that this customization deters potential buyers. While it’s great to make the space your own, unique features—like specialized work areas or niche decor—could limit appeal. This might not seem like such a big deal, but in extreme cases, you might lose tens of thousands of dollars in market appeal, whereas a more universal garage upgrade could actually increase the value significantly.