If your garage has been unfinished for years, you probably have it on your list of Saturday chores that never get done. At this point, you might even wonder, “Can you finish your own garage?” There are a lot of things that you can do on your own, but first—should you even bother?
Reasons to Finish Your Own Garage
While it is a hassle, there are many benefits to finishing your garage. Not only will it improve the appearance of your home, but it could also create more usable space. A finished garage can be a great place to park cars, store items, and even host family gatherings. Plus, if you do the work yourself, you can save money on labor costs and potentially increase the value of your home.
Energy Efficiency
A finished garage can also help to save energy in the long run: it can keep out moisture, dust, and insects—which can reduce your heating and cooling costs. Insulating the walls and ceiling of your garage will keep cold or hot air from escaping so that you’re not overworking your HVAC system to maintain comfortable temperatures.
2023 Trend: Converting Your Garage Into an Office
With more people working from home, finishing your own garage can be a great way to create an office space that is both comfortable and private. With the right insulation, furniture, and technology, you can turn your garage into a productive workspace. Plus, it’s easier on the wallet than adding a home addition or renting an office space off-site.
Boost Your Home Value
An unfinished garage is like an unfinished basement. It takes away from the overall value of your home. Finishing your own garage is a great way to boost the value of your home and create more usable space. This, in turn, can make it more attractive to potential buyers if you’re ever looking to sell.
Grab Your Toolkit: Things You Can Do Yourself
While it may feel out of your comfort zone, there are things you can do to get your garage in tip-top shape. This is where you might need to dust off your toolkit, open Youtube, and use your Saturdays to do some hard work for a few weeks.
Insulation
If your garage hasn’t yet been insulated, now is the time to do it. You can buy insulation materials online or at your local home improvement store. There are plenty of tutorials on how to install insulation, and you may even be able to rent some of the necessary tools if you don’t own them already.
Vapor Barrier or Drywall
By installing a vapor barrier or drywall, you can help to make your garage more energy efficient and create a cleaner, more finished look. Many tutorials are available on how to install a vapor barrier or drywall, but if the task is too daunting for you, it may be best to hire a professional.
Flooring
Installing flooring is not an easy task and can be quite tricky if you’re not used to it. If you don’t feel confident enough, then it may be best to hire a professional. However, if you do want to take on the project yourself, there are several tutorials available on how to lay tiles or do other forms of flooring in your garage. Rolling up your sleeves and putting some elbow grease into it can make all the difference.
Decorating
Depending on how you plan to use your finished garage, you may want to decorate it. If it’s going to become your office, hanging pictures or adding plants might add to the atmosphere in the room. If it’s going to be used mostly for storage, you’ll want to focus on organizing and tidying up. But regardless, any kind of decoration will help make the space more inviting.
When To Call In Backup
There are a few things that you won’t want to finish in your own garage. For example, plumbing, HVAC, and extensive planning are best done with the help of a professional. It’s a good idea to consult with a contractor about any major tasks that you’re unsure of.
Can you finish your own garage? With only a few projects, yes! It can be an incredibly rewarding project. Not only will it give you more usable space, but it will also increase the value of your home and save you money in the long run. But, doing it on your own isn’t a requirement, especially if you have some of the bigger tasks that need to get done. Getting the right help can make sure that it’s done right—made to last.
Bell Cow: Finishing Your Garage, So You Don’t Have To
At Bell Cow, we know how hard it can be to finish a garage yourself. That’s why we offer full-service garage remodeling services. From planning and design to final touches, we are here to help you get the perfect space for your needs. We understand that no two garages are the same, so we make sure that each project is tailored to your specific needs.
With over 50 years of combined experience, you can trust that our team of experts will get the job done right. We are dedicated to helping you create your dream garage and making sure that it’s made to last. Contact us today to get started on the garage of your dreams.