Big Makeover: Turn Your Garage into a Bar!

Have you ever dreamed of having a place in your house where you can have a drink with your friends and family? Or watch your favorite sports team on TV and play video games without waking up your children?

You should definitely consider turning your garage into a bar! This place has more potential than you think. You can literally transform it into whatever you desire, whether you want an area for relaxation or entertaining.

Also, it’s so fun to makeover your garage! You don’t need to add a separate part to your house or live in a mess for weeks while renovating. You can turn a fun DIY project into a space where you can create unforgettable moments with your loved ones.

We invite you to follow our 3-step process to help you build the home bar of your dreams and ensure you consider all essential details to make your project a success!

Enjoy your new space and play games with your friends!

Play pool and darts with your friends in your newly transformed garage! Image from Unsplash.

Step 1 – Design your ideal plan

What’s your end goal and budget?

Depending on your project's end goal, it will influence how extensively you want to renovate your garage. Whether you want to go for something simple or elaborate, having a budget is one of the most critical steps for any renovation.

If you’re planning to go all-in with a whole new makeover, it will require more time and preparation. Also, if you’re figuring on spending most of your time in your garage, you may want to consider installing a heating or air conditioning system and proper insulation.

If you’re looking to cut costs, there are various cost-effective ways of making your garage look brand new. One of the easiest things you can do is to paint your walls another color. You’ll notice a significant difference in this room’s ambiance.

Also, if you’re a do-it-yourself lover or just a handy person, doing some of the work yourself can save you money. DIY takes time, patience, and determination, but you’ll be proud of your work.

Have a plan for your garage transformation.

Be better prepared by creating your garage improvement project plan and determining your budget. Image from Unsplash.

*IMPORTANT: Some tasks such as electrical work and plumbing should be done by professionals who have their permits. Otherwise, you may end up paying more than expected if you make a mistake that needs to be fixed.

Ideas and tips

Determine how much space can be used, along with your budget, to get a better idea of how extensive the project will be. You can start by doing your own research into what your needs and preferences are.

You can ask your friends, family, or even your neighbors if they have already transformed their garage into a living space. They can help you with your decisions and give their recommendations based on their experiences.

You can also seek different ideas on Pinterest to inspire you. We found an interesting link with 50 other existing man caves. Whether you prefer watching sports with your friends or playing poker, there’s undoubtedly one of the projects that’ll appeal to you!

Step 2 – Prepare your space and you’ll save time

Cleaning

A garage can rapidly become a dumping ground for old paint cans, clothes, yard tools, sports equipment, and more.

Before cleaning your garage, you can start by pulling everything out. Not only will your space be easier to clean, but you might also find things you no longer use. Thus, you’ll get rid of extra items you don’t need anymore and leave additional room for your future bar area.

Next, it’s time for a deep cleaning! If you have a finished garage, you can start with your shelves and refrigerator by removing dust and mold from the surface. Then, you can move on to your garage walls and floor.

Do you have oil, paint, or rust stains on your floor and no idea how to clean this up? Don’t worry! Look at this article from Gilmour, a watering, gardening, and cleaning company, that shows you how to properly clean your concrete floor. Keep your garage floor in good condition and remove any potential hazards with these valuable tips!

Insulation

Whether you have a finished garage or not, you need to pay special attention to insulation. You want to be comfortable in your new living space and not spend your time freezing. You also want to avoid any air infiltration coming from your doors, windows, or any places where there could be a leak.

If you have an attached or detached garage, the level of insulation you need will vary. The R-value measures the thermal resistance, so pay attention to this rating when choosing insulation materials. The higher the value, the better insulation you have.

You can choose different types of insulation: fiberglass, blown-in cellulose, rigid or sprayed foam, and more. Visit this website to learn more about the pros and cons of each of them. You’ll keep the desired temperature in your garage and save energy!

Garage door

This full-view garage door is a California, 18' x 8', Black aluminum frame, Clear glass.

Imagine yourself lying on a couch, having a drink with friends with a beautiful view of your backyard. Make your project come true with this all-glass California garage door design with a Black aluminum frame.

Your garage door is your garage's 4th wall. The R-value will help you find the right garage door for your needs, but besides insulation and maintenance, every aspect of its design - style, color, windows - should be considered.

Design and windows

A new garage door can ultimately enhance the curb appeal of your home. Depending on the garage door style you choose for your garage project, the thermal resistance will be different.

These days, it’s becoming a trend for homeowners to choose all-glass garage doors, just like those found in some restaurants. It’s a great option if you don’t have enough natural light entering your garage. If you full-view garage door, we suggest you also opt for tempered glass.

If you live in a colder area, you may prefer having an R-16 value Standard+ garage door with windows on the to panel only. You’ll still have natural light in but with a higher level of insulation. If you want to reduce condensation in windows, a dehumidifier in the garage should solve the problem.

These garage doors are Princeton P-13 design, 9’x 7’, Desert Sand doors and overlays, Clear Panoramic windows.

Will you spend more time in your garage if you convert it into a living space? If the answer is yes, you should consider this Princeton P-13 Design with clear panoramic windows at the top panel. Add a warm and charming touch with a Desert Sand color for the doors and overlays.

Maintenance

Even though your garage door will not be used as often because your garage is now a living space, you still need to have regular maintenance. It’s essential to look at all the components of your garage door system.

Damaged weatherstripping can leave some gaps, allowing water, leaves, and dirt to get in your garage. This problem needs to be fixed as soon as possible because moisture can start to develop. Also, rodents may sneak in as well, so you definitely want to avoid that!

GARAGA garage door dealers in your area offer maintenance services. Our garage door technician networks is the best to ensure your garage door is working correctly and prevent unexpected repairs.

Lighting and electricity

Lighting is what makes your project comes to life! It defines the atmosphere and experience you want to create in your space. Depending on the desired ambiance and time of day you plan on spending there, you may wish for your room to be darker.

You don’t know anything about lighting? You can read this interesting article from Juniper, a design and manufacturing studio in the US, to better understand which type of lighting is best depending on your desired result.

  • Warmer, indirect light for a relaxing space or home theatre
  • Brighter and direct light for a better visibility

Other than lighting, it’s also recommended to have outlets on at least every wall. It’s better to predict more than less with a modern bar and living room area. You don’t want to regret missing a socket when you’ll play games on your TV!

*IMPORTANT: If you live in a place where there’s very hot or cold weather, you should consider having an air conditioning or heating system in your garage. It will reduce the risk of having a high level of humidity and make your living space more enjoyable.

Floor

If you don’t want to keep your boring concrete floor, you have so many options of paint coatings or coverings you can choose to have a beautiful and long-lasting finish. Here is a list of different alternatives from Family Handyman.

  • Concrete floor paint, stain, or sealer
  • Epoxy
  • Rollout mats
  • Rigid or flexible tiles

Read about the pros and cons and look at your budget to see which option would be the best for you!

Step 3 – The most exciting part, decoration

Here comes the fun part, decorating! Get creative by putting customized neon signs, LED blacklights, or a wall-mounted beer dispenser. You can furnish your garage as you like and transform your garage into whatever you want!

  • Beverage bar

    You don’t need to buy an expensive prefab bar or hire someone to build one for you. You can make a homemade bar yourself and customize it as you like with this guide! There you’ll find a list of all the tools and materials required and practical tips to have an appealing result you’ll be proud of.

    Then, you can add a mini-fridge or liquor cabinet to store your alcohol and soft drinks. Your guests will enjoy having a drink at your bar!

  • Large, flat tv screen

    If you prefer using your space to watch movies or sports, you may want to install a video projector or a television. It’s recommended to have a good sound system and limit your ambient light to better see the images on your TV screen or wall.

    *IMPORTANT: If your garage is close to another room in your house, you should soundproof your garage. You can either replace the actual wall or add another laying of drywall.

    Do you want to spend the whole day binge-watching a Netflix series or various movies? Buy comfortable seating or keep the ones you already have to ensure you don’t end up with back pain!

  • Games

    What’s cooler than having a pool table, arcade game, poker table, or dartboard? Entertain your guests with the games you like, and you will not realize how time passed so quickly!

    You can buy them at different retail stores, online advertising platforms, or people close to your location who don’t need them anymore!

Make your garage look like a real living space with a new garage door

Do you want your garage door to blend well with the rest of your space while remaining practical at the same time? Don’t hesitate to contact garage door specialists in your area who have done similar projects and understand your needs.

There are so many designs, colors, and decorative hardware you can choose from, it’s easy to get confused. GARAGA thought of helping you in your decision-making process by dividing our garage doors into the 3 most well-known styles:

This garage door is a California, 12' x 7', Black aluminum frame, Clear glass.

Do you like this look? This all-glass garage door is a California, 12' x 7', Black aluminum frame, Clear glass.

Plan your budget better with a free quote for your garage door and opener.

You should try our Design Centre to customize your garage door anyway you want and have a preview of what it can look like on your house. We can also provide you with a free quotation and send it to you by email. It will be easier to determine your budget for the other parts of your future bar space.

Seek help from knowledgeable and skilled GARAGA garage door experts.

They are indeed experts in garage doors. They have extensive experience, and they love helping you find the perfect garage door system at the right plus for you. No matter the subject - garage door dimension, insulation, maintenance - GARAGA experts will be more than happy to assist you throughout your renovation project.

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