Sometimes, nothing is better than chilling with friends or family members while having a drink and watching a movie. Or maybe you prefer to get in some time on the Xbox when the kids are asleep.
Finding the spot for those activities can be a challenge – so how about the garage? It offers a lot of space for anything you enjoy doing. It can be set up to fit your personality and offer space for hobbies, whether relaxing or exciting.
The second benefit? Making your garage a chic space is a lot of fun! There's no need to renovate your whole home or add on a room. Instead, a simple DIY process will give you somewhere to enjoy making memories with the people you care about.
Worried the process is too intense? It isn't. We'll help you build a pleasing bar in the garage in only three steps. So read on, and let's get this party started!
Shoot some pool or toss some darts in a space just for you inside a renovated garage! Image from Unsplash.
#1 – Get the planning out of the way
What kind of space do you want, and how much money do you have to create it?
Knowing the result, you want will go a long way toward helping you plan what needs to happen in the meantime. Whether you go with a fully renewed space or a few simple changes, you also need to know how much money you have to go into it.
Want to totally revamp the garage in the process? It takes more prep and more cash. In addition, while you think about how much more you'll hang out in the garage, be aware that additional insulation and a heating system might be required.
On the other hand, you can get creative if you want to get things done without a lot of money. For instance, adding a fun paint color to the walls can totally change how the garage feels. It's a small task but one that makes a huge difference.
Are you handy around the house? Love DIY stuff? Then some of the job can be done on your own. This saves money, but it might mean the process takes a bit more time.
Prepare for the upcoming changes by making a plan and mapping out your budget. Image from Unsplash.
*REMEMBER: Some things should be done by experts, especially when it comes to plumbing and electrical work. If you make a mistake, repairs can be costly. Plus, some jobs are dangerous for the average person.
Tips and tricks to get you going
Know your budget and the amount of space you have to decide how intensive the process is going to be. Get things going by researching a few things and finding out what your needs and wants are.
Not sure? Talk to friends and family members who have done something similar. They might know some tricks to make things easier or give you ideas you haven't thought of.
Another option is spending time on Pinterest and similar sites. For example, we found this link about 50 other existing man caves. No matter what you want to do in your garage, this could give you some inspiration and point you in the right direction.
#2 – Make sure the space is ready to save time
Put cleaning at the forefront
Most garages are filled with…stuff. Maybe that means yard tools, gardening items, equipment for sports, or something else.
We mentioned cleaning, but the first step is taking everything out. This makes cleaning easier and lets you start deciding what to keep and what to give away. Once you remove some of the clutter, you have more space for the perfect bar in your garage.
Next on the list is the actual cleaning. Get out your tools and wipe down the refrigerator and shelves to remove any dust and debris. Then do the same with the floor and walls.
Notice that you have rust on the floor? Maybe it's paint or oil stains that are hard to remove. No worries. Check out this Gilmour article to learn more about the best way to get your concrete floor clean. Then all you need to do is maintain it to keep it looking great in the future.
Give thought to your insulation
Unfinished or finished, insulation plays a huge part in how comfy your garage bar is. You want to be sure you stay warm in the winter and cool in the winter. Plus, insulation keeps air from slipping through windows, doors, and other areas where leaks are the most common.
The proper insulation varies based on whether you have a detached or attached garage. Remember that R-value relates to thermal resistance, so make sure you look at this number was you choose insulation. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation will do at keeping you comfortable.
Speaking of which, you can choose from many types of insulation. Consider sprayed or rigid foam, fiberglass, or blown-in cellulose. Take a look at this website to understand more about what each offers. Insulation can help save energy while keeping the garage at the right temperature.
Don't forget about the garage door
Think about how nice it would be to lounge with a cocktail while looking out this window. You can make this reality when you choose a anll-glass California garage door and a frame of black aluminum.
Beyond being a door, the garage door acts as a wall. R-value plays into choosing the right door, but you also want to think about other things. Do you want windows? What colors do you like? Which design looks best on your house?
Design matters and windows are useful
Adding a new door to the garage can make your home more visually appealing. However, the style you choose will influence how much thermal resistance you have.
You may have noticed glass garage doors are standard on homes lately. These doors work well if natural light is lacking when you're inside the space. For more privacy, tempered glass is a good choice.
Living somewhere that gets cold? Fewer windows might be the best option. You can add more insulation yet still have a couple of windows so you can lookout. Tired of dealing with window condensation? Add a dehumidifier to your new garage bar.
Expect to spend more hours in the garage after you're done? If so, this Princeton P-13 Design with a top panel of clear panoramic windows could be a good choice. Make the façade inviting using desert sand for the overlays and doors.
Let's talk about maintenance
Sure, you might not be opening the garage door as often without vehicles inside, but maintenance is still essential. You need to make sure all parts of the system are working as expected.
For example, weatherstripping can crack or otherwise be damaged and leave a gap. This can allow dirt, water, leaves, and other things to get inside. This situation needs immediate attention to avoid moisture in the garage. Plus, bugs and rodents could come in and start destroying things.
If you don't want to handle the process yourself, talk to a local garage door company about maintenance services. A garage door expert will ensure everything is in good shape, so you don't need repairs.
Electricity, lighting, and more
You cannot make a bar without good lighting. It brings the space to live and adds something to the atmosphere. Based on when you plan to use the garage and what ambiance you want, you may want the room to be lighter or darker.
Not educated on lighting? That's okay. Spend a few minutes on this Juniper article to learn more about lighting. It will help you decide what best fits your space.
● For a home theatre or a space for relaxation, try indirect light in a warm hue.
● When you need to better see the things in the room, try direct bright light instead.
Lighting isn't the only thing to consider. You want to be sure you have outlets, preferably on every wall. Having more outlets than you need is better than fewer since you might want to hook up game consoles, televisions, lights, and more.
*REMEMBER: Are you in an area that gets overly hot or cold? You'll want heating or air conditioning in the bar. This can make the space more comfortable and cut down on humidity.
Moving on to the floor
You can keep a simple concrete floor, but there are other options. Put down a covering or add a finish to make the space even more pleasing. Take a look at this list of different alternatives from Family Handyman.
● Flexible tiles
● Rigid tiles
● Epoxy
● Rollout mats
● Floor paint
● Floor stain
● Floor sealant
Find out what each material has to offer and think about which best fits your new bar!
#3 – Last, get in there and decorate
Planning and cleaning might not be fun but decorating can be! You can really delve down into your imagination to create a space you love. That would mean anything from LED blacklights and a sound system to customized signs with your name on them or a beer dispenser hanging on the wall. It's up to you!
● A bar for drinks
You can buy a bar or ask a friend to build one, but that can be expensive. If you prefer, use this simple guide to build your own and decorate it how you like. The link gives you insight into the materials and tools you need to create a thing of beauty.
Beyond the bar, consider a liquor cabinet or a small refrigerator that can store soft drinks and alcohol. Everyone who visits will love the convenience!
● A massive flatscreen television
Want to watch the game or some films in the garage? A large television or even a projector can do the job. You should pair it with some great speakers and tone down the light if you want the best experience.
*REMEMBER: If you have rooms near the garage, soundproofing will help. Add some drywall or replace the wall itself.
Do you plan to binge on movies and television shows for hours at a time? Make sure your new garage project includes some luxurious seating, so you never have to get up if you don't want to.
● Get your gaming on
Whether it's a foosball table, a dartboard, or arcade games, people love them. Anyone you invite over will have a blast enjoying the entertainment you add to the garage.
There are tons of places to get them, whether from neighbors who don't use theirs, online retailers, or shops in your neighborhood.
Go all out and finish the theme with an all-new garage door
Need a garage that matches the space you're creating inside? All you need to do is speak with a garage door professional near you to get advice on your options. Talk about similar projects they've done to get additional ideas.
With hardware style, color, and design choices, it might be overwhelming to choose only one. That's why Autograph Door Systems is dedicated to helping you choose suitable options. You can start by viewing the 3 major styles featured in our image gallery:
● Traditional doors are simplistic and clean with a look that is always in style.
● Contemporary doors are modernistic and have a cleaner design.
● Carriage House doors have a vintage appeal and a rustic look.
Enjoy the look of this door? It's a full-view garage door named the California shown here in 12' x 7' with a black aluminum frame and transparent glass.
Get a quote to plan your budget and get things rolling
Spend time at our Design Centre to create the perfect door and see how it would look in your home. We'll also send out an email quotation so you can nail down your budget before you start creating a home bar.
Let the experts in garage doors help you out
Need to ask other questions? All you need to do is contact Autograph Door Systems at 905-686-6195! Any topic related to garage doors and garage door openers is in our wheelhouse. We'd love to give you the information you need!
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