Top 6 Affordable Garage Remodel Ideas

A garage remodel is a great way to transform a simple car park into your new favorite spot in the home. Your garage is a space with untapped potential and taking on a remodel doesn’t need to break the bank either. Here are six affordable ideas that you can use to take your garage to the next level.

1. Add in Cabinets

Cabinets are an excellent way to increase storage in the garage, give yourself a place to work, and keep everything organized. These cabinets are best placed on the back of the garage if you have a one-car garage. For those with a two-car garage, you have the choice between the side walls or the back wall.

You’re looking at spending around $1,000 on the low end and $5,000 on the high end to cover around 12 linear feet with cabinets. How much cabinets cost depends on the material they’re made out of and any additional features such as soft-close cabinets.

If you’re thinking of adding in cabinets, think about how else you can transform your garage. Moving the washer and dryer to the garage will cost around $1,500 on average, but you’ll be looking at a lot of extra space compared to being cramped in the laundry closet. 

If your washer and dryer are already in the garage, consider building cabinets next to them. It’s an excellent spot for helping fold laundry, keep your laundry supplies hidden, and you can even consider adding a sink to help get those tough stains out.

But if cabinets make the room feel too cramped, opt for budget-friendly open shelving instead. You still get all of the organization without necessarily feeling crowded. Simple shelving that covers about 12 to 15 linear feet will run you around $200.

2. Redo the Flooring in Your Garage

Most garages have concrete flooring, as they need to support the weight of the vehicle. Over time, due to wear and tear, these floors become cracked and unwelcoming. Redoing the floors with epoxy over the concrete can give it a brand new shine that brings new life into the garage.

Coating an existing floor with epoxy will run you around $35 per gallon. You’re likely going to need about 4 to 5 gallons, depending on the size of your garage. You will need to patch any existing holes in the concrete first.

Or, if you’re looking to get away from the garage look and convert the space, consider utilizing vinyl plank flooring. It’s easy and affordable to install yourself. This type of flooring comes in plenty of different styles and colors to match any vibe that you’re envisioning. For around 400 square feet, you’re likely going to spend about $500 if you install it yourself.

3. Convert the Garage Into a New Space

Maybe the garage has stopped holding vehicles and has become more of a storage unit. In this case, you can quickly turn the space into a place where you can work out or expand your new hobby. The average cost to remodel a garage is typically around $14,200, and this cost depends entirely on what type of space you want to make it into.

Home Gym

Tired of paying for that gym that’s constantly packed after work? Consider turning your garage into a home gym, where you can play whatever music you want to, make as much noise as you want, and hog your favorite machine for as long as you want.

You’ll probably want to invest in some soundproofing and rubber flooring to help reduce the amount of noise that reaches your neighbors. Unless you’re going for that sauna experience, it might also be worth it to insulate and add your garage to your HVAC ductwork.

Rubber flooring and soundproofing will run you around $500. Adding insulation and adding in a vent will run around $1,250 with labor.

Workshop

Whether it’s soap making, woodworking, or even photography, having a dedicated space in the garage can help you to improve your skills and lead to less clutter throughout the home.

The cost to create a workshop will depend heavily on how much equipment you need. A simple workshop bench will typically run anywhere from $150 to $1,200, depending on whether it’s moveable, has shelving, and the material. Creating a more involved space can run the bill much higher.

4. Add More Lighting

Adding lighting throughout the garage can turn a damp, dark area into a place fit for activities. You’ll also likely find it easier to navigate and find items late at night.

There are often plenty of outlets throughout the garage to get LED lamps. These will cost you around $50 to $200, depending on how stylish you want the lighting to be. For real fun, consider getting color-changing light bulbs to set the ambiance for different seasons and holidays.

5. Paint the Walls

The same eggshell white color that’s likely been there since you bought the house might be driving you mad. But just like the kitchen or living room, the walls of the garage are yours as well. 

Consider painting them a lovely blue or light orange if your garage isn’t insulated. This will keep things cool in the hot weather. If the garage is insulated, well, then you have a world of colors at your fingertips.

At most, you’re likely going to need about 2 gallons of paint. Combined with painting tools, tarp, and tape, you’re likely looking at around $100 to $200, depending on the color of paint you go with and what tools you need.

6. Make the Garage Comfortable With Insulation

Do you see a full-on garage remodel coming in the future? If so, adding insulation ahead of time is relatively affordable. On average, expect to pay around $1 per square foot for insulation. So if your garage is around 400 square feet, you’re likely going to spend around $400.

You might find this makes the home a little more energy efficient anyway, so you’re likely to recuperate the costs, regardless if you follow through with the entire remodeling process. This is a job you’re going to want to leave to the professionals for safety reasons.

Most Commonly Moved or Installed Features in Garage Remodels

Based on data from Angi, 23% of homeowners are looking to move or install interior walls or drywall in their garages, with flooring and insulation being the next most common, both at 19%. Only 12% of homeowners want to move or install garage doors, however.

DIY Is Your Best Friend for Budget-Friendly Garage Remodel Ideas

By doing most of these projects yourself, you’re going to save money, no matter your garage project. The only ones on this list you should absolutely let the professionals do the dirty work are insulation and HVAC hookup. Everything else, even adding the epoxy, is something you can easily handle over a weekend.

But if you want to make this a dream space, consider hiring a local garage remodeler. They’ll work with you to maximize your new space and help you to achieve your dream.