3 Common Garage Remodeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
80% of homebuyers consider the garage a factor when choosing a home.
This means that making your garage an attractive and well-functioning space is an excellent investment. It will provide value to you while you live there and use it, and again if you sell your home.
But remodeling a garage is a big undertaking, and it can be overwhelming to think about all the potential garage remodeling mistakes that could happen. But don’t worry! Being aware of a few key pitfalls can help you to have a smooth garage remodel.
Keep reading to learn about mistakes to avoid to keep your garage remodeling project going smoothly.
1. Trying To DIY It
It can be tempting to try and do your garage remodel yourself, but unless you’re trained and know what you’re doing this can lead to some big headaches. The main reason people try to DIY their remodel is to save money. But if you don’t know what you’re doing you will likely wind up spending more by having to do things more than once.
Some issues that you run across in a garage remodel can indicate a bigger structural problem. Things like cracked walls or garage floors can mean issues with your foundation and you need a professional to evaluate these.
To avoid making this mistake you should hire a reputable contractor who offers a garage remodeling service. Be sure to check reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings for any company you consider.
2. Using Low-Quality Materials
Another mistake many people make when doing a garage remodel project is that they use low-quality materials to save money. This is another instance where you’ll likely wind up spending more in the long run.
Cheap garage floor coatings are one of the biggest places where this happens. If you cover over peeling or cracked concrete with paint it won’t last in the long run and will eventually begin peeling again and wind up looking worse. Consider a higher quality flooring option like RaceDeck garage flooring or something similar.
Another area where it is critical to choose a high-quality option is the garage door. Especially if you’re in an area that experiences extreme weather. A cheap door can get damaged easily and you may wind up needing a new one in the not too distant future.
Additionally, having a cheap garage door can present a security issue for your home, if it is easy to get through even without the proper opener.
To avoid making this mistake be sure to choose solid, high-quality materials the first time. They don’t have to be top of the line, but they need to hold up under tough conditions.
3. Not Having A Plan
A garage remodel is a massive undertaking that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month or more. Work with your contractor to make a plan so you know roughly how long it will take and what to expect when.
Depending on the season the remodel takes place you may need to account for extra storage for your tools and cars to avoid the snow. Even if you’re not worried about the weather, what do you plan to do with the contents of your garage while the work is being done?
If you do choose to do the work yourself, having a plan becomes even more important. You need to do the work in a certain order so as not to cause issues for the next piece of the project.
Be sure to have a set plan for your work, or work with your contractor to make a plan to avoid these issues. Also, be sure to have backup plans included because as with all large-scale projects, something will inevitably take longer than it is meant to.
Avoid These Garage Remodeling Mistakes
A garage remodel can add value and function to your home, but it’s not without its risks. Follow these tips and you can avoid making some of the biggest garage remodeling mistakes.
Are you planning a garage remodel? Let us know in the comments!
