Are you considering converting your garage into a rec room? Garage conversions can range from very simple and affordable to extremely elaborate and pricey. Depending on your needs, a rec room might mean a yoga or fitness space, a game room, an artist’s nook, or just a place to hang out. Talk to your family about how you are going to use the space before beginning any work. Your garage is probably already wired for electricity; however, you may want to change out the flooring, upgrade the walls, and bring in heating and cooling.
Take a Look at Your Flooring Options
Most garages have concrete flooring, and you can certainly stick with that material and just polish or acid-stain the floor. However, concrete is hard on your body. Therefore, you may want to consider several other flooring options.
PVC and polypropylene flooring tiles, for example, are simple yet durable options. These interlocking tiles come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and thicknesses. You don’t even need to glue them down, so they are very easy to install.
Carpeting is a suitable option, as well. However, it’s best to use carpet only if you are removing the garage door and framing it in. Otherwise, because of moisture concerns, carpeting is probably not your best choice.
Ceramic tile and natural stone are also suitable for game rooms, man caves, and other rec spaces. These selections are typically more expensive and different to DIY than the previously mentioned flooring options. However, they offer a beautiful, timeless look that you may prefer.
Vinyl flooring is one of the best flooring alternatives for a garage conversion. It’s affordable, handles moisture, and cleans easily. These days, you can find vinyl planks or tiles that resemble wood, tile, and natural stone flooring. If you perimeter-glue the vinyl rather than gluing the pieces entirely, you can remove them easily when you want to change the flooring out later on.
Choose Your Paint Colors Wisely
If your garage is already drywalled, then you are ready for paint. If it’s not, then Family Handyman offers some DIY tips for framing, insulating, and drywalling your conversion.
Give some thought as to what kind of vibe you want in this space. In order to achieve the right atmosphere, the right paint job is key. For example, blue paint can create a peaceful and calm atmosphere, which might be great if you are using the room for a yoga space or an artist’s retreat. Blue is also relaxing. Therefore, if your rec room is going to double as a sleeping area for guests, this might be an optimal choice.
Red is a stimulating color that is cheerful and energetic. For a true game room, consider painting all the walls, or at least one accent wall, in red. Green brings on harmony, balance, and joy. For a more energetic space, tilt toward lime green. For a more relaxing room, a lighter more subdued shade would work. Yellow is a sunny, optimistic color. Bright yellow can be overwhelming to the eyes, but pale shades can be cheery and modern.
Make It Comfortable
An HVAC expert can extend the ductwork of your home system into your garage, but that may not be an expense you won’t want to take on. Fortunately, you have other options for heating and cooling your space. Ductless split air conditioning systems, also referred to as mini-splits, can cool and heat your space efficiently without ductwork. The units are small and produce minimal noise, so they are terrific options for garage conversions. Portable air conditioners and space heaters are also available at your local home improvement store.
Converting your garage to a rec room can add a fun and functional space to your home that your whole family will enjoy. Unless you need extensive wiring work done, a garage conversion is something that you can do yourself with some time, effort, and know-how. Do your research to find the right flooring, paint, heating, and cooling selections that meet your needs.
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