Turn your garage into a game room

The garage: a very versatile place

Often forgotten, the garage has lately evolved into an extension of the house, a room that we never thought of fitting out properly to meet our family’s needs.

We normally use it first to park the car. Then, we might add a DIY workspace and store dry food and our growing accumulation of keepsakes.

And ultimately, it is the arrival of a second fridge or freezer, when it’s not the installation of the washer and dryer.

So now you’re at a stage in your life where you have to use a little basement space for the family's needs, and you need to move your game area. The garage can be a great option if you take the time to properly plan you project.

The key to success: make a plan!

• Park cars outside
  If your municipality allows it, you could install a portable car shelter outside during the winter that will protect your car from the weather, so you don’t have to remove the snow in the mornings when you are in a hurry to get to work. Some car shelters can easily fit two cars side by side.
• Measure the available space
  There may be some belongings you prefer to store in the garage instead of outdoors or in a shed. Take some graft paper to draw up a plan, to scale as much as possible, and note all the available space you have. Include the location of windows, if any, and any other fixed objects such as ducts (water, heating) of any kind. Also, think in three dimensions: add the height to your sketch. Here is a specific example: if you have a staircase inside the garage that leads to the basement, see how you could use the space above the stairs to put shelves and store your tires. Also think about the space above the garage door, especially if you have a high ceiling.
• Build your game room on paper
  If you have a pool table, what is its size and where do you want to place it? Will it be fixed or on wheels? Do the same for all the other items and don’t forget to account for any storage space you might need moving forward. For a good brainstorming session, ask all your family members. They can bring up ideas that you might never have thought of.
• A renovation list?
  Chances are repainting the walls and concrete floor will be on top of your to‑do list. Think long term: use epoxy paint for the floor. You can even add decorative flakes to give it a more finished game room look. When it comes to choosing colors for the walls, favor pale colors, especially if your garage was built to park a single car. A darker color for the ceiling will give the illusion that it is lower and create a more intimate feel to your space. Finally, carefully analyze any electrical work that may need to be done (lighting, additional heating, addition of electrical outlets). Maybe also plumbing so you can add a sink while you’re at it?

Declutter!

Your plan is completed, and you know how to execute it. Now what? Figure out what belongings you really want to keep, those you want to get rid of and what you want to give to charity. It can be bittersweet to part with objects with sentimental value, but it is important that you prioritize during this part of the process and let go of less meaningful or useful belongings.

Store what is left of your decluttering session in cabinets or in plastic bins. Avoid cardboard boxes: they accumulate moisture with time and develop musty smells.

Make your garage comfortable

Seem like a lot of work? You’re thinking of doing it gradually? No problem! But if you do, make sure your space is pleasant and inviting at all stages of the process. The lighting and colors of the walls play a very important role in making a space cozy. If you are installing a couch and a TV, consider adding rugs for a more finished look.

Games you could add...

We talked about a pool table, but why not think about other types of games?

As you can see, you have plenty of options! It's up to you to customize your game room according to your family's preferences and, of course, to your budget.

The garage door must be part of your project...

We have yet to talk about the "fourth wall": your garage door! For optimal comfort, it is important that your door be well insulated and weathertight to protect you from the cold, the heat and the humidity.

If you live in the Greensburg area, please contact us at 724-834-8450.

We know garage doors better than anyone else. We will advise you on the best garage door system that meets your needs and your budget. We can send you an email quotation if needed.

Don’t hesitate to meet us at our showroom. As well, use our Design Centre to choose the style of garage door that suits you best. Also check out our image gallery to give you lots of ideas.