4 Garage Makeover Ideas for Budget-Savvy Homeowners

A garage is more than the home to your cars, gardening tools, and extra stuff. It is an integral part of your home that offers utility, storage, and appeal. But it's a generally neglected, underutilized space and homeowners tend to overlook it when it comes to renovation. 

As of 2019, 65% of American single-family homes had a two-car garage, while another 19% had a parking area large enough to accommodate three or more cars. Additionally, only 7% of newly built houses had a one-car garage. Clearly, Americans like this part of their homes. 

However, one in four homeowners considers the space too cluttered, even to fit their cars. You surely have a good reason to invest in its makeover in this situation. And if you're planning to sell, a garage makover can give curb appeal a boost. A study by Virginia Tech shows that homes with good curb appeal sell for 5.5% to 12.7% higher.

Fortunately, a garage makeover need not burn a hole in your budget. With some DIY and a little professional help (especially if you go with installing shelving), you can also complete this project in no time. Here are a few actionable garage makeover ideas for frugal homeowners.   

Start by organizing

Surveys show that clutter is a nationwide homeowners’ problem. Reasons such as lack of space (33%), time constraints (27%), and too much stuff (25%) for are cited for accumulating clutter. Your garage may have tons of it, from gardening tools to cleaning supplies, old furniture, and everything that doesn’t fit inside your home.

Why not take the first step towards a garage makeover project by eliminating all the extra stuff and organizing everything else? Skip the hoarding mindset and purge all unnecessary items (have a yard sale then drop off what's left at a local charity shop). Once you've purged, start organizing by installing shelves —they help you maximize parking space. The best part about this step is that you can implement it without the pros, which can save you tons of money. "A little decluttering can go a long way toward transforming a space without overspending,” says Andrei Newman of Casa Blui.

Give it a paint refresh

A new coat of paint is the next best garage makeover idea for homeowners on a tight budget. Once again, you can DIY this project although pros won't charge much for something as simple as a garage. Studies show that indoor colors can affect your mood, so skip the dull shades that feel like an afterthought and paint your garage in bright hues.

Also, remember to choose weatherproof paint because this area bears the brunt of the rain and sun. With the average garage paint project costing $2.70 per square foot, you can save up enough for it within a few months. The results are worth it because you'll have a clean-feeling storage area and parking spot. 

Upgrade your garage door

Upgrading your garage door can make all the difference when it comes to curb appeal. According to Atlantic Ocean Group, dented panels, broken springs, and an off-balance door are the red flags homeowners should not overlook. These signs indicate that your garage door requires repair or replacement. You may also want to upgrade it after a decade or so.

Don’t skimp on this project because the last thing you want is lose a sale thanks to an ugly (or faulty) garage door. Furthermore, overlooking it can compromise home security. 

Illuminate the space

Another budget-savvy garage makeover idea is to install new lighting, especially is you're going to use part of the space for DIY projects or crafting. Most garages have a couple of old bulbs and just one electrical outlet. That means you may have a sad-looking space that limits how much it can be used for DIY projects. Moreover, inadequate lighting can lead to home security issues.

Why not give the space an illumination refresh? Installing LED fixtures is a great idea as they consume 80% less energy than incandescent lighting and last 25 times longer. Those are some numbers for a savvy and eco-conscious homeowner looking to save money and make a difference to the environment. Not to mention, you now have a more secure and happy parking space. 

The bottom line

A garage makeover is a wise investment because it offers a high ROI and enhances the value of your home. The best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on the project. You can implement these simple measures to maximize the results with minimal spending. Get some DIY inspiration, and do not hesitate to call experts for a door refresh. That’s all you need to get a brand-new look and feel for your garage.