Are you out of space in your home for special entertaining areas? If all you want is a large spot with a television, a space for drinks, and maybe a few video game consoles, we might have the answer!
You may not have considered this yet, but…what about making a bar in your garage? It has a ton of versatility and could be the perfect option. It can be made to meet all your needs, no matter what they are!
Not only can it give you a new view of the space, but it can also be an exciting project! This also eliminates the need to add on a room, which can be messy and take weeks or months. Instead, start a do-it-yourself project where you can socialize with friends or just relax on your own.
Sounds like a lot of work, right? It's not! Our innovative process has only three steps and leaves you with a bar that is straight out of your imagination. So let's get started!
Shoot some pool with your friends or toss a few darts once you finish creating a bar in your spacious garage! Image from Unsplash.
#1 – First things first, you need a good plan!
There are two things to consider when starting this project. What budget do you have, and what goal do you have for the space?
How you want the garage to look in the end will significantly influence what kind of renovations you do inside the garage. Some might want a clean and simple design, while others want something elegant and extensive. No matter what you choose, you'll need to decide on a realistic budget.
Want to completely transform the garage? You can expect this to take extra money, time, and planning. Plus, if you want this to be a space you use every day, you need extras. For instance, an air conditioner or a heater might be needed. You'll also want the best insulation to stay comfortable.
For those who need to scale back the price, don't worry. There are creative methods to build a beautiful garage space without breaking the bank. Slap on a new color of paint on the walls for an easy change that makes the space feel completely different.
Have some experience with past home projects? Do a lot of repair work on your own? You're in luck because this can make the process less expensive. It might take more time, and you might need to take things slow, but there's nothing better than completing a project on your own.
It's essential to determine your budget, so you don't end up going overboard and being unable to finish your garage project! Image from Unsplash.
HANDY TIP: When it comes to things like plumbing or electrical work, this isn't recommended to do on your own. Professionals have the knowledge and tools needed, as well as required permits. Doing it on your own could result in mistakes or even injuries and could end up costing more in the long run.
Thoughts and tips to get you started
First, take a look at the garage and decide how much space is available. Use that with your budget to realistically decide how in-depth this project can get. This is the right time to do a bit of research and daydreaming to think about what end result you hope for.
Next up, there's nothing wrong with getting some opinions from others – especially if they've turned their garage into something new. They might have recommendations and tips that will get you through the process.
Not sure where to find inspiration? Hit up places like Pinterest or Instagram and look at what others have done. For instance, check out this link about 50 other existing man caves. Whether you want to drink and watch the game, play some poker, or geek out over video games, someone has made a project similar to what you desire.
#2 – Get the garage ready to avoid wasting time
It's time to start cleaning
Nobody likes cleaning, but it's sometimes a necessity, especially in a garage, where all sorts of belongings can end up on shelves, sitting on the floor, or in boxes for years.
However, before you get to the cleaning, take everything out of the garage. This will not only make cleaning a cinch but ensure you get a chance to go through old belongings. The ones you don't need can be donated or tossed in the trash to make more room for drinking and fun with friends.
After that, it's time for the scrubbing to start. For those with a garage that's been finished, clean any shelves or furniture to get rid of mold or dirt that's hanging around. Afterward, you can focus your energy on the floor and walls.
Have you run into stains on the floor from rust, oil, or paint? It can be tricky to clean this up without help. However, this article from Gilmour gives you all the necessary details about getting a concrete floor clean and shining for the next stage of your project. Make sure the floor looks excellent using the tips provided!
What to know about insulation
No matter how finished the garage is, insulation is essential. A bar is a living area, and you don't want to be burning up in summer or freezing in the winter. Plus, you want to keep air from going out the door, windows, or other areas that aren't completely airtight.
The needed amount of insulation will depend on the garage and whether it's attached to the house or not. Keep in mind that R-value is a measurement for thermal resistance. This rating is what to watch for when selecting insulation. As the number increases, so does the ability to insulate your space.
When selecting insulation, you have choices. Go with sprayed foam, rigid foam, blown-in cellulose, or even fiberglass. Take a look at this website to get details about each type so you can make the best decision!
Garage door considerations
Take a moment to think about yourself hanging out in this room with friends and a drink. The backyard is right outside to make the space feel even more alive. Create your own version of this room using a fully-glass California garage door design rimmed with an aluminum black frame.
The door to your garage is more than a door – it's also a wall. Considering the R-value is one aspect of choosing a door, but there are other things to consider. For instance, the colors you like, the style you appreciate, and the windows you want will all have an effect on which door is right for you.
Windows, design, and the combination of the two
Adding a brand spanking new door to the garage is one of the best ways to make your house stand out. You can choose any style you like – but remember that this will cause differences in the thermal resistance.
For instance, modern homeowners have recently become enamored with garage doors made of glass like you might see at the front of a shop. It offers an easy way to increase the natural light in your home. Plus, you can choose tempered glass to add additional security and privacy.
Are you living in an area that gets frigid in the winter? Fewer windows might be better for your garage door. You can still bring in light, but the amount of insulation will be better. If you struggle with window condensation, adding a dehumidifier to the space can efficiently resolve the issue.
Do you plan to spend many more hours in the garage after the project concludes? If you do, think about the Princeton P-13 design with a top panel that has clear panoramic windows. Create warmth and elegance with doors and overlays in Desert Sand.
Time to think about maintenance
It stands to reason that if you use the garage for your bar, you won't open it as often. However, that doesn't mean you should avoid maintaining it. You need to spend time going over the parts of the system to make sure it's safe for use.
For instance, if the weatherstripping breaks down, it can lead to gaps and holes. Leaves, water, dirt, and more can pass through to the space. Plus, you might notice rodents trying to make it inside, which we doubt you'll be too happy about.
The good news is that maintenance doesn't have to be your responsibility. Many of the local garage door companies near you provide maintenance services. Experts can ensure everything is in perfect shape and handle any needed repairs.
Add great lighting and consider available electricity
One of the best ways to finish up the space is through magnificent lighting. It can totally transform a garage and make it feel like a bar. You can go with lighter or darker colors depending on the aesthetic you want and what time of day you plan to use the garage.
Worried since you aren't educated on lighting? Learn a bit about the topic from this article from Juniper. It goes into the various kinds of lighting and how to use them to get the effect you want.
- Consider indirect light of a warm color for a comfortable, relaxing space.
- If visibility is more important, go with direct light that is bright and intense.
But lighting isn't the only thing to consider. You also want to be sure you have plenty of outlets. At least one set on each wall is best when you want a modern living area that works as a bar. This means never having to sacrifice your favorite devices to plug something new in.
EXPERT TIP: In areas with intense cold or heat, you will want a heater or air conditioner in the garage. This makes the space more comfortable and reduces the humidity you might otherwise feel.
Making changes to the floor
Most people don't want a bar with a simple floor of concrete, and that's okay. All sorts of covering and paints are available to spruce things up. We made a list of different alternatives from Family Handyman.
- Tiles (choose from flexible or rigid models)
- Mats that roll out over the floor
- Epoxy coatings
- Concrete sealer, stain, or paint
Consider the benefits and disadvantages and look at your budget to determine which is the best solution for your floor.
#3 – Now we move to the exciting section – decorating the space!
After all that hard work, decorating can be exciting. Let your imagination go wild in terms of what you want to display in the bar area. Try rustic signs and furniture, go with neon lights and glasses, or try something entirely different. The sky is the limit!
- Drink bar
Sure, you can buy a bar for a large chunk of change. You could also ask someone else to make it. But the best option is to use this guide to make your own! Read about what tools and materials you need and then create something that you'll enjoy for years to come.
Next, you can install a cabinet for liquor or add a mini-fridge to store all the sodas and alcohol you want. Everyone will love having a drink or two in your bar garage!
- Massive flatscreen television
Want to use the bar for watching sports or movies? Love to play console games? You definitely need a huge television or a projector screen. Add a soundbar and some excellent lighting to build a space you and your friends love.
EXPERT TIP: Are there other rooms near the garage? You'll want to do some soundproofing. Either add extra drywall or replace the wall, so everyone is happy.
Ready to spend days on end watching your favorite films or binging Amazon Prime shows? Make sure you get seating that feels great all day long, so you never need to worry about back pain.
Look at a few ideas of home cinemas on Pinterest and choose your fave!
- All your top games
Ever wanted to have a dartboard? Arcade cabinets? A pool table? Room for poker games? Your friends will love coming over and having a blast in your new bar space.
There are all sorts of places to purchase them. Go online, head to a store nearby, or see if neighbors and friends are selling them because they no longer use them!
Crown off the achievement with a gorgeous garage door
A garage door needs to be practical, but it might also be exciting if it matches your new space. There are options that take both into consideration. When you work with a garage door technician near you, you can find out more about the options that fit your vision.
You can choose any hue you want in a design you love and then add on hardware that matches it all. With so many options, it can be overwhelming. The good news is that the pros at A-1 Overhead Door Systems can assist you with choosing the suitable options for your needs. Step one is choosing from 3 main styles:
- Traditional offers a straightforward and restrained design that always looks good.
- Contemporary is designed to be clean and crisp, looking for modern homes.
- Carriage House presents a more rustic feel that adds a dose of charm.
Love the way this space looks? This is a California garage door that measures 12' x 7'with clear glass and an aluminum black frame.
Acquire a free quote to put together a budget that stands up
Spend some time at our Design Centre to see what your customized garage door could look like on your home. We can also send out a complimentary quotation through email. Once you have that, you can decide on your budget and get started on this fun project!
Gain insight from expert garage door professionals in your area
If you still need help before you make a decision, you can contact us at 978-342-3344! We can work with you on garage door maintenance, size, insulation, or whatever else is on your mind. We'll work with you throughout the entirety of your next project.
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