Tips for turning your garage into a hangout spot

February 10, 2025 30

Your garage has untapped potential as more than just a place to park your car or store your tools, especially if it’s spacious. In recent years, transforming garages into dual-purpose spaces—combining car storage with a versatile hangout area—has become increasingly popular. Taking on this home improvement project can add value to your home and provide a functional and enjoyable space for you and your family.

Let’s get into the top tips for turning your garage into a hangout spot.

Declutter the area

Before you start remodeling, you’ll have to remove everything from your garage and start with a clean slate. Establish piles for what you will keep, donate, or discard and move items into other areas such as your basement or shed if possible. You may also buy storage bins or shelves for any supplies you want to keep in the garage to avoid wasting too much floor space.

Moreover, decide whether you’ll keep your car(s) in the garage, as this will require zoning off an area for your vehicle(s). Once you’ve done this, clean the floors and walls and make sure everything is dry before you move forward.

Insulate and climate control the space

Unlike the rest of your home, a garage usually lacks insulation and climate control for year-round comfort. As a result, it may feel extra hot during summer and freezing cold in the winter, rendering your hangout spot useless. To avoid this, add insulation such as spray foam or fiberglass between the wall studs and ceiling joists.

You can further control the climate by adding a mini-split for air conditioning and heating. One of the most important things to know about mini-splits is that they do not require ductwork, so the temperature in your garage won’t directly impact the one in your home.

Add electrical upgrades

Now is the time to decide on the exact use for your new hangout space and what you’ll need to add. Is this the spot to watch football with friends or a zone for playing video games? The main purpose of your hangout space determines exactly which electronics you’ll add, such as lights, a mini-fridge, or a flat-screen TV.

As you add upgrades, evaluate the layout of your space since devices should be near an outlet. If you plan to add appliances, like a microwave, you may have to hire an electrician to upgrade the plug for a higher power output; traditional plugs may not suffice, which could lead to a blown fuse.

Select a decor theme

The final tip for turning your garage into a hangout spot is to decide on decor based on its function and your interests. Consider what kind of ambience you want to create, whether it’s a modern, rustic, or minimalist vibe. This will also make it easier to pick out decorations and furniture that will tie everything together.

Take the time to plan your renovation to ensure a perfect home project. Whether it becomes a sanctuary for relaxation or the centerpiece of social gatherings, your revitalized space will bring you a new level of enjoyment.