5 Cheap Garage Renovation Tips for a Money-Smart Makeover

If you’re like most people, your garage isn’t just a space to park your car. It could also be a spot to exercise, store stuff or even launch a business — Google, Amazon, Apple and more all started in a garage. Regardless of how you use the space, renovating your garage will ensure it is up to task for years. Are you thinking of giving this space a makeover without breaking the bank? Here are five cheap garage renovation tips to get you started.

1. Clear the Clutter

Sometimes, all you need to achieve the best garage is to clean it up. Start by sorting everything into three designated piles — keep, sell and trash.

“Keep” is for items you frequently use or things you want to store for a while, such as holiday decorations. “Sell” is for items you no longer need but still have value. “Trash” is everything else that doesn’t fit into the other two categories.

If you’re feeling generous, you could also create a “Donate” pile. With the clutter cleared, you can better organize the space and identify other areas that could benefit from a makeover.

2. Save Space With Pegboards and Magnetic Panels

Cabinets and drawers are great storage solutions but take up a lot of floor space, so utilize wall space instead. Pegboards and magnetic panels are easy to hang. Plus, you can store all sorts of things on them, including small power tools, sporting equipment and cables.

In addition to saving space, pegboards make finding stuff in your garage easier. Consider how much time you save when you can simply pick something off the wall instead of rifling through a cabinet.

3. Paint the Walls

Throwing on a fresh coat of paint can be an inexpensive way to breathe new life into your garage. Depending on the size of the garage and the type of paint used, you can get the job done with a few hundred dollars.

Be strategic with your choice of paint color. If your garage is insulated, you can choose any color you want. But if it isn’t, consider using lighter colors like white and cream. Dark colors trap more heat, making the garage warmer during hot weather.

4. Check Your Garage Door 

If your garage door has seen better days or needs repairs, now’s the time to do something about it. A busted garage door is no good — it can lead to safety issues and security concerns. Plus, the longer you wait, the more expensive it can be to fix.

Units with a standard torsion spring generally last around 10,000 cycles. The more you operate the door, the sooner the springs need replacing. Practicing proper garage door maintenance can improve its longevity, allowing you to enjoy the doors a few years longer. Just make sure to get a professional’s help when adjusting the door’s components.

5. Incorporate Smart Technology

Even if you’re not parking your car in there, your garage is still home to valuable belongings. You’ll want to know the door is always secure, which you can do through smart garage door openers.

These nifty devices are great for closing your garage door remotely, whether you’re driving off to work or settling in for the night. Moreover, it’s relatively easy to troubleshoot any issues you have and in some cases, you only need an app on your phone to operate the system.

Is Renovating a Garage Worth It?

Absolutely! You can enjoy more floor space, smart technology upgrades, improved security and curb appeal. It’s worth it from a cost vs. value standpoint, too.

For instance, replacing your garage doors in 2023 can give you a 102.7% return on your investment. This ROI exceeds popular renovation projects like midrange kitchen remodels (41.8%) and primary suite additions (30%).

Shake Up Your Garage On the Cheap

Making over your garage doesn’t have to be expensive. With these budget-friendly renovation ideas, anyone can transform their garage into the perfect space for their car and hobbies.