Garage game rooms: A great use of extra space

Now that the kids are older and there is a growing need for additional living space, it might be time to take the non‑essentials somewhere else. Of course, you'll have to decide where you want to put your pool table, air hockey table, or other games and machines that you have bought or been gifted over the years. Invest in a renovation with the tips below on how to make a great game room in your garage space.

Versatility abounds in the garage

Although some people all‑but forget the garage, it has started to become another extension of the home's living space, offering square footage that is useful for a number of things. Garages are most commonly used for parking cars, working on projects, or storing your belongings or food. Appliances, including a washer and dryer, could become part of your space, as well.

If you find yourself in a place where you have to give up your game room for added living space in the basement, you don't have to get rid of it. Just move it to the garage. With a little planning, you can create a great game area that is sure to impress.

Planning is key

Now that the family has agreed upon the project at hand, you can get together to discuss all of the things that need to be done.

• Park your car(s) outside and consider a carport or parking shelter. If your city allows it, you may be able to buy a one‑car or two‑car shelter that you can install in your driveway or yard to protect your car from the elements, even when you can't use the garage.
• Measure the AVAILABLE space. Just because your garage has a certain square footage, that doesn't mean that you will be able to use all of it. In fact, you likely have some items that are going to stay in the garage, such as the appliances or even your workshop and tool bench. Get some graph paper and make a rough sketch of the space. Try to keep measurements to scale and include the height of the room so that you can plan for addressing the vertical storage options. Also think about the space above the garage door, especially if you have a high ceiling.

• Add your game room design to the graph paper. Using the available space in your garage drawing, you can draw in where you want the pool table, pinball machine, or other gaming pieces to go so that you can just move everything right into its new home. Consider asking the family for input on this, too.

• Make a list for renovations because you are going to want to do those at the same time, you're already taking the contents out of the garage and finding them new homes. Consider investing in epoxy paint for the floors and add decorative flakes if you want to give it a unique touch. While pale colors are good for the walls, you should consider dark colors for high ceilings when you want to make the space feel smaller and more intimate.

One last thing that you'll want to check is to make sure that there is no electrical work that needs to be done. Check out the lighting, outlets, and any additional heating or other items you might need to make your game space perfect.

Declutter the space to make room

Now that you've completed making a plan and have an idea of how to pull it off, you can start getting rid of all of the stuff that you don't need in the garage. If it's usable but not to you, give it to charity. If it's just trash, throw it out. Make sure that you prioritize what you are keeping.

Also, store anything that you do keep in plastic totes, bins, or cabinets. Cardboard is going to cause damage in most cases because it can draw in moisture.

Comfort first and always

It might seem like a lot of work to turn your garage into a game room. It might be something that you're working on a little at a time. Regardless, just make sure that you have a useful, inviting space throughout the process. For your upgrades, consider the lighting and the wall colors, as well as the ambiance that they will create. You can even add an area rug to the space to finish it off a little more.

Get your games ready

There are quite a few different games that you can add to your game room besides a pool table:

These are just a few of the many options that you have to customize your perfect game room for your family. You can do it all on your timeline and within the realm of your budget, too, which makes it a solid choice for everyone.

Your project needs to include the garage door

We haven't brought it up yet, but it's one of the most important parts of your garage space: the fourth wall. Also known as your garage door, this must be replaced to provide optimal comfort and offer a truly upgraded space. Choose a door that is weathertight and well‑insulated for your new space. You'll find a lot more heat and humidity protection with a newer garage door.

If you live in the Mississauga or Georgetown areas, feel free to contact us at 905-569-9133 or 905-873-4848.

Our team knows garage doors better than anyone in the area and can advise you on the best upgrade your garage door system. Email quotes are available for those who want them, and you can even set up a visit to our local showroom to see everything firsthand. Use the Design Centre to see what your new garage will look like and check the image gallery to get inspired about your new design.