The family room that once inhabited the basement of your home or the main living level may have given itself over to a DIY space or even a room specifically for teens and friends. The pool table has become a cluttered "table," and the game room is no more. If that is not a familiar tale, maybe it is because you've been eager to have a game for a while, but haven't thought you had the space. Either way, if you are willing to invest a bit of money and some time, you can turn the garage into a game room.
Below are seven steps you'll have to follow to turn the garage into a premiere game room.
1. Think Versatility
The garage may be the catchall for junk, seasonal items, extra food, and all kinds of other items. It may be the only spot you park a car or a seasonal vehicle like a motorcycle. However, it is a lot more versatile and adaptable than you might think…even if it is a bit cluttered, dirty and dark. The first step to success is to think of it as a spot of versatility and you'll be off to a good start.
2. Make a Plan
Now that you're on board with the idea of a garage to game room conversion, it is time to begin making all kinds of plans. Go right ahead and create a vision board or a must‑have list of the games and functions the room will provide. Don't forget that there will also be all kinds of other tasks that have to happen before it gets rolling, and some of them are outlined below.
3. Parking
It may be a hardship to give up indoor parking if you are in a location with heavy winters, but many municipalities allow portable car shelters to be installed during the winter months, and this can be a workable solution. You won't have to shovel out the car, and yet the garage can still be turned into a game room.
4. Measure
Once the cars are out of the garage, you may find that you have an enormous amount of space, or you may see that you have a lot of work ahead getting rid of stuff. First things first, though, take some time to measure the entire space. Draw a basic floor plan to track how much space there is, where the windows and doors are located, and more.
Include things like ductwork, electrical boxes, plumbing, and more. Don't forget the space above the garage door, especially if you have a high ceiling.
Then, go right ahead and map it all out as you envision the game room appearing. Where is the pool table, the mini‑fridge full of snacks, and the rest of the pieces? Ask everyone to contribute some ideas to this planning phase to add a lot of fun and creativity.
5. Declutter
Your plans are mapped out…now what? As we said above, this is the moment to gauge what belongings need and want, and which items can be given away or simply tossed. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to get rid of mountains of belongings. One thing, though. If you are keeping a lot of things, invest in plastic cabinets and bins. Why? Cardboard, although affordably priced, will hold moisture. These molds, mildews, degrades and smells. Just toss it and start anew with premium storage.
6. Must-Do Tasks
Converting any space means looking around at tasks that need to be done as repairs. For instance, patching holes in the walls, sealing concrete and painting are just a few. There can also be a lot of electrical work done to accommodate games and new lighting. There may be some plumbing needed for a sink or small bath.
If you are going to paint the space, think about an epoxy paint for the flooring and keep things light and airy if you want to visually enlarge the space or go dark and cozy for a warmer game room. Think about comfort. For example, investing in some sofas and chairs, good tables, lighting of all kinds, and even décor can make the shift quite impressive. Don't forget to add a sound system for music, a TV and gaming gear for the ultimate gaming room.
Then it is time to add the games!
We mentioned the pool table, but why not other games, such as:
- Air Hockey Table
- Darts
- Foosball
- Pinball Machine
- Ping-Pong
- Blackjack or Poker Table
- Putting Green
- Video Games
There are so many options and you'll find many within even a limited budget.
7. The Garage Door
And what about the fourth wall? The garage door! An insulated and weathertight door is the only way to protect your investment as well as ensuring you are warm and cozy at any time of year when you hang out in your game room.
If you live in the Orangeville or Mississauga area, please contact us at 1‑800‑957‑5865. We're experts in garage doors and glad to offer advice in the selection of the ideal door. We can steer you towards the right choice for any budget and send out an email quotation if needed. You can also drop by the showroom where you can see many styles for yourself, or go online to our Design Centre to test out the different styles. We make an image gallery available as a source of inspiration, too.
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