For some homeowners, having a garage is non-negotiable. For others, it’s just a lot of extra storage space and a place they dread going. If you’re the latter, read on while we make our case for turning this space into a game room.
One-Car vs. Two-Car Garages
If you have a one-car garage, you’ll likely want to convert the whole space. But what if you have an oversized two-car garage? Here you’ll have a few different options. Besides turning the lot into a game room, you could also split it in half and get the best of both worlds. It’s fairly easy to set up a temporary wall or build a partition. Once split, you’ll have all the space you need to build a pretty epic games room.
Remodeling Your Garage
It’s important to map out how you want to use your space before you start any construction or remodeling. You’ll also want to ask yourself a few questions:
- Do you want to keep your garage door?
- Will you need heating or A/C?
- Will you need plumbing?
- How much effort do you want to put into a remodel?
For a game room, keeping a garage door could be a fun and quirky move. It could also be useful during the warmer months if you live in a reasonable climate where there’s always a nice breeze. For colder months, adding a space heater can be a nice, affordable alternative to adding an HVAC system.
However, if you live somewhere where the climate isn’t reasonable — or if you’re simply used to A/C or central heating — adding in an HVAC system is an option. First, see if your current system can support an extra room. If not, you can update what you have or purchase a separate system for the garage. If you choose to go this route though, you’ll definitely want to get rid of your garage door to improve insulation.
Additionally, depending on where your garage is located or how large it is, you might want to consider adding in a small bathroom. If you’ve got the space and money for this type of remodel, this is a worthy move.
For a simple remodel, you’ll also likely want to add in new flooring or carpet, give the walls a fresh coat of paint, and make any necessary repairs to the space. You may need to install some insulation, better lighting, and more outlets. If you get rid of the garage door, you’ll also want to add in windows too.
Furnishing Your Converted Space
How you choose to furnish your game room largely depends on the type of gaming you like and your personal tastes. At the least, you’ll definitely want to add in a large table and chairs. Some shelving for board games, lamps, and additional seating, like a couch or a few comfortable chairs, are also a good idea. You want your converted space to feel like an extension of your home, not a cold garage. Adding in artwork, a television, or a stereo system — anything that will make your game room feel like your place will help you avoid that.
Breaking In Your Game Room
Besides personally enjoying a remodel, one of the best aspects is showing it off to all your friends. But what’s the best way to do this? Instead of just inviting them over for a quick run-through, it’s time to host the ultimate poker night. For beginners, the best variant to start with is usually Five-Card Draw because it’s one of the simplest variations and the easiest to learn. Otherwise, you can start with Texas Hold’em since it’s the most popular variant.
But to make it “the ultimate poker night” you’ll probably want to play a few different variants (at least). There are many versions to choose from, and they all share certain basic rules. Games like 6+ Hold’em, Showtime Hold’em, and Omaha are all similar to Texas Hold’em but with a few exciting differences. For example, in 6+ Hold’em, all cards lower than a six are removed from the deck. In Showtime Hold’em, all folded cards remain face up for the rest of the hand, and with Omaha, players start off with four-hole cards rather than two. With so many variations to play — and ways to keep things exciting — you might just want to make poker night a weekly tradition.
Of all the remodeling projects you can take on in your home, remodeling a garage is certainly one of the simplest and least time-consuming projects. Taking on this task will help you to bring new life into an unused (or under-used) part of your home.