1 of 6
photo provided by Encore Garage Ohio
2 of 6
photo provided by Encore Garage Ohio
3 of 6
photo provided by Encore Garage Ohio
4 of 6
photo provided by Encore Garage Ohio
5 of 6
photo provided by Encore Garage Ohio
6 of 6
photo provided by Encore Garage Ohio
Mike Padden thinks garages hold untapped potential.
“They’re basically a new frontier of home renovation,” says Padden, owner of Encore Garage Ohio, which has Akron-Canton and Medina-Strongsville-Cleveland offices.
Carol Null, director of inside sales and marketing for Encore, says the pandemic made the idea of a garage renovation doubly appealing. People are spending time at home identifying projects, and garage space is readily available to reclaim.
To begin, find what Padden calls a utility space. Think of it as underutilized square footage begging to become a multifunctional escape. For instance, Padden references a Hudson client who had workout equipment scattered across his home. They transformed an unused bay in a three-car garage into a tricked-out gym (pictured above).
A garage can also house a child’s playroom, a hangout for friends, a spot to groom the dog or storage for off-season clothing. All it takes is imagination.
“Before it was a dungeon,” Padden says. “All of a sudden it becomes a vibrant space.”
These are some improvements Padden recommends.
Fresh Slate
Cracked flooring and stained walls make for an inhospitable space, so fix those first. Padden says flooring is a job for the experts and cautions against do-it-yourself staining, which can turn the garage into an ice rink. “Twenty-five percent of our business is tearing that stuff up,” he explains.
Encore repairs damage in floors and then coats them with an epoxy called Flex-Core. It’s nonslip, stain-resistant and durable against chipping, peeling and blistering. The glossy floor coat comes in a variety of colors and resembles terrazzo.
Upgrade dingy walls with a fresh coat of exterior-grade paint. In the Hudson gym, Padden used navy paint and stacked wood paneling in various shades to create an unexpected pop that counters a white wall with the inspirational message “No Excuses” displayed in black block letters.
Stow Away
Garages function as storage spaces, but you can make yours neater with new cabinets that hide anything from trash cans to golf clubs.
Padden uses “garage-tough” units such as slat-wall systems and hooks that can withstand weather and conceal rakes, shovels, hoses and more behind custom cabinet doors. Overhead metal storage systems are ideal for less frequently accessed items such as bikes and suitcases. If your house doesn’t have a mudroom, wall hooks and cubbies can organize coats and shoes.
Adding drawers to cabinets and more wall hooks can turn the spot into a handy tool bench or simply a place to stash keys, mail and other on-the-go items. For countertops, laminate, stainless steel or butcher block help incorporate a design element.
Key Comfort
Once the basics are set, it’s time for the finishing touches. Padden recommends installing heating for year-round use. Consider swapping out single fluorescent bulbs for LED lights or a sleek new light fixture. Cushy patio furniture provides stylish, weather-resistant seating.
This is the time to get creative and decorate it as you would your home. Turn a corner into a wet bar with a sink and mini-fridge or use an opening under the cabinets for a TV to watch the game.
“People like dog baths to take care of their pooches,” Padden says, referencing a white tile dog shower system he installed in Bath (pictured above). That space got outfitted with wicker baskets for towels and plants, a ceramic treat jar, a wooden crate for shampoo and a sign that says “Molly’s Dog Wash” for a personalized look.
