Category: Garage Remodeling

Garage Upgrades that Maximize Your Home Value

While kitchens and bathrooms usually steal the spotlight in home remodeling, a thoughtfully upgraded garage can not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also add functionality and efficiency. From sleek storage solutions to advanced technological integrations, transforming your garage can redefine the way you experience and utilize this space, making it a key player in elevating your property’s market appeal.

Whether you’re envisioning a high-end workshop, a functional home gym, or simply a more organized and efficient space, our team at LaBonte Construction is dedicated to bringing your vision to life, ultimately enhancing both the enjoyment and the value of your home.

Essential Garage Upgrades

Functional Upgrades

Improved Lighting: Good lighting not only enhances visibility but also contributes to the overall ambiance of the space. Options range from energy-efficient LED lighting to automated lights that turn on and off with motion sensors. Consider the installation of skylights or additional windows for natural light, which can make the space feel more open and connected to the outdoors.

Enhanced Insulation: Upgrading your garage’s insulation is a key step in improving energy efficiency. This enhancement keeps the garage warmer in winter and cooler in summer, potentially lowering energy costs and increasing comfort. This could also include weather stripping around doors and windows and insulated garage doors.

Upgraded Electrical System: Upgrading the electrical system in your garage to handle additional outlets, high-wattage tools, electric vehicle chargers, or smart home technology is essential. This upgrade not only meets the modern needs of homeowners but also ensures safety by reducing the risk of overloaded circuits.

Storage Solutions

Built-in Cabinets and Shelving: Custom storage solutions like built-in cabinets and shelving can dramatically improve the organization and functionality of your garage. Tailored to your specific needs, these storage options can maximize space, reduce clutter, and keep tools and equipment safe and accessible.

Overhead Storage Systems: Overhead storage systems can utilize the often underused vertical space in a garage. These systems are perfect for storing seasonal items, sports equipment, and large tools, freeing up valuable floor space.

Wall-mounted Tool Organizers: Wall-mounted tool organizers are essential for maintaining an efficient and orderly garage. From pegboards to magnetic tool bars, these systems keep your tools visible, accessible, and well-organized. This not only saves time during projects but also prolongs the life of your tools by preventing damage and loss.

Flooring Options

Epoxy Coating: An epoxy coating is a popular choice for garage floors due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. It’s resistant to stains, impacts, and chemicals, making it ideal for a high-use area like a garage. Available in various colors and finishes, epoxy can be customized to complement the style of your home.

Interlocking Floor Tiles: These tiles offer versatility and ease of maintenance. They come in a variety of materials, colors, and patterns, allowing homeowners to customize their garage floor according to their preferences. The tiles are easy to install and replace, making them a practical choice for those who seek flexibility in their garage design.

Polished Concrete: Polished concrete is a cost-effective and modern flooring option that offers simplicity and elegance. It’s easy to clean, highly durable, and can withstand heavy traffic. It can be tailored to match any garage’s aesthetic, giving it a sleek, professional look.

Transforming Your Garage into Functional Living Space

Design Considerations for Multi-purpose Use

Additional Living Area: Turning a garage into an additional living area, such as a den, playroom, or guest room, requires careful consideration of permits and structural changes.Key elements include proper insulation, heating and cooling systems, and possibly plumbing if a bathroom or kitchenette is added. Windows may need to be installed for natural light and egress, and the flooring may need to be raised to the level of the rest of the house for a seamless transition.

Home Gym: Converting a garage into a home gym requires thoughtful planning of both equipment and space. Rubber flooring can be installed for durability and to cushion gym equipment, and mirrors along one wall can create the illusion of a larger space. Adequate ventilation and climate control are crucial for comfort, and custom storage solutions can keep workout gear organized and easily accessible.

Home Office: In today’s remote working era, a garage can be transformed into a quiet, dedicated home office. Sound insulation is paramount for privacy and concentration, and can be achieved through upgraded wall insulation and double-glazed windows. Proper lighting is critical; incorporating natural light where possible and adding task lighting can create a conducive work environment. Electrical needs should be addressed to support computers, printers, and other office equipment. Ergonomic considerations, such as the inclusion of a proper desk and chair, are important for comfort and productivity.

Integration with Home Aesthetics

Exterior Upgrades: When transforming a garage, it’s important to consider the exterior aesthetics to ensure that it complements the overall look of the home. This might involve matching the paint, siding, or brickwork of the main house. Landscaping and exterior lighting can also be used to integrate the garage with the rest of the property, creating a cohesive and attractive appearance from the street.

Door Upgrades: Upgrading to a door that matches the style of the house can dramatically improve the overall look. Consideration should be given to insulation properties of the door, especially if the garage is being used as a living space. Security features, such as smart locks or advanced garage door openers, add convenience and peace of mind.

Smart Garage Technology

Smart Security Systems: The integration of smart security systems in garage upgrades is a critical component for modern homeowners, offering enhanced security and peace of mind. These systems can range from high-definition cameras that provide real-time video surveillance to motion detectors and door sensors that alert homeowners to any unauthorized entry. These systems not only deter potential intruders, but they also allow for remote monitoring of the garage space, ensuring that homeowners can keep an eye on their property from anywhere in the world.

Climate Control Systems: Maintaining optimal conditions in a garage is key, especially when it’s used as a functional living space, workshop, or gym. Smart climate control systems can be programmed to maintain different conditions based on time of day or outside weather, ensuring that the space remains comfortable and usable year-round. Integration with smart home systems means that these conditions can be monitored and adjusted remotely. This not only enhances comfort but also helps in energy conservation by optimizing heating and cooling based on actual usage patterns and external conditions.

Enhance Your Home’s Value with Professional Garage Remodeling

The transformative power of garage upgrades on the overall value and appeal of your home is undeniable. At LaBonte Construction, we understand the nuances and complexities involved in garage remodeling. We encourage homeowners to consider the expertise of a professional remodeling company to ensure optimal results. Our team is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that blend seamlessly with your home aesthetics, functionality needs, and personal preferences.

Contact the team at LaBonte Construction today to learn more about remodeling your garage for multi-purpose use.

Check out pictures of our home remodels and additions on Facebook and Houzz.

A Guide to Building Above Your Attached Garage

Building above the garage has become a popular trend among homeowners looking to maximize their living space without traditional home additions. This innovative approach not only offers a practical solution to space constraints but also significantly enhances the property’s value and functionality.

Why Do People Build Above Their Attached Garage?

Building above an attached garage is increasingly popular among homeowners for several reasons. One primary motivation is the efficient utilization of existing space to accommodate the evolving needs of a household without the need to extend the property’s footprint. This approach not only saves on the cost and complexity associated with ground-level expansions but also leverages the unused vertical space that a garage roof often provides. Additionally, constructing above the garage can significantly enhance the property’s value, offering a high return on investment by adding square footage in a cost-effective manner. This type of renovation can transform an underused area into a valuable living space, such as an extra bedroom, home office, or entertainment room, thereby improving the functionality and appeal of the home.

Determining Your New Space

Spare Bedroom

A spare bedroom is one of the most popular options. This addition serves as a versatile space for families, guests, and more, offering them a private and comfortable area to stay in.

Home Office

The creation of a home office taps into the growing trend of remote work, offering a dedicated workspace that enhances productivity and work-life balance. It provides a professional environment conducive to concentration and efficiency, free from typical domestic distractions.

Child Playroom

A child playroom offers a dedicated and safe environment for children to play, explore, and grow. This specialized space allows for the organization of toys, books, and educational materials.

Mother-in-Law Suite

A mother-in-law suite above the garage is a self-contained living area, complete with amenities such as a bedroom, bathroom, and sometimes even a kitchenette. This area can offer a perfect blend of independence and proximity.

Rec Room

Adding a recreational room, or rec room, above the garage will make it a hub for family activities, entertainment, and relaxation. This includes a home theater, games area, mini gym, or a lounge for social gatherings.

Considerations to Make when Building Above an Attached Garage

View other exterior and interior photos of this remodel on Houzz: First Floor Remodel. Exterior + Addition. Basketball Court. Glam Bathroom.

When considering building above an attached garage, there are several important factors to take into account to ensure the project’s success and integration with the existing home:

Structural Integrity and Load-Bearing Capacity

The existing garage ceiling joists may not support the additional live loads of a new living space. It is often necessary to replace these with new floor joists designed to handle the increased weight.
Assessing the wall framing of the garage is crucial to ensure that the load from the new structure can be properly transferred down to the foundation, preventing structural issues.

Insulation and Temperature Control

Proper insulation of the garage ceiling/new floor is essential to maintain energy efficiency and comfort in the new space above.
Considering the heating of the garage to a moderate temperature (up to 50 degrees as per code) can aid in retaining heat in the new upper space, contributing to a more stable and comfortable environment.

Access and Integration with the Existing Home

Determining how to enter the new space from the second floor of the existing home is a key planning aspect. This often involves navigating through existing bedrooms, which may require reconfiguration to create a functional and accessible hallway or entryway to the new space.

Heating and Cooling Solutions

The absence of a basement beneath the garage complicates the extension of existing HVAC ductwork to the new space. Alternative heating and cooling solutions, such as mini-split systems or electric baseboard heaters, should be considered to ensure the new area is comfortable year-round.

Aesthetic Considerations and Exterior Design

The addition of a new structure above the garage will alter the home’s exterior appearance. It’s important to consider how the taller building will blend with the existing architectural style and aesthetic of the house to ensure a cohesive and attractive design.

Maximizing Value when Building Above Your Attached Garage

A well-planned garage addition can significantly enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and value of your home. By carefully considering the purpose of the new space, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the existing structure, and choosing the right materials and architectural designs, homeowners can achieve a harmonious and practical expansion of their living area.

LaBonte Construction can transform your garage into a valuable and functional extension of your home, tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. Let’s work together to elevate your living space and enhance your home’s value with a meticulously planned and executed garage addition.

Contact the team at LaBonte Construction today to learn more about adding a new space above your garage.

Be sure to check us out on Facebook for more pictures of our beautiful home remodels.

Revolutionize Your Garage: Tips for Adding Space

Your garage, often relegated to a space for cars and storage, holds untold potential waiting to be unlocked. As a trusted home remodeling company, LaBonte Construction stands at the forefront of home additions and renovations, offering a wealth of experience and expertise to homeowners seeking to revitalize their garages. With a focus on garage transformations, we have honed our craft to provide tailored solutions that marry functionality with aesthetic appeal. Our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction positions us as your reliable partner in turning the garage into a dynamic and purposeful extension of your home. Join us on this journey as we share invaluable insights and tips that will redefine the way you perceive and utilize your garage space.

Installing a Loft: Elevate Your Storage

Transforming your garage begins with the strategic utilization of vertical space, and installing a loft is a game-changer that can elevate your storage capacity to new heights. The benefits of a well-designed loft extend beyond mere storage; it opens up the possibility of creating an organized and efficient space that caters to your unique needs. By capitalizing on the often underutilized overhead area in your garage, you not only declutter the floor but also gain a versatile storage solution.

At LaBonte Construction, our approach to installing lofts is characterized by precision and customization. Our team of skilled professionals takes the time to understand your storage requirements and aesthetic preferences before crafting a bespoke loft design tailored to your garage’s dimensions. Our seamless installation process ensures minimal disruption to your daily life, as we work efficiently to bring your vision to life.

Organize Efficiently with Proper Shelving

The importance of shelving lies in its ability to transform a cluttered garage into an orderly and accessible area. By providing designated spaces for tools, equipment, and other essentials, shelving becomes the cornerstone of an efficient storage system, allowing you to reclaim valuable floor space.

What sets LaBonte Construction apart is our expertise in designing and installing shelving solutions that seamlessly blend style with functionality. We take pride in transforming your garage into a harmonious space where every item has its place, and where the visual appeal of the shelving contributes to the overall ambiance. With our commitment to quality craftsmanship, let us guide you in creating an organized garage that not only meets your practical needs but also reflects your unique style.

Built-in Cabinets: Streamlined Storage Solutions

For those seeking the epitome of a clean and organized garage space, built-in cabinets stand as an unparalleled solution, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The advantages of incorporating built-in cabinets extend far beyond mere storage; they provide a transformative means to declutter your garage, creating a streamlined and visually pleasing environment. These cabinets not only conceal items from view but also offer a sense of order that significantly contributes to the overall ambiance of the space.

At LaBonte Construction, we understand that every homeowner has unique storage requirements, and this recognition fuels our commitment to customization. Our built-in cabinets are crafted with precision to meet your specific needs, ensuring that every inch of space is utilized efficiently. Whether you require cabinets for tools, sports equipment, or hobby supplies, we offer a range of customization options, from shelving configurations to material choices, ensuring your built-in cabinets are a perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Transforming Your Garage Space

Beyond the traditional role of a storage haven, your garage possesses untapped potential to become a versatile and functional living space. This section delves into the exciting possibilities of adding a new room to your garage, offering a transformative journey that extends beyond conventional storage solutions. LaBonte Construction specializes in converting these underutilized spaces into purposeful extensions of your home, enriching your lifestyle and enhancing your living experience.

Imagine turning your garage into a welcoming spare bedroom for guests, ensuring comfort and privacy. For families with young children, the garage can also be reborn as a vibrant and safe playroom, fostering imagination and play. A recreation room (rec room) provides the perfect setting for leisure and entertainment, while a home gym invites a healthy and active lifestyle right within the confines of your home. The possibilities are endless!

From insulation and flooring to lighting and ventilation, we prioritize the details that make each room tailored to your needs. By showcasing our expertise in converting garages into functional living spaces, we invite you to reimagine your garage as an integral part of your home, curated to suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Enhance Your Garage with LaBonte Construction

In the realm of garage transformations, the key lies in strategic decisions that unlock the true potential of your space. From the installation of lofts that elevate your storage capabilities to the implementation of shelving solutions and built-in cabinets that bring order and style, LaBonte Construction is your trusted partner in crafting a garage that exceeds expectations.

LaBonte Construction’s commitment to excellence and expertise in garage renovations positions us as your ally in this transformative journey. We understand that your home is an extension of your aspirations, and our tailored solutions reflect that. By seamlessly merging functionality with aesthetics, we redefine your garage space into an area that complements your lifestyle.

Elevate your living space today! Contact the team at LaBonte Construction to get a quote for your next garage renovation.

Check out photos of our remodeling projects on Facebook or Houzz.

13 Ways To Upgrade Your Garage

Garages can often be an afterthought for many homeowners. However, remodeling or upgrading your garage can be an effective way to increase the resale value of your home and provide additional, usable space. At LaBonte Construction, we recommend adding these upgrades to your garage as part of a home remodeling project.

Upgrade Garage Door

While garage doors are there to serve a function, they also contribute to your home’s curb appeal. The majority of garage doors are steel or aluminum, but there are other higher quality options.

Commonly, our clients pick wood garage doors as an upgrade. Wood doors are completely customizable and can be finished to match the design of your home.

Wood garage doors on a remodeling project in River Hills, WI

A study by Remodeling Magazine shows that replacing or upgrading your garage door generates the best return-on-investment when it comes to recouping cost at resale. Upgrading your garage door not only adds curb appeal, but can be a smart investment for the future.

Upgraded Garage Door Opener

Along with upgrading your garage door, you may wish to upgrade your garage door opener. Waiting for a garage door to open used to be a slow and loud process, but new technologies have made opening a garage door quicker and quieter. Additionally, we recommend having a garage door opener with a battery backup included, in case of a power outage or battery failure.

As technology advances, so has the method for opening a garage door. Traditionally, garage door remotes were a small box kept in your car, and opening the door could only be done from close range. Now, there are different apps available that can connect your garage door to your phone. This enables you to open and close the door from any location.

Epoxy Coating for Garage Floors

Typically, garage floors are concrete. Concrete naturally cracks over time, making it unsightly. Epoxy coating a garage floor is a great way to combat the cracks and create a more appealing garage floor. An epoxy coating is a compound consisting of two elements: an epoxy resin and a polyamide hardener. When mixed, these two elements create a chemical reaction that creates a hard surface coating.

A garage floor with epoxy coating. While this one is dirty, epoxy coated floors allow you to wash dirt off very easily

Epoxy coating can be a tedious process to do yourself. We suggest having your garage floor epoxy coated as part of a larger garage remodel. When installed correctly, an epoxy coated garage floor can last a lifetime.

Insulate And Drywall

An unfinished garage can be a drafty area of your home, because the walls are directly connected to the outdoors with no protection. Additionally, many see an unfinished garage as an eyesore.

Framing a detached garage in Whitefish Bay, WI / LaBonte Construction

An insulated and drywalled garage can help maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Typically, we do not insulate or drywall detached garages, but we can do so if you desire. We do however, insulate and drywall almost every attached garage we remodel to ensure the space is comfortable and feels like an extension of your home.

Add More Outlets

While some of the upgrades on this list can be done by a motivated DIYer, this upgrade is best left to an electrician familiar with the remodeling process. Adding more outlets to your garage can increase function and reliability. Code requires that a newly constructed garage have at least one 120-volt 20-amp outlet that serves only the garage. However, we suggest having at least two outlets installed per wall to maximize your garage’s functionality.

For those who have an electric car, we recommend a 240 volt NEMA 14-50 outlet in order to handle the electrical demands of charging your car at home. A 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet is commonly used for electric stoves and other recreational vehicles, so the power they provide is much greater than a standard 1800-watt garage outlet.

Add Wainscoting

Wainscoting is a molding that dates back to the 1300’s and is used to guard your wall from scuffs and scratches.

In traditional English-style homes, wainscoting is generally made of wood. It typically goes about halfway, to three-quarters of the way up the face of the wall. In a garage, wainscoting can be made of metal or wood and goes about a quarter, to halfway up the wall’s face.

If you want to add character and protection to your garage walls, ask us about having wainscoting installed in your next remodeling project.

Add a Sound System

You may not realize it, but garages can have great acoustics. Many people use their garage as a workspace, and adding a high-quality sound system to the interior of your garage can make that workspace more enjoyable. Additionally, you can add a sound system to the exterior of your garage. This lets you play music in your driveway or yard.

Add a Back Garage Door

If your home has the space, you may want to add another full-sized garage door to the back of your garage. Another garage door gives you the ability to park lawn equipment in the garage without having to move your cars. Additionally, having a garage door to the yard allows you to use your garage as an entertaining space.

If you like to use your garage as a workspace, but want to keep your privacy, a back garage door allows you to keep a garage door open without losing any privacy.

Add a Storage System

Typically, garages do not come with a built-in storage system. Most of us need to go buy separate racks or cabinets to add storage space. However, having storage units built-in to your garage during a remodeling project can make your garage look cleaner and add functionality. Additionally, extra storage space in your garage allows you to use less storage space within your home. This helps reduce clutter and maximize space in your home.

Add LED Lighting

A dark garage can be eerie and unappealing. Many us have walked into a dark garage and fumbled around trying to find the light switch. By adding motion sensitive LED lights to your garage, you add functionality and convenience. To have your garage properly lit, we recommend have two 40-watt 48-inch shop lights installed above each bay. With motion sensors and sufficient lighting, your garage will no longer be the dark, unappealing space it once was.

Add a Man Door

Most garages we do in a home remodeling project are attached. This generally means that the only access to the garage is from inside the home or via the garage door. A man door adds another mode of entry into your garage.

Additionally, having another entrance or exit in your garage prolongs the life of your garage door, as it will likely see less use. Man doors can also increase safety during a fire or power outage by providing another route in and out of the home.

Add Heating and A/C

In many of our garage remodels, we include heating. For those that do not have heating in their garage, it may be wise to add some. Wisconsin winters, as we know, can get quite cold. Having heating included in your garage ensures that snow melts off of your car, you never have to wait for your car to warm up, or need to put on extra layers when entering your garage.

Heating installed in a garage

While some garages have heating, very few have air conditioning. Just as Wisconsin winters can get very cold, summers can get quite hot and humid. Heat and humidity can be dangerous for cars. The ideal temperature for storing a car in a garage is around 70 degrees. The ideal humidity level is around 50 percent. Adding air conditioning to your garage you can help maintain the heat and humidity, ensuring a comfortable space for you and your car.

Finish Space Above Garage

Whether you have an attached or detached garage, many have additional, unused space above. This provides an opportunity to recapture this space by adding living quarters or extra storage.

It is more cost effective to remodel space within the building envelope than it is to build a new addition. Many of our clients who choose to remodel their garage opt to add a dormer. Adding a dormer increases the head height, making more of the space usable. Commonly, we convert the space into a master suite, an art studio, a guest house, a game room or a movie theater.

At LaBonte Construction we have decades of remodeling experience to help you convert your garage into a comfortable and quality space for your family to enjoy for years to come.

Get the Most Out of Your Garage

Upgrading or remodeling your garage can be a great way to add function, resale value and curb appeal to your home. Please contact us at LaBonte Construction to discuss any of these garage upgrades as part of a home remodeling project.