How much does it cost to renovate your garage on a mid-range budget in Australia?

ARTICLE Penny Lewis

Whether it be a space for an adamant hobbyist or beginning to prep the room to become something more (like an entertainment area for your children), with a mid-range budget - starting at $7,000 - you can begin to transform your garage into an additional room in your home.

How do I organise my garage storage space?

It can be hard to store awkward items in the garage, which usually end up taking up more space than they need to. For storing your bike securely against your garage wall, consider specialised bike brackets with a moulded rubber bar to keep the front wheel still and prevent the bike from twisting.
The best kind of storage adapts to your needs. Opt for tall cabinets with split centres and height-adjustable or removable shelves. Remove some of the shelves to make way for tall items that are otherwise tricky to find homes for.
A good workbench is essential for any home handyman or hobbyist. Opt for heavy duty steel construction so that it’s up to the task and remains stable.

How much does it cost to add a garage door on a mid-range budget?

To keep costs at a minimum, it’s good to plan in advance. If you get your garage door insulated at the same time you get carpet installed, or if your internal access through the garage is next to a bedroom or living area, you can account for those factors in your estimate up front. 
As for other external access doors into a garage, Wayne Gordon from Refresh Renovations recommends paintable fibreglass doors, also good for woodshed and utility areas.

How much does it cost to insulate the garage?

Wayne Gordon says a lot more people are interested in sealing and insulating their garages. “If a new garage is being built, the cost of adding insulation such as Pink Batts is not significant.” Not so many clients have opted to remove wall linings and insulate existing garages, but they do if they’re adding a partition wall to create a room within a garage. “It’s an especially good idea to be free of damp if you’re storing records and business documents.”

What type of flooring options do I have on a mid-range budget?

Practicality rules with garage carpet. There is a choice of colours across different brands, but nowhere near the same variety as household carpet. Styles like ‘Anthracite,’ a dark grey colour, are wildly popular for their practicality – should your car track in dirt or have an oil leak, it doesn't show up as much on this low-key colour, and instead looks like an accent or a beauty mark.
Whatever colour people choose, it needs to be carpet made specifically for garages. Conventional carpet or vinyl just won’t cut it. Oil spills stand out easily, but polypropylene carpet can be vacuumed for regular maintenance or hosed down if there’s a mess.
Garage carpet is glued directly on to concrete. It won’t adhere to painted surfaces, so if your garage floor is painted the paint will need to be sanded off. Any holes will need to be filled or bumps ground down for a flat surface, and you need to check and make sure your floor already has adequate damp proofing before starting.
Carpet retailers will always do a site measure before carpet is ordered, so can advise on whether your garage floor requires any remedial prep work and arrange it for you. This is an extra cost, depending on what is necessary.
Typical installations may run three hours, and you have a new garage that is non-slip, warmer and quieter. Outfit it as a home gym, man cave, sleep-out or kids' play area.

For more garage renovation costs and ideas that suit your budget and needs read our high-end or basic garage renovation project estimates.

Get in touch if you're thinking about renovating

If you would like to discuss options and ideas for your next renovation project, please use the enquiry form alongside to provide us with your contact details. We will get in touch with you at a time that suits you to discuss your project. If you would like to provide us with more information about your project, we have a more comprehensive enquiry form on our "Get in touch" page too.
*Costs are rough estimates and are subject to change. For a fixed-quote accurate to your specific project, please consult your local Refresh Renovations specialist. All Refresh Renovations franchises are independently owned and operated.
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