You would be hard-pressed to find a man that didn’t want to convert his garage into a bar. Whether it’s a private, small bar, or a full-on sports bar where rowdy friends can come watch the game, it’s an admirable goal.
Everyone should kick around the idea of turning their garage into a bar. When you think about it, this space has more available room for a bar than anywhere else in your home. There is literally a ton of space at your disposal to morph into the drinking space of your dreams.
Besides, every DIY project has an element of excitement and adventure. The garage is one of the most beneficial places to perform a renovation. You won’t be put out by rooms that can’t be occupied, and there’s no mess in your everyday living area.
In the following article, you’ll read our unique 3-step process that outlines how to build a fantasy bar. We didn’t leave out any important details, so you can consider yourself set up for success from the beginning.
This is a classy option when you dream up your garage bar. Cigar, anyone? Image from Unsplash.
Step 1 – Put Your Plan in Motion
What does the end result look like, and how much money can you afford to spend?
What do you want the final result to look like? This will have a great influence on how you’ll attack this renovation project. Do you want something intricate or something simple? Outlining a budget is the most important initial step.
If you’ve decided to go all out and complete an entire overhaul, you’ll need more time, planning, and money. You also need to think about including heating and air-conditioning and placing the right amount of attention on the insulation.
You can cut costs without making your finished product look cheap. Minor changes can make a huge difference in projects like this. For example, a fresh coat of paint can make any room look like a completely different space. This can cause the whole atmosphere of the room to change.
If you’re already into taking on projects solo, doing the work on your own is going to save you a significant amount of money. It might take some patience and ingenuity, but in the end, you can tell everyone that you built the area with your bare hands.
Be prepared to draw up some blueprints based on your budget and finished product goal. Image from Unsplash.
*ATTENTION: Certain tasks involve electrical work and plumbing and require permits. You should also consider contracting the services of a professional if you’re not well-versed in these areas. Don’t end up costing yourself a lot more by trying to save a few bucks on contract work.
Food for Thought
Come up with a solid idea of how much space you have to work with. You’ll also need to come up with a budget figure to get a firm understanding of how deep you’re going to go with this project. You’ll be able to do this research on your own based on needs and personal preferences.
If you need to, ask some friends, family, or neighbors that have already taken on this type of project. They can give you a hand with advice and important decisions if you ever feel like you’re stuck.
Check out Pinterest, as well. There are some really cool links to 50 other existing man caves. Somewhere along the way, you’ll find some pins to draw inspiration from.
Step 2 – Prep the Space First. You’ll Thank Us Later
Cleaning First
Garages can quickly turn into graveyards for boxes, tools, paint supplies, baseball equipment, and various storage items.
Before you take on the chore of cleaning, you need to empty the space completely. This will make it easier to clean, and you’ll also discover some things that you thought were lost forever. Getting rid of extra items means you’ll have more room for your bar.
After removal, you can engage in deep cleaning. If the garage is fully finished, your shelves and refrigerator are a good place to start. You can remove mold and dust from these surfaces then move forward to the walls and floor.
Are there any paint, rust, or mildew stains on the floor you can’t seem to remove? Don’t sweat it; check out this article from Gilmour. They’re a watering and cleaning company, and the article shows you how to efficiently clean your garage floor. Keep the floor in good condition, so there are no hazards around when you move further.
Insulating
It doesn’t matter if your garage is finished or unfinished. There needs to be an emphasis placed on the insulation. This is an area where you’ll want to be comfortable and not spend your time thinking about how hot or cold it is. These conditions don’t mesh well with beer. Additionally, any leaking areas need to be patched up, so there’s no draft coming in.
Depending on whether the garage is attached or not, the insulation level will change.
The R-value measures the thermal resistance, so you need to be mindful of this when you choose insulation materials. As the R-value increase, the insulation efficiency does, as well.
There are different types of insulation, so pick your poison. There is fiberglass, blown-in cellulose, rigid, or sprayed. Visit this website to learn more about the highlights of each of these types of insulation. Trust us, the difference and type matter quite a bit.
Your Garage Door
Can you picture yourself in this beautiful space drinking a cold one with a buddy? Make your project come true with this all-glass California garage door design with a Black aluminum frame.
Technically, the garage door is the fourth wall of the area. The R-value will assist you in locating the right door for the area’s requirements. This isn’t just about insulation and maintenance, but also design, style, color, windows, and other elements. You’ll want to customize all of these options.
The Design and Windows
Your garage door can make or break the visual element of the front of your home. Depending on the style of the garage door, there’s also the issue of thermal resistance.
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to choose all-glass garage doors. You know the kind we’re talking about. They look like they belong in a fire department. However, these can be great options if you’re into natural lighting. Tempered glass can be incorporated if you have nosy neighbors as well.
Are you in a cold climate? You might benefit from having garage door panels with fewer windows. You’ll still get that natural light, but you’ll have more insulation. A dehumidifier should help you with the issue of the windows fogging up.
Will you spend more time in your garage if you convert it into a living space? If the answer is yes, you should consider this Princeton P-13 Design with clear panoramic windows at the top panel. Add a warm and charming touch with a Desert Sand color for the doors and overlays.
Maintaining
You probably won’t use the garage door very often because the area will be a bar. However, the door still needs maintenance. It’s important to understand all the working areas of your garage door system.
Damaged weatherstripping can have a significant impact on the stuff that gets into your garage. We’re talking about leaves, water, dirt, and critters. You’ll need to rectify damaged weatherstripping as soon as possible, so moisture doesn’t get into your garage.
There are plenty of maintenance services in your area regarding garage doors. These technicians can tell you whether the door is working properly so you can avoid unwanted expenses.
Lights and Power
The lighting is the most important element of any bar. This will set the ambiance of the room and set the mood for all who enter. Depending on your goal for the mood and tone, plus the time of day you plan to drink, you might want the area to be darker.
If you’re unfamiliar with lighting, read this article from Juniper. They design and manufacture different things, and they explain which type of lighting is the best, depending on your end goal.
● Warmer lighting is best for a relaxing space like a movie theater or massage room.
● Brighter and direct light is better for visibility for things like a gym.
Besides lighting, you’ll probably want outlets on every wall. It’s better to have more than less when you’re factoring in building a bar and living room area. You don’t want to have a lack of sockets when you want to watch the big game.
*ATTENTION: If the weather in your area goes from one extreme to the other, you should probably install air conditioning or heat. This will reduce high levels of humidity or freezing conditions in the living area.
Flooring
Who wants to keep boring concrete? There are a ton of options for paint coatings, coverings, and other types of floor choices. Check out this list of different alternatives from Family Handyman.
● Concrete floor paint or sealer would work
● Epoxy is an option
● Rollout mats might not look bad
● Rigid or flexible tiles look great in a bar
Do a little research and consider your budget before you pull the trigger on floor materials.
Step 3 – The Part We’ve Been Waiting for, Decorating
This is the culmination of all of your hard work. Neon signs, blacklights, custom beer dispensers, jukeboxes, and stripper poles are all in order. Okay, maybe you can’t convince your wife of the last one, but everything else should work. You can furnish the area in any way you want and make the space all your own!
● Snack Bar
Don’t purchase some premade kit bar or hire somebody to build it for you. You worked hard to design the garage, so you should reap the decorating benefits. Use this guide as an outline for plans to develop a snack bar. You’ll get an idea of all the tools and materials needed to finish the job.
You can add a refrigerator or liquor cabinet to store all of your drinks. Then you can charge your guests and pay for your newly designed garage. Just kidding.
● Plasma or LED TV
Wouldn’t it be cool if the area doubled as a movie theater? Maybe you want to install a projector or huge TV. If you decide on this option, you’ll need a sound system and a way to limit the ambient light so you can view the picture better.
*ATTENTION: Is the garage close to another room in the house? Soundproof the garage so you don’t disturb anyone. Add another layer of drywall for an easy solution.
Buy comfortable chairs, so you don’t get a stiff back watching movies or football all day. Go the extra mile and buy a massage chair!
Explore different ideas of home cinemas on Pinterest depending on your style.
● Gaming
No bar or garage is complete without a pool table, air hockey, dartboard, or some other form of recreation. Entertain your guests or play friendly games to pass the time.
Online platforms and retail stores usually have a pretty large selection of this type of entertainment.
Get a New Garage Door and Really Highlight Your New Area
Do you want the garage door to match the rest of the space and keep it practical at the same time? Get in touch with garage door technicians in your area that understand your needs and have the expertise to assist you.
It’s easy to get confused because of the number of designs, colors, and decorative options to choose from. At Laurent Overhead Door Systems, we have divided our garage doors into the 3 most-popular styles to start you on your decision-making journey:
● Traditional for a simple look that never goes out of fashion
● Contemporary for a modern and clean appearance
● Carriage House for a charming and rustic design
You like this look? This full-view garage door is a California, 12' x 7', Black aluminum frame, Clear glass.
Get a free quote that’s friendly on your budget for your garage door or opener.
Check out our Design Centre to customize your garage door however you want. You can even get a preview of what the area will look like attached to a real picture of your home. We can also give a free quotation and send it to you by email. You’ll get a better grip on your budget and figure out how intricate you can make your bar.
Get Help from Experts With Tons of Experience
If you need assistance, feel free to contact Laurent Overhead Door Systems at 603-524-4778! It doesn’t matter if it’s insulation, door dimensions, lifts, or openers – we’re ready to give you the information you need to complete a beautiful DIY project.
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