A garage conversion will allow adding extra living space to your home. And though it’s easy enough to work in your garage as is, turning this space into a dedicated work area for your projects and hobbies might be worth the effort. However, the exact details for your required setup will depend on how you want to use the space. Here are nine aspects of the conversion to consider.

1. Insulation

Garages aren’t typically insulated. This means that they can be hot and stuffy in the summer and cold in the winter. Therefore, to be comfortable in your new workshop space year-round, it’s best to insulate the walls and ceiling of your garage.

2. Heating and cooling

If you want your workshop to truly act as a four-season living space, you’ll need to consider heating and cooling. In a situation where your garage is attached to your home, you may be able to extend the existing heating and cooling system to your new workshop. However, if that’s not possible, you’ll need to invest in an independent system, such as radiant floor heating or electric baseboards.

3. Plumbing

Most workshops require at least one large utility sink that can be used for cleaning parts, washing paintbrushes, and more. In addition, a dedicated sink in your workshop will prevent you from staining your bathroom or kitchen sink.

4. Lighting

Garages tend to be dimly lit. Therefore, you’ll likely need to invest in large fluorescent fixtures, track lighting, and/or spotlights to illuminate specific areas, like your workbench.

5. Electricity

Most garages only have a single lighting circuit. Therefore, if you’re likely to use large power tools in your workshop, you may want to upgrade your electrical system. If you’re converting a detached garage, additional wiring can be run from your home through an underground conduit.

6. Ventilation

If you plan on cutting and sanding wood, using paints, stains, and glues, or handling chemical products in your workshop, you must ensure your garage has adequate airflow. In this case, you’ll need to invest in a proper ventilation system such as a ceiling exhaust system or a dust removal apparatus.

7. Flooring

Most garages sit on an uninsulated concrete slab. In many cases, the slab will be sloped toward the garage door or a floor drain. In this situation, you’ll likely need to level the floor and raise it to allow for insulation. You may also want to finish the floor with an epoxy coating for added grip. Alternatively, you can use easy-to-clean rubber mats. Learn more about the best options for garage flooring.

8. Pedestrian door

Pedestrian access is a huge consideration when turning your garage into a workshop. This is especially true if you’re converting a detached garage. For example, it can save you the hassle of having to roll up the entire garage door every time you need to go in or out of the workshop.

In addition, if you’re concerned about passerby peeking into your workshop, it can help to have a smaller access point like a side door.

9. Garage door

When converting your garage into a workshop, natural light is a must. Therefore, you may want to consider replacing your current garage door with a modern glass door that has several windows or inserts. The glass can be tinted or frosted for added privacy.

In addition, if you live in a cold climate, investing in an insulated steel door will ensure your workshop stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. At Creative Door Services™, we have an impressive selection of garage doors that come in a variety of panel styles, colours, and window configurations.

Lastly, if you plan to work on large projects in your workshop, you may want to consider adding a rear garage door addition. This way, you can easily extend your workshop space into your backyard during the warmer months.

Garage Door and Pedestrian Door Specialists in Western Canada

If you want to convert your garage into a four-season workshop and need help choosing a new garage or pedestrian door, the experts at Creative Door Services™ can help. We carry an impressive selection of door products from industry-leading manufacturers like Wayne Dalton and Martin Door. Furthermore, our team can help you design, install and maintain your new door system.

For a free quote, contact one of our eight branches in Western Canada. We have locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.