How Should I Finish Garage

Question

I bought my SFR with the garage interior unfinished. The walls are all open and electrical wiring/outlets are installed. I had a few companies come by and give me quotes on insulating, drywalling, and painting. I also used that time to ask specific questions on how to do things so I can learn from them in case I want to do it myself.

I was quoted around 13k for the job. I really don't want to spend that kind of money on the garage. Should I do it myself? Should I leave the pitched ceiling uncovered? My creative juices aren't flowing.

Robert E Bogino · Answer

@Kevin Phu I am in the same situation with my current flip.  Check the MLS and see if you can see what other garages look like finish level.  I was going to do drywall but decided it was not worth the cost.  I will just be painting the cinder block walls with an epoxy waterproof paint.  I probably would not even do that if it weren't in such bad shape with graffiti.

Sam Shueh · Answer

Understand dry wall materials etc have gone up because of the trade war. I paid $800 for all labor including painting with a discount. Got it done in 12-16 hours.

Drywall was $19.95 a piece, needing custom sawing, tape cracks. Nothing anyone can not do.  R-13 blanket is min recommended to keep it relatively insulated. R-19 is even better. Home had two vents to let hot air out on the top.

Paint can come way later when you have nothing to do....  That costs more than sheet rock.

I imagine you can work with a helper found in front of HD and have it done in one weekend for $3-4K. Used home floors have cracks and grease and gray epoxy flooring with glittering is fashionable these days. Many people use garage as weekend entertainment center. An exposed garage with termite evidence will alert the home buyers. Homes with improved garage is what most men are looking for ( Women want a modern kitchen). You will get more value 20K min with a more attractive garage such your home stands out.

Peter B. · Answer

@Kevin Phu

We have a handful of attached garages on our complexes. All had the insulation and drywall prior to us owning.  I finished textured and painted the walls, modern brighter light fixtures, epoxy floors and vinyl base. Took less than 8hrs and 500 bucks.

Tenants seemed to like it. The units rent pretty fast and no one else in the market has this.

However I considered taking it a step further and that was strongly discouraged by my wife.. "nothing productive takes place in a mancave" NO IDEA where she gets that from!

Brian Pulaski · Answer

Did I miss it, is this a flip, rental, or something else?

If a flip, under $300-400k I wouldn't touch it (I didn't in my $320k flip). Over $400k I'd entertain it. A rental I wouldn't touch it. My personal house I would probably do it myself over time. I would also add a ton of lights, outlets, and even run air hoses.

Bryan Devitt · Answer

Will you be able to get higher rent because the garage is drywalled? How much will it cost to do the job compared to how much higher rent you will get?

Nathan Gesner · Answer

It's all a waste of time unless you are in a higher-end market where a fully-finished garage is expected. Garages are usually for storing vehicles and other stuff, not entertaining your boss. Very few renters will care about it being finished or insulated, particularly in a warm climate like California.

How Should I Finish Garage

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