How To Convert Your Garage Into A Glorious Gamer Hideaway
Do you like gaming with your friends? Whether in-person, or online, why not create a dedicated gamer room? If you don't have an extra room in your home, your garage is the next best thing. In fact, with careful planning, you can transform your garage into a gamer’s dream. Here’s how.
8-Step Gaming Room Conversion
Before converting your garage into a game room, calculate how much square footage you have. This measure will determine what you can put in your game room. If you need to keep a car in the garage, you might consider putting up a wall or divider to separate your garage into a space for your vehicle and an area for the game room.
1. Permits
Once you have a plan, visit your zoning or community development office to learn whether you need any permits. You’ll likely need one if you plan to add heating or cooling, change anything structurally, or do any electrical or plumbing work. The last thing you want is a fine for not getting permits and then having to undo all your hard work.
2. Declutter
Next, clean out your garage and get rid of anything you don’t need. It might be a good time to have a garage sale to cut down on the number of things you return to the space. If you have an outdoor shed, consider storing some items inside to free up more room for your gaming equipment.
3. Clean and deodorize
It’s important to have a clean slate before starting your conversion project. Therefore, deep clean your garage by sweeping, wiping down the walls and scrubbing the floor. If you’ve been storing chemicals, automotive liquids, pesticides, fertilizer, or paint in the garage, clean up any spills using a degreaser or laundry pre-solvent.
To deodorize your space, pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and mist the inside of your garage. You can repeat this step every few days to neutralize any musty odours.
4. Insulate
Do you plan on installing a heater or air conditioning unit to make your garage a comfortable place to game all year round? If so, make sure you insulate the walls and ceiling. Insulation will also help with soundproofing to play your games at full volume without disrupting your family members or neighbours. Once the walls are insulated, you can cover them with painted drywall, plywood, or pegboard for a finished look.
5. Install flooring
Most garages sit on an uninsulated concrete slab, which isn’t the most appealing floor covering for a game room. Therefore, you’ll probably want to upgrade to something with more esthetic appeal. For example, you can paint or seal the floor with an acrylic sealer, install an epoxy floor, or lay down durable rubber mats or indoor/outdoor carpet.
6. Get new lighting
Garages typically only have one overhead lightbulb. That’s not enough to comfortably light your entire gaming den. Therefore, consider adding fluorescent lights, track lights, pot lights, or hang string lighting along the perimeter.
7. Verify the electrical requirements
Most garages only have a single lighting circuit. If you plan to add accessories like a mini-fridge or arcade games, you might need to invest in an electrical upgrade or add electrical sockets to operate everything.
8. Purchase accessories
The last step is to purchase all the accessories you need to transform your garage into the ultimate gaming room. For example, comfortable couches, a large TV or projector, speakers, and tables are all must-haves.
Lastly, your garage door must be weathertight and insulated to keep your new gaming room comfortable and guard against moisture and pests. Fortunately, Creative Door Services™ carries a range of high-quality residential garage doors and garage door accessories from top brands like Wayne Dalton. Our expert technicians also provide comprehensive garage door installation, repair, and maintenance services.
Residential Garage Doors in Western Canada
If you’re thinking about converting your garage into a gamer’s paradise, the team at Creative Door Services™ can help you bring your vision to life. We have garage doors, openers, and access control solutions to upgrade your space and make it comfortable.
Contact us today for a free quote. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.