Woman working on budget

Budgeting for a Garage Makeover: Cost Breakdown and Tips

August 4, 2025

Is your garage more of a catch-all storage zone than a functional extension of your home? Maybe you have stained and cracked floors, bare walls, and clutter over every surface. Your garage has huge potential, and a makeover can actualize it.

How much does a garage makeover cost? And more importantly, how do you set a budget? Let’s break it all down.

Garage Makeover Costs

OGI garage with car and furniture

Garage makeover costs vary widely depending on key factors. Here is a closer look at what influences the final price tag:

  • Plans: The more complex your vision, the more you have to spend.
  • Labor: These expenses are one of the largest (usually 50% of the total) and hinge on the project’s scale, location, and who you hire.
  • Size: The bigger your garage, the more materials you will need and the longer it will take to finish.
  • Materials: Flooring types, cabinet finishes, wall panels, lighting, and fixtures come with various figures.
  • Location: Local market rates, climate, and regulations matter. A makeover in a colder climate demands higher-grade insulation, while urban areas have higher labor rates.
  • Permits: Some major changes, like electrical or structural work, require permits. These costs vary by municipality and should always be factored into your budget from the beginning.

The bottom line? The average garage remodel runs about $18,000, with most homeowners spending anywhere from $7,000 to $30,000.

Flooring, Cabinetry, and Other Upgrades

OGI garage with bikes hanging

Two of the most popular garage upgrades are flooring and cabinetry. You have several choices for flooring, including epoxy, tile, concrete sealants, and polyaspartic coatings. A basic one-car garage floor makeover can range from $500 to $4,600. When it comes to garage cabinets, the national average sits around $1,335.

What other expenses should you keep in mind? Electrical updates may involve around $100 for each new outlet or light fixture, excluding the fixture itself, and $150 for a new switch. For new wiring, expect to pay $3 to $5 per square foot.

If you convert your garage into a guest room, utility room, or kitchen, plumbing work averages about $1,550. Insulation can be between $1 and $4 per square foot; a garage door removal might add another $75. Lastly, general repairs cost anywhere from $150 to $2,000.

Garage Makeover Budgeting Tips

Decorations in garage with OGI flooring

Budgeting is more about making wise choices that give you the best value than cutting costs. Take these expert tips to stay on track financially and achieve stunning results.

Start With a Solid Plan

Outline what you want from your garage space first. Is it strictly for cars? Will it serve as a workshop? What about a home office or gym? The clearer your vision, the easier it is to prioritize expenditures and avoid impulse upgrades later.

Prioritize Essential Enhancements

Focus on upgrades that you cannot complete your plan without. For example, flooring and storage solutions are foundational. Once those are handled, consider other additions like decorative finishes.

Consider Maintenance

Low-maintenance materials demand more upfront, but save you money in the long run. Think about how easy it will be to clean, maintain, and repair each component. Steering clear of high-maintenance options helps protect your investment.

Explore Customized Upgrades

While custom solutions are more expensive than off-the-shelf products, they make better use of your space. Customized cabinetry, for instance, is great for maximizing square footage, especially in oddly shaped or small garages.

Get Polyaspartic Garage Flooring

If you want a garage floor that is both beautiful and built to last, go for polyaspartic flooring. Unlike traditional epoxy, OGI’s polyaspartic coating system is more flexible, UV-resistant, and durable against chips, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. 

Avoid DIY Projects

A DIY project seems like a money-saver, but mistakes are pricier in the long run. Poorly installed flooring, electrical issues, or mismeasured cabinetry? Prepare for repairs and safety hazards! For the finest results and warranties, trust only experienced professionals.

Upgrade Your Garage with Ohio Garage Interiors

Your garage can be so much more than a place to park your car. Transform it into a beautiful, practical, and long-lasting living space! At Ohio Garage Interiors (OGI), we specialize in premium solutions. From custom cabinetry to polyaspartic flooring systems, we reimagine and enrich your garage from the ground up.

Turn your garage into a valuable part of your home with a makeover. Schedule a free consultation with the OGI team today to get started!