Are you looking to add more living space to your home in the form of a rec room? If you lack a basement or the basement space, building an addition onto your home is a distinct possibility, but additions can be expensive. In fact, according to Home Guide, the average cost to build a 20’x20’ addition is around $48,000. For a more affordable option, consider instead converting your garage to a recreation space. If you’re currently using your garage as storage space, this could be the perfect solution. Follow these garage conversion tips to create the ultimate rec room your family and friends will enjoy.

Consider the door

When converting your garage to a living space, you can leave the garage door as it is, add a layer of insulation, remove it and build a wall in its place, or remove it and install sliding doors or another type of door. Of course, the most affordable thing to do is to just leave it as it is. However, depending on your wants and needs, you might consider other options. In this renovation from This Old House, they chose to add pocket doors, which are both functional and stylish.

Handle the walls

If your garage is already insulated and drywalled, you are a step ahead in the game. If it’s not, you will need to add sheets of insulation and drywall yourself or hire professionals to blow in insulation and cover it. Before closing up the walls, have any electrical work done such as running wire for overhead lighting and adding outlets and switches. Once the walls are finished, you can paint them, add corkboard, install paneling, or include other design touches.

Install the right flooring

What are you going to do in your rec room space? If you are using the room for exercise equipment or yoga, you’ll want flooring that is comfortable and clean such as bamboo, cork, engineered wood, or vinyl. Carpet tiles are also a comfy, affordable option if you are using the room for watching TV, playing with kids, or just hanging out. Carpet tiles are easy to install, and if one of them gets stained, you can just replace the individual tile rather than the whole carpet.

Organize the space

Are you currently storing a bunch of items in your garage? If so, you’ll probably have to move some of the larger items out to make room for couches, TVs, a billiards or foosball table, an entertainment center, or whatever else you want in your new rec room. When moving bulky items to storage, avoid injury and get some help in the form of professional movers. Thankfully, a quick internet search can help you find dozens of options in your area that are both affordable and reputable. Look for movers that are licensed and bonded, and search for real move reviews from actual customers.

A professional organizing business can also be a big help when you are moving items in and out of your garage space, and getting your rec room set up for use. Seek out expert organizers such as those from h2horganizing.com. They offer moving services, as well as decluttering and other organizational assistance, for homes in Fairfield, New Haven, and Westchester Counties.

A rec room can be a great space for your family and friends to come together and have some fun. Instead of building on an expensive addition to your house, with some careful planning, a few DIY projects, and a little professional help, you can create an amazing rec room space that is both affordable and functional.

Author bio: Natalie enjoys writing about homebuying and hopes to inspire homeowners of all stages enjoy the perks of homeownership!