Garage Remodel Questions

[Mike0105]

Hi Everyone,

I moved into my house a couple of years back and the one part of the house that was in serious neglect was the garage. To date I haven't really done much but I'd at least like to put together a project plan and start to tackle some of the bigger projects. I've broken the garage into three main sections and wanted some advice on what to do first and opinions as I'm not even sure what to do with some of the issues I've identified.

Garage Floor
As you can see in the pictures the floor has taken a beating. It's to the point now where just sweeping it is bringing concrete dust up from the areas that are no longer smooth. My end result is some sort of epoxy floor so what's my best option here? Is this too far gone where the floor needs to be pulled out and repaired? Can this just be grinder smooth and epoxy applied over the new smooth surface?

Garage Walls
I have some peeling paint, cracks everywhere, holes here and there. In general the drywall is in poor condition and in opening up one of the holes it isn't insulated. I'm not planning on heating or cooling the garage but would like it insulated in case I want to work on a car in the winter, have a project etc. Does it make sense to pull the drywall down, insulate and then re-drywall? Am I better off just putting some holes in the walls and putting in blown insulation and then sanding the peeling paint, cracks etc and skim coating? I don't need anything perfect in the end but want something that looks nice

Lighting
I want lots of lights The garage has two windows and a door so it does get some natural light but I like to detail cars and the more light the better. Recommendations on products or set ups would be appreciated.

Lastly, what order do I do all this in? This will be a piecemeal type project and I'm not sure whether to start with the floor or the drywall piece first.

Thanks for the help! I've attached a few pictures of the floor and a section of the wall.
Mike

 

[Yingpin]

I am kind of in the same boat but starting about 3 years after I moved it. Lighting is going to be on the wish list forever and it will aid in everything you do. Once installed it will be out of the way and will not impact any other projects on your list. I would start there.

Second, I would do the garage floor. I cannot speak to your options because I am there now and looking into it myself. However, the longer you are there the more things will accumulate in your garage. You can get ahead of having to move all of that out by doing the floor at this stage.

I would do the walls third. You can always dress warm to work on the cars in the winter. You can insulate your garage doors and above the attic if you have access and that may give you the temps needed to be comfy. sanding the walls skim coat and paint can be done in section not requiring you to have to move everything out again.

I would not pull the drywall down to insulate the walls.

 

[Sawdustmaker]

Welcome to GJ. I agree with Yingpin. I am facing the floor situation too. I've been in my house/garage 31 years. To do my floor means removing cabinets, shelving units and large power tools. Do the floor first. Right now I don't ever see mine being done.

P.S. Include your location with your avatar. Some members might be close and be able to contact and assist you with questions.

 

[Mike0105]

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated. Looks like the floor is going to be this summers project. I'm in NJ by the way, I'll pop my location in
Mike

 

[77Birdman]

I would start at the top and work my way down. (in fact that's how I did mine last winter). Address any issues you have with the ceiling, if all it needs is cleaning or painting, take care of that. 4ft led shop lights are fantastic. I have 4 in a 36'x26' garage and its plenty bright.
Then take care of the walls. If you really want insulation, blown in may be the easiest, cleanest way to go by renting a machine from HD. Then spackle the bad spots and paint.
Lastly do the floor.
This progression makes the most sense. Why put money and effort into a new floor then have to worry about covering it up while painting, drywall and whatever work will be done above. Maybe the same reason that finished floors are the last thing to be installed in a new house.

 

[Monte406SS]

I say top down as well (or at least painting first). Paint always seems to find its way on the floor even though you thought you had it all tarped.

I lived in Hillsborough for 12 years, moved out about 3 years ago. Love the area. Good luck.

 

[ddawg16]

Yea....the floor should be the last thing you do....

I would plan out lights and outlets.....now is the time to do it. To run wires, it's not a huge task to cut a long cut out in the wall....A larger cut is typically easier to patch than a bunch of small ones.

And keep browsing the floor pics.

I came to this site because of flooring.....and after all the reading....I waited....I'm still waiting