If your garage has become more of a dumping ground than a functional space, it’s time to take action. Whether you’re dealing with clutter, structural issues, or outdated fixtures, this guide will walk you through practical steps to transform your garage from unfit to efficient. In our This Old House TV project, we helped homeowners Raveen and Allison Sharma tidy up the garage in their 1940s Colonial Revival house in Auburndale, Massachusetts.
Mending a Mismatch
It’s never ideal when the first thing you notice about a house is its garage, but that’s exactly what happened with this project. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva summed up the problem perfectly: “The attached garage is original to the house. But it looks like an afterthought.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of many homeowners who find their garages detracting from their home’s curb appeal rather than adding to it.
A mismatched garage is not uncommon, particularly in older homes where the garage may have been added or modified years after the house was first built. Homeowners with this issue often feel that their garage doesn’t complement the architectural style of the rest of the house but instead feels disjointed and out of place. This is an issue for those who take pride in the look and cohesiveness of their home’s design.
Creative Fixes
The garage’s awkward positioning closer to the street than the house itself was likely due to the steep drop in the yard behind it. The most glaring issue was the garage’s flat roof, which contrasted sharply with the attractive hipped roof of the main house. These architectural inconsistencies presented a unique challenge for the This Old House project team.
The team realized that a simple cosmetic fix wouldn’t be enough. They needed to address the fundamental architectural issues between the garage and the main house. This involved not just modifying the garage’s roofline but also considering how other design elements, such as color schemes and materials, could be used to create a more harmonious overall look.
A Stunning Solution
For this project, the This Old House team came up with a clever solution: adding a new “hat” to the garage in the form of a gabled roof that would match the one topping the new, bumped-out entryway. This element would reduce the garage’s visual dominance.
To boost the property’s curb appeal even more, the team decided to add a pergola that connects the garage to the entry structure. While the Sharmas initially thought about installing new carriage-style garage doors, budget constraints led them to go with a fresh coat of paint on the existing doors instead. They also added eye-catching oil-rubbed bronze sconces above each one. By choosing to paint the existing garage doors and add distinctive lighting fixtures, the team achieved a major transformation without going over budget.
Three Ways To Upgrade a Garage
If you’re looking to upgrade your own mismatched garage, you can replace the doors, give the garage a facelift, or connect it to the main structure. Each option caters to different needs, ranging from simple, affordable changes to complete overhauls. Understanding what you can achieve with each type of update can help you choose the best approach for your garage. We explore each of these options below.
1. Replace the Doors
Many garage doors suffer from a serious image problem, and this example is no exception. The pair of windowless paneled doors made the entire garage structure look more like a boarded-up building than an integral part of a welcoming home. This can detract from a property’s overall appearance and value.
One of the best ways to upgrade your garage is by replacing its doors. In this example, the simple addition of 16-light, two-toned barn-style doors gave the two-car garage a more traditional look.
When choosing new garage doors, think about styles that match or complement your home’s architectural features. Carriage-style doors, for instance, can add a touch of elegance to traditional homes, while sleek, modern designs better suit contemporary architecture.
2. Give Your Garage a Facelift
Old paint or damaged siding can make your garage look less appealing. If you want to repaint or install new siding, it’s best to update your entire home’s exterior rather than just the garage to give your home a cohesive look. In this example, both the house and its attached garage underwent a complete makeover, including the replacement of vinyl siding with redwood-look shakes made of fiber cement.
These homeowners worked with designers from Georgia-based remodeling company Exovations to replace their double-wide garage door with a decorative carriage-style model. The new door features Craftsman-inspired lights and strap hinges to elevate the garage’s appearance. To complete the look, new lanterns were added to flank the door, roof brackets were installed to support the eaves at the top and corners, and a pediment was added to dress up an existing triple window.
3. Connect It to the Main Structure
Small changes can make a big difference. In the example below, the garage received a boost thanks to a fresh paint job and a new light fixture. The revamped paint and lighting improved the garage’s appearance and created a seamless transition to the main house.
When a detached garage is located close enough to the house, it’s an excellent opportunity for small-scale expansion. In this case, This Old House TV‘s Auburndale project architect Harriet Christina Chu connected a gable-roofed single-car garage to the house with an addition. This new space includes a spacious mudroom, a small bathroom, and a breakfast nook, which bridge the gap between the garage and the main house.
With a mudroom between the garage and the main house, as seen in the example below, the family can walk directly from the car into the house during cold New England winters, with a spot along the way to shed heavy coats and wet boots.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency
Keep energy efficiency in mind during your garage renovation. Proper insulation, weather stripping, and energy-efficient lighting can reduce energy costs and improve comfort—especially if the garage is attached to the house. If you use your garage as a workspace, install windows or skylights to increase natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. Energy-efficient upgrades benefit the environment and offer long-term cost savings. These improvements can also boost the overall value of your home.
Maximizing Storage Potential
Custom shelving, cabinets, and overhead storage systems can all help you keep your garage organized and clutter-free. This not only improves the functionality of the space but also contributes to a cleaner, more attractive appearance when the garage doors are open.
Our Conclusion
Upgrading an unfit garage can improve your home’s curb appeal, functionality, and value. Whether you opt for a simple door replacement, a comprehensive facelift, or connecting the garage to your main house, these changes can transform an eyesore into a valuable asset.
