Garage Goals: Turning Your Parking Spot into a Functional Space

When building a home, the garage is often an afterthought—but it doesn’t have to be! At Buffum Homes, we finish the common walls (also known as warm or interior walls) by default. These are the walls shared with the actual house, and they are fire-taped for safety and efficiency. However, the other walls in the garage remain unfinished unless you choose otherwise, giving you the flexibility to decide what level of finish you want.

What Can Be Done to Finish the Garage?

If you want to take your garage to the next level, there are plenty of options we can provide, including:

◦ Insulation – Helps regulate temperature, making the garage more comfortable year-round.

◦ Drywall Installation – Covers the exposed framing on non-common walls for a more polished look.

◦ Drywall Prep (Mudding, Taping, and Prepping) – Ensures smooth, clean walls ready for paint.

◦ Painting – A fresh coat of paint can make the space feel more finished and cohesive with the rest of your home.

◦ Trim Work – Adding baseboards or other trim details can create a truly polished space.

◦ Additional Electrical Outlets – If you plan to use the garage as a workshop or for other functional purposes, extra outlets can be a great addition.

◦ Insulated Overhead Garage Doors – Helps maintain temperature control, especially during Michigan’s cold winters and hot summers.

◦ Overhead Heater – For those who want to use their garage year-round, an overhead heater can make a big difference in comfort.

◦ Epoxy Floor Coating – A durable and attractive flooring option that makes cleaning easy and adds a finished look to the space.

◦ Dividing Wall – If you need separate areas within your garage, a dividing wall can help section off a workspace or storage area.

◦ Utility Sink – A practical addition for cleaning up after projects, washing tools, or handling messes without bringing them into the house.

◦ EV Outlet – If you own or plan to own an electric vehicle, adding a dedicated charging outlet in the garage ensures convenience and efficiency.

◦ Power Equipment Setup – Outlets and storage solutions for power tools, lawn equipment, or other heavy-duty items can make your garage more functional.

Why Finish the Garage?

While finishing the garage isn’t necessary, there are several benefits to doing so:

◦ Additional Usable Space – Whether you plan to use it as a workshop, home gym, or just want a clean and polished storage area, a finished garage enhances functionality.

◦ Better Temperature Control – Insulation, drywall, and insulated garage doors help moderate temperatures, which is especially helpful in Michigan’s unpredictable weather.

◦ Aesthetic Appeal – A finished garage looks cleaner and more polished, complementing the overall feel of your home.

◦ Cost-Effective Upgrades – We keep costs low where we can, allowing you to enhance the space without breaking the budget.

When Should You Decide?

One of the best parts about finishing the garage is that it’s a decision you can make later. If you’re unsure during the initial build, we can price it out for you so you know what to expect. Many of our homeowners choose to do this, as it’s a straightforward, cosmetic upgrade that adds value and usability to their home.

We do this all the time at Buffum Homes, and we’d love to help you create the garage that works best for your needs. Whether you want a simple, functional space or a fully finished extension of your home, we can make it happen. Reach out to us to discuss pricing and options!