Converting Your Garage into a Home Gym

Some garages actually house a vehicle or two, while many others seem to be the catch-all for everything a family has no room for inside the house. In the past few years, however, more and more families have turned their garages into highly usable spaces that fit their lifestyles. Some will use the entire garage space, while others will divide a two or three-car garage so that part of it can still be used to protect a vehicle.

Some garages have been turned into home offices for those who work from home. Others are turned into a family room or playroom or are updated for highly practical yet stylish storage areas. As more and more people strive to stay healthy, they may find that gym membership is just not practical. This has resulted in many homeowners deciding to turn their garages into home gyms and fitness areas.

If you have made the decision to convert your garage into a home gym, one of the best decisions you can make is to call a licensed Downer’s Grove, IL garage-building and repair expert from Blue Sky Builders, Inc.. With 45 years of service to more than 50 communities in the Chicago area, we can help you replace old garage windows, update garage siding and roofing, and add an attractive steel entry door to your new fitness center.

Assess Your Needs

Your first step should be to assess your needs. Will your converted garage gym be only for you, for you and your spouse, or for an entire family? Depending on your square footage, you may need to maximize your use of space to the extent possible. Will the gym have stationary bicycles, a treadmill, and a rowing machine? What about free weights? Create a floor plan after taking measurements of the area – and measurements of the equipment you have or the equipment you plan to purchase. Take note of electrical outlets, doors, and windows to maximize your space.

Consider Comfort, Accessibility, and Security

Most garages have very little insulation. You will need to add additional insulation to the garage door, the ceiling, and the walls. There are many types of insulation, including spray foam, woven, fiberglass batting, and bubble insulation. Your ultimate goals are to block all drafts, control moisture, create a sound barrier, and keep your fitness center warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

After you have added insulation, you will need heating and cooling units to ensure good temperature control. Mini-split systems work well in smaller spaces as they are energy efficient while controlling heat and humidity, and some units can help ventilate your space if there are no windows. If you still need a certain amount of storage space and your garage has a high ceiling, you can potentially add a storage loft.

Be aware of headroom. You want to ensure you have enough space above you when you raise your arms or rebound on a mini-trampoline. A high-lift garage door conversion can allow the garage door to open at a higher level, closer to the ceiling. A wall-mounted garage door opener can also add security features like notifications sent to your smartphone to indicate the status of the garage door and PosiLock to keep the door down and monitor against forced entry.

Consider Flooring

A cold concrete floor may not be what you want for your home gym. You could consider epoxy flooring, which is applied over a concrete floor and comes in a wide array of colors and patterns. Epoxy flooring can also have an additive that makes it non-slip, which is important in a gym. Some people choose rubber mats for their fitness area or foam tiles, which are easier on exercisers’ knees. Add your personal touches – a sound system, television, dorm refrigerator, photos, water cooler – and your home gym is ready to be enjoyed.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Garage Repair and Replacement Company

If you are ready to convert your garage into a more usable space, our Downer’s Grove, IL garage-building and repair experts can help. When you choose Blue Sky Builders, Inc., you will benefit from a free on-site consultation from highly experienced garage professionals. Our company’s original owners still handle all day-to-day operations for our company which was founded in 1979. Call 630-852-8485 today!