A renovation or design project that doesn’t quite end up as you imagined is disappointing. That’s why it’s critical to hire a highly recommended expert who will take measures to learn exactly what you want. 

A good designer has a variety of design ideas in mind. However, exceptional designers understand that the most critical component of any project is creating a design that fits the distinct needs and preferences of each client. To achieve this, the design expert must ask the right questions and listen carefully to client responses. 

At Garage Tailors Garage, we tailor each garage renovation to the specific budget, lifestyle needs and design aesthetics of the client. During the initial consultation, I explore the space and talk to perspective clients about how they envision their renovated garage supporting their current lifestyle and any future needs. However, this conversation begins long before I arrive at their door. It starts with six important questions asked on our client consultation request form.

Tell me about your garage organization and storage needs. 

A successful garage renovation is visually appealing and functional. To ensure the design achieves both goals, we start by gaining a thorough understanding of how you plan to use your garage. 

Think about what is stored in your garage now. Will you require a garbage and recycling station in the garage? Do you need a place to store tools? Will lawn equipment and gardening implements be stored there? What other items do you store in your garage? Is your garage the designated storage space for seasonal decorations or off-season tires? 

If your family is active, you’ll likely have a variety of sporting goods that require dedicated storage space. The consultation form simply requests that you check off the types of items you want to store. However, the form is also designed to prompt you to think more deeply about how you plan to use your garage, preparing you for our discussion about your lifestyle needs. 

Tell me a little about your garage.

Your garage has a limited amount of space, but our creative and made-to-order storage solutions maximize every square foot available. First, we need to know more about the space.

In this section of the questionnaire we ask whether we’re renovating a one, two or three-car garage. You’ll also estimate the height of the ceiling. This gives us a clear idea of how much wall space and overhead space is available for the garage renovation design. Lastly, we need to know more about the existing framework. Is the space drywalled or will we be working with block walls or open wood stud walls? The answer to this question will dictate the application process of certain design elements like wall organization system panels.

Tell me a little about your storage style or preferences.

In the questionnaire, this is presented as a simple, multiple choice question. Do you prefer to see everything or do you want to keep some things behind closed doors? Yet, this question speaks to the heart of your design. Do you want everything kept on display using baskets, hooks and shelves, or do you prefer the clean lines of hidden storage?

When done well, both storage styles can be quite attractive. Visibly stored items are quickly and easily accessed. The items themselves can be arranged in a pleasing manner that makes them an integral part of the design. On the other hand, sleek cabinets provide hidden storage, ensuring the renovation design is the star of the show.

What type of storage are you interested in?

Now that you’ve had a chance to consider what you’ll be storing in your garage, the available space and the storage style preference, it’s time to address the type of storage you envision for your space. Would you like to see everything stored neatly along the walls of your garage? Would you prefer to store everything overhead, making use of wasted space? Or would you prefer to combine wall organization and overhead storage to maximize the available storage space in your garage?

Whenever possible, it’s ideal to incorporate both wall organization and overhead storage. Wall organization systems make frequently used items like gardening tools and sports equipment easily accessible. Overhead storage racks are perfect for storing large, bulky items like kayaks and infrequently used items like holiday decorations.

In this section you’ll also indicate whether you want to include garage cabinetry or lighting options in your renovation design.

What level of finish are you interested in?

Our garage renovations range from basic garage organization projects to high-end garage renovations. The distinction is in the finishes. If you simply want to transform a cluttered garage into an organized space you’ll enjoy returning to each night, you may opt to bypass the finishes. You’ll still have an organized garage that looks great and does everything you need it to do.

For functional reasons, like preserving your garage floor and discouraging stains, you might select one of our garage flooring options. These include our one-day polyaspartic flooring system and modular, interlocking floor tiles—which can be scrubbed clean or replaced if damaged.

For clients seeking to transform their garage into a contemporary showplace, we can incorporate a number of finishes to get the look you want. Drywall, painting and beautiful polyaspartic flooring—available in a variety of stunning colors—pair nicely with Canadian-made garage cabinetry designed in a sleek, European style to create an impressive space.

What is the budget for your garage renovation?

The last key question about the design deals with your budget. The array of design and finish options available represent vastly different costs. I suggest that clients establish a budgetary range. The bottom number should be what you’d ideally like to spend on the project. The top number is what you’d be willing to spend to get the look and function you desire. Creating a budget range will allow us to develop design options that address your lifestyle and storage needs without going over your budget.

Are you ready to transform your garage into an organized, functional space or a fabulous showplace where you can park your vehicles and store all the things your lifestyle requires? Complete the Garage Tailors Garage consultation request form and begin the journey to your best garage renovation.