What a garage remodel usually includes
- Storage: wall cabinets, tall lockers, overhead racks and slatwall systems that keep bikes, golf bags and coolers organized.
- Floors: crack repair and a coating system such as epoxy or polyaspartic with decorative flakes. Coatings resist oil spots and are easy to sweep.
- Lighting: bright LED fixtures that light the whole floor, plus task lighting at a workbench.
- Electrical: added outlets, dedicated circuits for tools or freezers, and EV charger circuits.
- Comfort: insulated garage doors, wall and ceiling insulation where practical, and cooling options suited to a garage.
- Workspaces: workbenches, utility sinks and hobby areas.
Planning a garage for Scottsdale summers
Garages here get very hot. A few changes make a large difference:
- An insulated garage door with good weatherstripping is often the single biggest improvement.
- Light-colored finishes and good air movement help the space feel more tolerable.
- Many floor coatings and adhesives have temperature limits during installation, so scheduling matters.
- Store chemicals, paint and batteries in closed cabinets away from direct heat sources.
Keep the parking you need
Start by deciding how many cars must fit with doors open. Plan cabinet depth and placement around that. Wall-mounted systems and ceiling racks free floor area. In many HOA communities, the CC&Rs also expect garages to stay usable for parking, which is another reason to plan storage carefully.
Permits
Coatings, cabinets and storage systems are generally cosmetic. Electrical work such as new circuits or a service upgrade is listed by the City of Scottsdale as a minimum electrical permit. If you enclose a garage or change it to livable space, it falls under the city’s residential construction process. See the home improvement list and single-family construction page.
Remodel or convert?
If you are on the fence, read our garage conversion vs. garage remodeling guide. If you have decided to turn the space into a bedroom, office or gym, go to garage conversions.
