Transform Your Garage Into a Stylish Man Cave

Q: How much does it cost to turn a garage into a man cave?

On average, it costs $5,000 to finish a garage. However, the cost to turn a garage into a man cave will vary depending on the state of the garage that you start with and how you’re wanting the end result to look.

Q: What size garage do I need?

You can convert any size garage into a man cave. Even a small space can be transformed into a relaxing man cave with the right seating, decor, and entertainment.

Q: What are some cheap options to convert my garage?

It is possible to convert your garage into a man cave on a budget. Garages are already built, so you won’t have to spend money to build a new structure. To save money, try to use furniture that you already own or purchase thrifted or cheap furniture. You can also repaint the space yourself, which is a cost-effective way to transform a space.

Turning a Garage Into a Man Cave: Ideas & Costs

Jason SteeleUpdated August 2, 2023

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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.

If you are a man who lives in a busy house, you may have dreamt about having a man cave to escape to. A man cave can come in many different sizes and forms. Garages, basements, rooms, or sheds are some popular places for man caves in a house.

What Is a Man Cave?

A man cave is a designated space where men can relax, unwind, play, and have their own personal space at home. Some men might want to use their man cave for hanging out with friends, while others want to watch sports or play video games. Man caves can have the latest tech, or they can be a place to escape screens. The point of a man cave is to have a place that is all yours, so it can be anything that you want it to be.

Why a Garage Is the Perfect Spot for a Man Cave

There are a few different locations for actually building a man cave. If you have an extra bedroom in your house, you could turn it into your man cave. An attic could be transformed into a man cave, especially if you are already looking into the cost of attic conversions. You could also turn a basement into a man cave. If you don’t have any space in your house to put a man cave, you could build one on your property via a shed in your yard. You can purchase a kit for building a shed online or at a hardware store.Another great option is to make your garage into a man cave. A garage is a great spot for a man cave because it has some separation from the house and is often underutilized. It generally costs the same amount to transform a garage into a man cave as it does to convert a room in your house (especially if your garage already has access to electricity). Recommended: How to Find a Contractor for Home Renovations

How Much It Costs to Turn a Garage Into a Man Cave

The cost to turn a garage into a man cave will depend on the state of the garage that you start with. If you need to finish the garage first, it will be significantly more expensive than if the garage is already finished and has electricity installed. The average cost to finish a garage is about $5,000, but it can be much more to turn it into a man cave. If the garage is already finished and you are on a budget, it can be possible to convert your garage into a man cave for cheap. Garages are already built, so you won’t have to spend money to build a new structure. If you are on a budget, try to use furniture that you already own or purchase thrifted or cheap furniture. Paint is a cheap way to transform a space, too.Before starting the actual transformation process of changing a garage into a man cave, you should clear everything out of the garage. Once you have an empty space, you can plan out your man cave and measure for furniture, appliances, etc.

What Every Man Cave Needs

Deciding what to put in your man cave will obviously depend on your personal style, preferences, hobbies, and budget. You should decorate your man cave according to your personal style and taste. Maybe you want to display sports memorabilia, artwork from a favorite artist, or movie posters.You will probably want seating for your man cave. You could include a comfy couch or recliners for relaxing. You may also want extra seating for visiting guests. Maybe you will want a futon for naps in your man cave.Entertainment options for a man cave could include a large TV, a pool table, a dartboard, a foosball table, or video games. Additional items to think about for your man cave include a bar cart, a coffee station, a mini fridge, and a microwave. None of these items are necessary, so only include them if they fit your personal preferences and budget.Recommended: Personal Loans for Home Improvement

Heating Your Converted Garage in the Winter

If your garage is already wired for electricity, it will make things easier to heat your converted garage in the winter. If not, you will need to do that before you can install heating. Space heaters and radiators can be good solutions to heat your converted garage. You can purchase these for between $20 and $300, depending on what size and quality of a space heater you want. Making sure that the converted garage is properly insulated will also help keep the room warm in the winter. If your garage flooring is concrete, you may also want to think about different flooring options. Putting down a rug or carpet can help with heating insulation, as well as give the man cave a more comfortable feel. You could also look into laying a subfloor. This could also help keep the room insulated in the winter.

The Takeaway

Turning a garage into a man cave can be done on nearly any budget. You can make a cheap man cave if you have an already finished garage and keep the decor and entertainment minimal. You can also make an extravagant man cave if you want, with nice furniture, the newest entertainment systems, and many accessories.It is always best to pay for your man cave project by saving up money ahead of time. However, it is possible to get garage financing via a home equity loan, a credit card, or a personal loan.A personal loan can be used for a variety of purposes, including a home renovation project like turning a garage into a man cave. If you are looking to apply for a new personal loan, Lantern can help. Lantern can help you compare top personal loans and find today’s best rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to turn a garage into a man cave?

What size garage do I need?

What are some cheap options to convert my garage?

Photo credit: iStock/svetikd

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About the Author

Jason Steele

Jason Steele has been writing about credit cards and award travel since 2008. One of the nation's leading experts in this field, he has contributed to dozens of personal finance and travel outlets and has been widely quoted in the mainstream media.

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