At TLC GarageWorks, we’ve seen it all. Gorgeous homes with garages that look like afterthoughts. People invest thousands into kitchens and bathrooms, but when it comes to the garage—the most versatile, underappreciated square footage in the whole house—it’s often overlooked or poorly planned.
So today, we’re laying out the seven most common garage design mistakes we see, along with exactly how to fix or avoid them.
Because as Bob Carr says, “If you’re gonna build it, build it right. Or you’ll be paying to fix it sooner than you think.”
1. Skipping the Floor Coating
The Mistake: Settling for bare concrete or a DIY epoxy kit that peels within a year.
Why It’s a Problem: – Concrete dust floats into your home – Stains are nearly impossible to clean – DIY kits don’t bond properly without pro-grade prep
The Fix: Invest in polyaspartic or polyurea coatings, like we install at TLC GarageWorks. They cure quickly, resist hot tires and spills, and look amazing.
Bob’s Take: “You don’t put carpet over mud. Why park your car on busted concrete?”
2. Underestimating Storage Needs
The Mistake: Installing one shelf and calling it a day.
Why It’s a Problem: – No dedicated space = clutter explosion – You lose floor space fast – No zones means everything piles together
The Fix: Plan for multi-level, wall-mounted, and ceiling-mounted storage. Our team designs custom slatwall systems, cabinets, and racks to fit your stuff and your habits.
Pro Tip: Think vertical. Ceiling-mounted racks are perfect for holiday bins and long-term storage.
3. Forgetting About Lighting
The Mistake: Using one overhead bulb or relying on the garage door opener light.
Why It’s a Problem: – Poor visibility = frustration, especially at night – Feels like a dungeon, not a functional room
The Fix: Upgrade to LED lighting with task zones—motion-activated panels, strip lighting over workbenches, and accent lights.
Bob’s Take: “The brighter it is, the more you’ll use it. Period.”
4. Choosing the Wrong Cabinets (Or None at All)
The Mistake: Using kitchen cabinets or cheap plastic bins that warp and break.
Why It’s a Problem: – Can’t hold weight – Don’t fit tools or gear well – Look out of place in a garage
The Fix: Use garage-rated cabinetry. We install powder-coated steel or heavy-duty woodgrain cabinets built for moisture, weight, and real life.
Bonus: They’re lockable for safety and style.
5. Ignoring Functionality and Flow
The Mistake: Putting the lawnmower behind the fridge box behind the kayak behind the snowblower.
Why It’s a Problem: – Every chore feels like a scavenger hunt – You avoid the space instead of using it
The Fix: Think zones. We help you map your garage into logical areas: tools, lawn, sports, workbench, car care, etc. It’s all about flow and access.
Bob’s Take: “If it takes more than 60 seconds to find a screwdriver, you’ve got a flow problem.”
6. Not Planning for Multi-Use
The Mistake: Designing for just one use (like parking), then realizing you need more space for a gym, workshop, or storage.
Why It’s a Problem: – You end up starting over later – Costs more to retrofit than to plan right the first time
The Fix: Build for flexibility. We design hybrid garages with modular zones so you can add a treadmill, workbench, or mudroom bench down the road.
Pro Tip: Always leave 25% of space open for future upgrades.
7. Treating It Like a Garage (Instead of a Room in Your Home)
The Mistake: Thinking the garage doesn’t deserve the same thought or finish level as other rooms.
Why It’s a Problem: – It becomes a catchall, not a showpiece – You avoid using the space
The Fix: Change your mindset. This is part of your home. At TLC GarageWorks, we help homeowners turn garages into places they want to spend time. That starts with better materials, smarter design, and a little TLC.
Bob’s Take: “If the front door is for guests, the garage is for family. Shouldn’t it look the part?”
Want a Garage You’ll Love to Use?
TLC GarageWorks helps homeowners across Maryland turn boring garages into beautiful, useful extensions of their homes. Whether you want a gym, a workshop, or a family command center, we’ll help you build it—smart, clean, and fast.
Don’t wait until the clutter piles up or the floor peels again. Get it done right.
Call today for your free consultation, and let’s build something amazing together.
“Whatever your garage is doing right now… it can do more.” – Bob Carr