Renovate Garage or Rent Storage? A Real Cost Comparison for Overland Park Homeowners

Published on 2/20/2026
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Typical home 3-car garage cluttered with storage bins on the walls, a truck, a car, and a boat on a trailer


If you live in Overland Park and your garage is overflowing, you are not alone.

Between lawn equipment, seasonal decorations, tools, bikes, and possibly an RV or boat, many homeowners quickly run out of usable garage space. The natural question becomes:

Should you renovate your home garage to maximize space, or should you rent a larger storage space built specifically for vehicles and equipment?

Before spending thousands on cabinets and shelving, it helps to look at the real numbers.

The Typical Overland Park Garage

Most homes in southern Overland Park have:

  • Two car garages measuring approximately 20 feet by 20 feet to 22 feet by 22 feet
  • Three car garages ranging from 600 to 750 square feet
  • Ceiling heights between 8 and 10 feet

These are standard suburban dimensions. Renovation can reorganize that footprint, but it cannot expand it. If your issue is lack of square footage rather than clutter, that distinction matters.

The Real Cost of Renovating a Garage in Overland Park

Many homeowners begin with a simple goal. Add shelving. Clean things up. Make it usable again.

But, what starts small grows quickly when you begin to look at the project in detail.

Shelving and Storage Systems

If you shop at Home Depot or Lowe’s in Johnson County, here is what you can expect:

  • Husky heavy duty steel shelving units cost approximately $250 to $350 each
  • Most homeowners purchase three to six units
  • Total shelving alone often reaches $1,000 to $2,000

Overhead storage racks such as Fleximounts or SafeRacks range from $400 to $900 installed.

Wall systems like Gladiator slatwall panels can run $800 to $2,500 depending on coverage.

Entry level cabinet systems from brands like Gladiator or NewAge typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000.

For a meaningful organization upgrade, many Overland Park homeowners spend between $4,000 and $10,000.

And that is before flooring upgrades.

Epoxy Garage Floors

Epoxy flooring is extremely popular in Overland Park. Local Kansas City area installers typically charge between $5 and $8 per square foot.

For a 440 square foot two car garage, that equals: $2,200 to $3,500 installed.

DIY kits from Rust Oleum or Behr cost less, but professional results are what most homeowners prefer.

Electrical, Insulation, and Climate Upgrades

Once you start improving the garage, lighting and temperature become the next concern.

  • Mini split systems in Johnson County commonly cost between $3,000 and $6,000 installed.
  • Adding outlets, upgrading lighting, or modifying panels can add another $1,000 to $3,000.
  • Insulation and drywall upgrades typically range from $2,000 to $6,000.

Realistic Renovation Totals in Overland Park

Here is what the math usually looks like:

Basic shelving upgrade: $4,000 to $6,000
Mid level remodel with cabinets and floor: $8,000 to $15,000
Full finished garage makeover: $15,000 to $25,000 or more

And after all of that, your garage is still the same size.

The Square Footage Problem

No amount of shelving creates:

  • 45 feet of depth for an RV
  • 14 foot door clearance
  • Dedicated space for a boat and truck
  • Room for contractor equipment and daily vehicles

Renovation reorganizes clutter. It does not create additional usable square footage. If you own an RV, boat, camper, or large trailer, you still cannot fit it inside most residential garages in Overland Park.

Comparing Renovation Costs to Renting Storage

Now compare renovation spending to renting a purpose built enclosed storage unit. At AP Garages in Overland Park, enclosed concrete floored units designed for RVs, boats, and large equipment typically range from $650 to $850 per month depending on size and power configuration.

Let’s run a practical example. If you invest $18,000 into a garage renovation, that equals:

27 months of enclosed storage at $650 per month
21 months of enclosed storage at $850 per month

That is nearly two years of premium storage.

And unlike renovation, renting gives you:

  • Hundreds of additional square feet
  • Enclosed insulated protection
  • Reinforced concrete flooring
  • High door clearance
  • 24 hour gated access
  • Space built specifically for large vehicles

The Hidden Financial Factors

Renovation costs are not just about materials.

Asset Protection

RV tire replacements can cost $1,500 to $3,000.

Water intrusion repairs can run $5,000 to $15,000.

Exterior repainting or resealing costs thousands.

Enclosed storage significantly reduces exposure to moisture, UV damage, and weather related wear.

Capital Flexibility

Spending $20,000 on cabinets locks your money into permanent home infrastructure. Renting storage preserves capital and offers flexibility if your needs change.

When Garage Renovation Makes Sense

Renovation is a smart investment if:

  • You only need better organization
  • You do not own large vehicles
  • You want cosmetic upgrades
  • You use your garage primarily as a workshop

But if your core issue is space, not clutter, renovation may not solve your problem.

When Renting Storage in Overland Park Makes More Sense

Renting a larger space becomes the smarter decision when:

  • You own an RV, boat, trailer, or oversized vehicle
  • HOA rules limit driveway or street storage
  • You want your daily vehicles back inside your home garage
  • You want enclosed protection from Kansas weather
  • You prefer purpose built space instead of creative rearranging

A Hybrid Approach

Many Overland Park homeowners find the best solution is a combination strategy. Organize the items you use daily at home and store seasonal or oversized vehicles in a secure enclosed unit designed for them.

Your home garage becomes functional again. Your RV or boat receives proper protection. And you avoid overspending on renovations that do not increase square footage.

Final Thoughts for Overland Park Homeowners

Before committing $15,000 to $25,000 to upgrade your garage, take a step back and run the numbers. You may find that renting premium enclosed storage in Overland Park provides more space, better protection, and stronger long term value than remodeling your existing garage.

If your challenge is space, not shelving, the solution may not be renovation.

It may simply be more room.