Garage Remodeling & Renovation in Hershey & Mechanicsburg, PA
In Business Since 1999
General Contractor
PA Licensed & Insured
Residential & Commercial
Garage Storage Systems, Epoxy Floors, Workshop Builds, Man Caves & Full Garage Conversions — Licensed Contractor Serving South Central Pennsylvania Since 1999
Every Hershey and Mechanicsburg home has one room nobody talks about at dinner parties — but everybody wishes was better.
The garage. The room that costs the same per square foot as your kitchen but gets less than a tenth of the investment. The room where things go when they don’t have anywhere else to go. Where the car hasn’t parked in three years because the bikes, the holiday boxes, the half-finished projects, and the tools nobody can find are in the way.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
FTL Handyman & Remodeling Services transforms garages throughout Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg, Carlisle, Camp Hill, and all of South Central Pennsylvania — from chaotic, wasted space into organized, purposeful, genuinely useful rooms. Whether your goal is a clean, functional storage system, a showroom-quality epoxy floor, a dedicated workshop, a home gym, or a full garage-to-living-space conversion — FTL designs and builds it, licensed and insured, with one team managing every detail.
📞 Call 1-223-243-7550 — Free Garage Remodeling Estimates. Next-Day Consultations Available.
What Could Your Garage Become? — South Central PA’s Most Underused Room
The average South Central PA attached garage is 400–600 square feet — the same footprint as a generous master bedroom, a small apartment, or a full home office. Here’s what that space could actually be:
- 🔧 A clean, organized workshop where you can actually find the tool you need
- 🏋️ A home gym that saves $100/month in membership fees and a 20-minute commute
- 🚗 A clean parking garage where your car actually fits — protected from PA hail, ice, and sun
- 🎮 A man cave or entertainment space that gets the big screen, the bar fridge, and the game day crowd out of the living room
- 🌸 A she shed or craft studio with real storage, real lighting, and a real workspace
- 💼 A home office or studio — separated from the house, quiet, professional
- 🏠 A finished bonus room — legal living space that adds square footage to your home’s appraised value
The question isn’t whether your garage could be better. It’s which version of better you want — and how fast you want to get there.
🏗️ Full Garage Renovation — Complete Transformation
For South Central PA homeowners ready to fully commit to their garage — FTL manages the complete renovation from demolition and prep through every finish phase:
- Garage interior demolition — removing old shelving, drywall, paneling, and flooring down to clean substrate
- Framing & insulation — wall framing, ceiling framing, and insulation installation for garages being finished or converted
- Drywall installation & finishing — moisture-resistant drywall throughout; taped, finished, and paint-ready
- Painting — walls, ceiling, and trim in your chosen color scheme; Sherwin-Williams premium products
- Epoxy or polyurea floor coating — complete floor preparation and coating; see dedicated floor section below
- Electrical upgrades — new circuits, outlets, lighting, and sub-panel work coordinated through our licensed electrical team
- Storage system installation — slatwall, cabinets, overhead storage, and workbench; see storage section below
- Heating & ventilation coordination — advising on mini-split, baseboard, or portable heating options for finished garage spaces
🔧 Garage Workshop Build-Out
A dedicated home workshop is the most popular full garage remodeling project among South Central PA homeowners — and one of the most technically detailed to build correctly. FTL workshop builds include:
The anatomy of a great workshop:
Workbench construction: A properly built workshop bench is the foundation of any productive garage. FTL builds custom workbenches with:
- Heavy-duty 2×4 or 2×6 base framing — built to hold hundreds of pounds without flex
- MDF or hardboard work surface — replaceable when worn
- Integrated storage below — drawers, shelves, or cabinet doors for tools and materials
- Hardwood front edge — preventing wear on the working edge
- Correct height for your working style — standard 34–36″; taller for standing comfort
Tool storage:
- Pegboard wall installation — full-wall pegboard with hook and bin accessories for hand tools
- Slatwall tool organization — tool holders, plier racks, wrench organizers, and saw holders
- Deep cabinet installation — locking steel base cabinets for power tools and hazardous materials
- Lumber and pipe storage — wall-mounted horizontal storage for long materials
Workshop electrical:
- Dedicated 20-amp circuits — for table saw, miter saw, and dust collector
- 240V circuit installation — for air compressors, welders, and heavy shop equipment
- Multiple outlet banks — every workbench section with accessible outlets
- Task lighting above work surfaces — bright, shadow-free LED shop lights over every work zone
- Switched outlet installation — power strips switched from a single wall control
Workshop flooring:
- Anti-fatigue mat installation over epoxy — comfort for hours of standing work
- Drain consideration — advising on floor drain placement for wet processes
🏋️ Garage Home Gym Conversion
The pandemic permanently changed how South Central PA homeowners think about home fitness — and the garage is the ideal gym footprint. FTL builds garage gyms that are genuinely functional, safe, and designed for the equipment you have and the training you do:
- Rubber flooring installation — 3/4″ or 1″ thick rubber tile or roll flooring; protects the concrete, protects your equipment, reduces noise transmission to the house
- Mirror wall installation — full-width mirror panels for form-check and visual space expansion
- Dedicated electrical circuits — for treadmills, ellipticals, and smart training equipment requiring dedicated power
- Overhead lighting upgrade — bright, even lighting eliminating shadows in lifting and training areas
- Wall-mounted equipment storage — custom-built racks for barbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and jump ropes
- Sound insulation — acoustic batt insulation in walls between garage and house; reducing bass and impact sound
- Climate control planning — advising on mini-split or portable unit placement for year-round comfort
🎮 Man Cave & Entertainment Garage
The man cave garage is one of FTL’s most creatively satisfying projects — and one where our full range of services converges in a single space. Great man caves are built on great bones:
- TV media wall build-out — recessed TV, electric fireplace, built-in shelving, hidden wiring, and LED lighting; see our full [TV Media Wall page] for complete scope
- Accent wall installation — shiplap, board-and-batten, reclaimed wood, or brick veneer feature walls; see our [Accent Wall page]
- Bar area construction — custom-built bar top, cabinetry, mini-fridge rough-in, kegerator plumbing, and pendant lighting
- Wet bar plumbing — sink rough-in, supply lines, and drain installation handled by our in-house plumbing team
- Ceiling treatment — drop ceiling, coffered ceiling, shiplap plank ceiling, or painted drywall
- Dedicated electrical — circuits for mini-fridge, TV, gaming, and audio equipment
- Lighting design — recessed lighting, LED strip lighting, pendant bar lighting, and smart dimmer control
🌸 She Shed & Creative Studio Garage
The female equivalent of the man cave — and growing faster in South Central PA than any other garage conversion category. FTL builds creative studios, craft rooms, yoga studios, and reading sanctuaries in garage footprints:
- Insulation and drywall — transforming a cold concrete box into a warm, comfortable room
- Flooring installation — LVP, tile, or luxury carpet depending on studio use
- Custom storage cabinetry — craft supply storage, fabric organization, and project staging areas
- Natural light enhancement — new window installation or enlarged openings bringing natural light into traditionally dark garage spaces
- Electrical upgrades — dedicated circuits for sewing machines, cutting machines, kilns, and other power-intensive creative equipment
- Ambient lighting design — warm, flattering lighting for creative work environments
- Heating and comfort — mini-split installation coordination for year-round use
💼 Garage Home Office Conversion
As remote work becomes permanent for many South Central PA professionals, garage-to-office conversions have become one of FTL’s most requested projects — a fully separated, professional workspace just steps from the house:
- Full insulation and climate control — complete thermal envelope for year-round comfort
- Soundproofing — acoustic insulation and sound-rated drywall assemblies for video call professionalism
- Dedicated internet and data runs — low-voltage data cabling, network jack installation, and cable management
- Dedicated electrical circuits — computer equipment, monitors, printer, and device charging without tripping breakers
- Built-in desk and shelving — custom-built workspace, bookcase walls, and filing storage
- Video call wall — professionally designed background wall with flattering lighting; see [Accent Wall page]
- Private entry — separate exterior door installation or garage door partial conversion for client access
🚗 Clean Parking Garage — Storage & Organization
For homeowners whose primary goal is simply to park their car again — a clean, organized garage with a place for everything. FTL’s garage organization system includes:
Slatwall panel installation: Full-wall slatwall is the most flexible garage organization system available — hooks, bins, shelves, and baskets repositionable at any time without drilling. FTL installs complete slatwall systems with a full accessory package organized for your specific tools, sports equipment, and supplies. See our full slatwall section on the [Custom Closet & Storage page].
Cabinet systems:
- Heavy-duty steel base cabinets — lockable; chemical and oil resistant; rated for 1,000+ lbs
- Wall-mounted steel cabinets — overhead storage for seasonal items and supplies
- Workbench cabinet combination — integrated bench surface with storage below
- Custom-built wood cabinet systems — painted or stained; higher aesthetic than steel; ideal for finished garages
Overhead storage:
- Ceiling-mounted overhead storage platforms — 4×8 and 4×4 platforms suspended from the ceiling structure; 250–600 lb capacity for seasonal bins, tires, and gear
- Ceiling-mounted bike lifts — pulley systems raising bikes to the ceiling when not in use
- Ski and paddle storage — vertical wall or ceiling-mounted storage for seasonal equipment
Floor-to-ceiling shelving:
- Heavy-duty metal shelving — adjustable steel shelving units anchored to walls for maximum stability
- Custom-built wood shelving walls — painted or stained shelving built to exact garage dimensions
Garage Floor Coatings — The Foundation of Every Great Garage
A quality garage floor coating transforms the entire feel of a garage — from a cold, stained concrete slab to a clean, durable, showroom-quality surface that’s as easy to maintain as a kitchen floor. FTL installs complete floor coating systems including all surface preparation:
The Coating Options
Standard Epoxy — Full Flake System The most popular garage floor finish in South Central PA — a base coat epoxy with broadcast decorative flake and a clear topcoat for UV and abrasion resistance. Clean, durable, and dramatically better looking than bare concrete.
- Full broadcast flake — hides imperfections; slip-resistant texture; dozens of color combinations
- Solid color base — any custom color base coat beneath the flake
- Gloss or matte clear topcoat — personal preference; gloss is most popular for visual impact
Polyurea Coating — The Premium System Polyurea is a next-generation garage floor coating that outperforms standard epoxy in every measurable category — more flexible, more UV stable, faster cure, and more chemical resistant. The preferred choice for South Central PA homeowners planning a finished or heavily used garage:
- 4x stronger than standard epoxy
- UV stable — won’t yellow under garage lighting or sun exposure through windows
- Full cure in 24 hours vs. 7 days for epoxy — back to full use the next day
- Handles Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles better than any other coating
Metallic Epoxy — The Showroom Finish For garages that are meant to impress — metallic epoxy creates a swirling, three-dimensional appearance with depth and shimmer that genuinely looks like a luxury showroom floor. Every metallic epoxy floor is unique; no two look exactly alike.
The Floor Preparation Process: Coating quality is 80% preparation — and this is where most failed DIY and budget garage floor jobs fall apart. FTL’s floor preparation includes:
- ✅ Concrete grinding or diamond grinding — mechanical profile creation for maximum coating adhesion
- ✅ Crack and joint repair — surface cracks filled and feathered; control joints treated
- ✅ Oil and stain treatment — degreasers and specialty treatments for oil-contaminated concrete
- ✅ Moisture testing — confirming concrete moisture levels are within acceptable range for coating adhesion
- ✅ Full detail edge work — coating applied tight to walls and transitions for a clean perimeter
Garage Lighting — The Most Overlooked Garage Upgrade
Most South Central PA garages were built with a single fluorescent fixture that illuminates roughly 40% of the floor space at a dim, unflattering level. Proper garage lighting transforms how the space feels and functions:
- LED shop light installation — 4000K–5000K daylight LEDs providing 4,000–8,000 lumens per fixture; installed in rows for even coverage throughout the garage floor
- Task lighting above workbenches — dedicated fixtures positioned to eliminate shadows directly over the work surface
- Motion-activated lighting — lights activate when you enter carrying your arms full; turn off automatically
- Overhead can lighting — recessed lighting in finished garage ceilings for a polished, residential look
- Under-cabinet LED strips — illuminating counter surfaces and tool storage areas
- Smart lighting installation — app and voice-controlled lighting for garages connected to the smart home system
- Exterior lighting — motion-activated floodlights, driveway lights, and entry lighting at garage doors
Garage Electrical Upgrades
The original electrical service in most South Central PA garages was designed for a single overhead light and one outlet. Modern garage use — home gym equipment, power tools, EV chargers, refrigerators, air compressors — requires a completely different electrical infrastructure. Our licensed electrical team installs:
- Additional circuits and outlets — 15-amp and 20-amp circuits throughout the garage; no more extension cords
- 240V dedicated circuits — for electric vehicle chargers, air compressors, welders, and heavy shop equipment
- EV charger installation — Level 2 EVSE installation with proper circuit sizing for your vehicle’s charging requirements
- Sub-panel installation — where the existing service panel can’t accommodate new circuits; a dedicated garage sub-panel provides clean, code-compliant power distribution
- GFCI outlet installation — code-required within 6 feet of water sources; also recommended for all garage outlets given potential moisture exposure
- Ceiling fan installation — ventilation and air circulation for comfort in warm-weather use
Garage Conversion to Living Space — What You Need to Know
Converting a garage to legal living space — an accessory dwelling unit, in-law suite, home office, or bonus room — is the highest-investment, highest-return garage project available to South Central PA homeowners. There are important considerations before you start:
Permits are required. Garage-to-living-space conversions require building permits in virtually every South Central PA municipality. The permit process involves plan review, inspections, and code compliance verification — FTL manages this process for you.
What code compliance requires for habitable space:
- Minimum ceiling height: 7 feet throughout
- Minimum window area: at least 8% of floor area in natural light
- Egress requirements: emergency exit window or door meeting IRC R310
- Insulation: wall and ceiling insulation meeting Pennsylvania’s energy code requirements
- Electrical: AFCI and GFCI protected circuits; proper outlet spacing for habitable rooms
- Heating: permanent heat source capable of maintaining 68°F at 3 feet above the floor
Garage door considerations: Converting a garage fully to living space typically involves either replacing the garage door opening with framed wall, window, and possibly a door — or keeping the garage door and treating the space as a non-habitable bonus room or studio. FTL advises on the right approach for your intended use during the free assessment.
Garage Remodeling Pricing — South Central PA
Project Typical Investment Garage organization — basic (slatwall + shelving) From $850 Garage organization — premium (slatwall + cabinets + overhead) From $2,500 Custom workbench build From $650 Epoxy floor coating — 1-car garage (standard flake) From $650 Epoxy floor coating — 2-car garage (standard flake) From $950 Polyurea coating — 2-car garage From $1,400 Metallic epoxy — 2-car garage From $1,800 LED shop lighting upgrade (4-fixture package) From $550 Dedicated 20-amp circuit installation From $250 EV charger (Level 2) installation From $450 Full garage workshop build-out From $3,500 Home gym conversion (rubber floor + mirrors + electrical) From $2,500 Man cave / entertainment build-out From $5,000 Garage drywall and paint (2-car, full interior) From $2,500 Full garage renovation (all trades) Call for scoped estimate Garage-to-living-space conversion Call for scoped estimate
All pricing confirmed with a written estimate before work begins. Permit fees additional where required.
📞 Call 1-223-243-7550 for your free garage remodeling estimate.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Book your appointment today. One of our team members will call you at your desired time. We look forward to serving your project needs.
Why Hershey & South Central PA Homeowners Choose FTL for Garage Remodeling
- ✔️ Licensed & fully insured general contractor — PA residential & commercial
- ✔️ In business since 1999 — 25+ years of garage renovation and remodeling across South Central PA
- ✔️ U.S. Army-trained craftsman — organized, disciplined, and accountable from first day to final walkthrough
- ✔️ Union Master Carpenter, Local 8 — custom workbenches, built-in storage, and finish carpentry at a commercial quality level
- ✔️ All trades in-house — carpentry, electrical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, and painting handled by one team
- ✔️ Floor coating expertise — complete preparation and professional application; not a roll-and-go floor paint job
- ✔️ Permit management — garage conversions requiring permits are fully managed through to final inspection
- ✔️ Creative design capability — man caves, she sheds, workshops, and home gyms designed around how you actually want to live
- ✔️ Transparent pricing — written estimate before any work begins
- ✔️ Clean job sites — tools staged carefully, debris removed daily, and garage fully functional between installation phases
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Google Reviews
What Our Clients Say
“Sean arrived early, was thorough in explaining what needed to be done and the cost, arrived with all parts and tools necessary, and finished with no surprise costs. We could not be happier with his professionalism.” — Gary F., Verified Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Sean is patient, solves the problem at a reasonable cost — even the situations left by previous contractors.” — Abbi, Verified Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.0 Stars on Google | Read More Reviews | Leave a Review
Garage Remodeling FAQs — Hershey & South Central PA
How much does garage remodeling cost in Hershey, PA? Garage remodeling costs in South Central PA range from $850 for a basic slatwall and shelving organization system to $25,000+ for a full garage conversion to finished living or entertainment space. Epoxy floor coatings for a 2-car garage start at $950; polyurea systems start at $1,400. All pricing confirmed with a free written estimate — call 1-223-243-7550.
Do I need a permit to convert my garage to living space in Pennsylvania? Yes. Garage-to-living-space conversions require building permits in virtually every South Central PA municipality — including Derry Township (Hershey), Mechanicsburg Borough, and Hampden Township. FTL manages the complete permit application and inspection coordination process. Garage organization, storage systems, and floor coatings typically don’t require permits.
What is the difference between epoxy and polyurea garage floor coatings? Standard epoxy is a petroleum-based coating that adheres well and looks great — but takes 5–7 days to fully cure, can yellow under UV exposure over time, and can become brittle in Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw climate. Polyurea is a more advanced formulation that cures in 24 hours, is 4x more flexible, UV stable, and more chemical-resistant — making it the better long-term choice for most South Central PA garages. Polyurea costs approximately 30–50% more than standard epoxy.
Can you build a man cave or home gym in my garage without fully converting it to living space? Absolutely — and this is the most popular garage transformation we do. A man cave, home gym, workshop, or she shed in a garage doesn’t require a building permit (in most applications) because it’s not classified as habitable living space — it’s an accessory use of the garage. Full living space conversion (sleeping, continuous occupation) triggers permit requirements; entertainment and fitness use typically doesn’t.
How long does a garage remodeling project take? A basic organization and storage installation takes 1–2 days. Epoxy floor coatings require 2 days (prep day and coating day) plus 24–48 hours of cure time before heavy use. A full workshop or home gym build-out typically takes 3–5 days. Complete garage renovations with drywall, electrical, and floor coating run 7–14 days. We provide a realistic timeline with every written estimate.
Can you finish the interior of my garage (drywall, insulation, paint) without converting it to living space? Yes — and finishing the interior of a garage without converting it to habitable living space typically doesn’t require a building permit in most South Central PA municipalities. Drywall, insulation, paint, and lighting upgrades dramatically improve comfort and appearance without triggering the full code requirements of a habitable space conversion. FTL advises on permit requirements for your specific scope during the free assessment.
Do you install EV chargers in garage remodeling projects? Yes. EV charger (Level 2 EVSE) installation is one of our most frequently added services during garage remodeling projects — particularly as more South Central PA homeowners add electric vehicles. Our in-house electrical team installs the dedicated 240V circuit, EVSE unit, and any necessary panel upgrades required to support Level 2 charging.
Can I keep using my garage while it’s being remodeled? In most cases, partially. We work in phases that minimize disruption — for example, completing one wall’s storage installation before moving to the next, or coating half the floor at a time. Floor coatings require the entire floor to be clear for prep and application, typically for 2 days. We discuss the access plan during the estimate so you know exactly what to expect.
GARAGE MAKEOVER
FTL Handyman Services in Hershey, Pa.
Serving Hershey, Mechanicsburg & All of South Central PA
Hershey · Mechanicsburg · Harrisburg · Carlisle · Camp Hill · Hummelstown · Colonial Park · Enola · Lemoyne · New Cumberland · Shiremanstown · Middletown · Dillsburg · West Shore · Linglestown · Boiling Springs · Newville · and throughout South Central PA
📞 Call 1-223-243-7550
📧ftlcustomerservice73@gmail.com
📍 5246 Simpson Ferry Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
🕐 Mon–Fri: 7am–6pm | Sat: 9am–1pm | Sun: Closed
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
GARAGE REMODELING
Professional Craftsman
AVAILABLE SERVICES
Payment Options:
Cash, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Square, PayPal, Cash-App, Venmo
No Checks / No Money Orders
Phone
+ 1 223-243-7550
Address
5246 Simpson Ferry Rd—Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Contact Us Today!
Book Your Free Garage Remodeling Estimate Today
Your garage is 400–600 square feet you’re already paying for in your mortgage, your property taxes, and your heating bill. Whether it becomes a workshop, a gym, an entertainment space, a parking spot you can actually use, or just an organized room where everything has a place — FTL Handyman & Remodeling can design and build it.
What would you do with a garage that actually worked for you?
📞 Call Now: 1-223-243-7550
📸 Text photos of your garage for a preliminary design consultation
🖥️ Or book online at ftlhandymanservices.com
Licensed General Contractor | Hershey & Mechanicsburg, PA | Garage Remodeling Since 1999
