4 Ways to Make The Most of Your Garage Space
Freestanding, fixed, or completely built-in, a garage can be a big asset. If it’s in good condition with plenty of space, a functional layout, power and water facilities, and access to your backyard or inside the house makes this humble “room” a valuable selling point for your home.
Whether you’re considering adding a new garage to your home or making the most of the one you have, here are some four tips to help you get the most out of the space.
A Wall of Storage
Oftentimes, a decent-sized garage can house your car and become a great storage area and workplace. The best way to ensure this is to create workbenches and shelves around the perimeter at the back, add racks for bikes and skis, surfboards or boating equipment on the side, and carve out a good amount of space for any cleaning apparatus to get it out of the main house if storage is limited in there.
Garages that merge seamlessly with your home at one convenient and attractive entry point can be used to store food and groceries and second fridge or freezer, thus feeling like just another room in the house.
Garages with pool tables, dartboards, fitness equipment, and even pinball machines, create an instant air of fun and relaxation in a home – while keeping it out of the living areas.
Let it Flow
Can you create access through the garage to your backyard or into your home? Is there enough room for you to walk past the car comfortably? Keep traffic areas clear and ensure there is enough room to comfortably walk through the garage when the car is parked in there.
Garage doors are basically the face of your garage and its appearance can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of the structure. Whether single or double-door, a garage needs to have an attractive facade to be a real addition to your property – try a paneled timber version or make it a barn door to maximize space.
A garage is the part of property most likely to generate unwanted fumes, so also be aware of the need for healthy airflow. If rejuvenating an existing garage that is stuffy or smelly, consider adding windows, ceiling fans, and air vents. Always consider where fumes are likely to waft or be blown – you don’t want them wafting into your home.
Make it multi-functional.
The best part about a garage is you can often use them for a multitude of uses. Some can be turned into outdoor living areas that are always undercover, or even a laundry if space in your home is on the small side. If you have a pool next door why not make it suitable for a party-ready pool-house by opening up one wall and placing some perfect, portable outdoor furniture.
Consider Conversion
Converting a garage into an extra outdoor/indoor living space, creative studio or guest bedroom is quite common. The scale of the work involved depends largely on the quality of the existing garage.
Will you need to improve insulation? Is it sufficiently enclosed to prevent creepy crawlies from invading? Does it have water and power connections? Is the interior moldy? How can you seamlessly flow the different floor heights? Once you have determined that time and cost might be worth it to you, check with your local council about permits and consult a builder.
This article originally appeared on our sister site, Homes to Love.
