The garage represents a ton of untapped potential in many homes. Sure, it’s useful for parking your vehicles, and it might even be good for storage. However, many of us are not getting nearly as much as we could from our garages. This is especially true if it is messy and has a lot of stuff stacked up with no plan.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your garage and making it what you’ve always dreamed it could be, you’re in luck! There are many projects you could consider to make your garage better and more useful. From simply organizing the space to turning it into a functional workshop, you have a lot of options. The best part is that you might not need a home renovation company for many of these projects.
What are the steps and projects to upgrade your garage? Read on for some of the best options!
Tackle the Mess and Declutter
Most of us will need to start with cleaning and decluttering the garage. That way, you can see what you have and get a better idea of what you’re working with. If possible, empty everything into the driveway and take stock of everything you keep in the garage. As you bring things out, try to organize items by whether you want to keep them or get rid of them.
Consider whether you can sell items or give them away. You should also try to be honest about whether you really need to keep something. If you haven’t used an item in years, it might be worth selling. If you can’t sell an item, think about donating it or giving it to a friend.
You’ll probably also have a lot of stuff you need to throw away. However, it is important to remember that some items might be hazardous or toxic waste. Research local drop-off points for disposing of old motor oil, paint, hazardous chemicals, and batteries.
Map Out Your Plans
Now that you have a clean slate, it is a good idea to plan your upgrades and map them out in the space. By planning the garage layout, you can avoid mistakes, maximize storage, and use space more efficiently. Start by measuring the garage and creating a to-scale sketch of the space. Consider dividing the garage into zones based on function. For example, you might dedicate space to parking, a workstation, storage, etc. Just don’t forget to account for things like opening car doors or the entry door to the garage.
Make Organization and Storage a Priority
Organization will be crucial for getting the most from your garage updates. With the right organization and storage strategies, you can get more from the space and make it more functional. It will also help you keep the garage clean and make it easier to navigate in the future.
Installing shelves and cabinets can be among the best projects for enhancing storage and organization in your garage. Overhead storage can be great for ladders and other long items. You could also install racks or other storage solutions for yard tools like shovels and rakes. Storage bins can also be great for keeping items organized and neat.
Consider Garage Floor Upgrades
Flooring upgrades can be a good idea for many garages. The concrete floors take a lot of wear and tear with vehicles parking on them and people working in the space. If you’re just worried about the look, a coat of paint might be enough. However, you could protect the floors with roll-out mats or interlocking tiles. Epoxy could be a good idea if you want to ensure durability.
According to an expert from Cardinal Concrete Coating, “An epoxy coating in concrete floors can offer several benefits. It is exceptionally durable, resisting cracks, impacts, and standard wear and tear. It is also spill-resistant. Along with that, it looks nice and you have various options for customizing the look.”
Add Garage Heating and Cooling
Most garages don’t have coverage from the home HVAC system. That can be a problem for people who want to work in the garage during cold winters or hot summers. If that is the case for you, adding heating or cooling might be a good idea.
A simple space heater might be enough for heating. Wall-mounted heaters might also be a good option if you want to install something permanent. For air conditioning, a portable AC unit could be worth considering. However, you could also install an air conditioner in the wall. That’s usually more effective and efficient than portable units.
While you’re thinking about heating and cooling, it is important to remember insulation. Many garages lack the necessary insulation to efficiently run heaters and air conditioners. Assess the insulation in your garage and consider what you may need to do to add more.
Create a Workstation
If you’re the type of person who likes working on their home and doing DIY projects, you might want to create a workstation in your garage. Consider buying or building a workbench. If space is limited, make one that folds out so you can put it away when not in use. A sturdy tool chest can be a great addition to keep your tools safe and organized. You might also want to add storage features like a pegboard wall or magnetic strips to hold metal tools. It might also be worth adding work lights or outlets to the workstation.
With these steps and project ideas, you can create a garage that serves you better. However, the possibilities are not limited to what’s in this post. Depending on your budget, abilities, and imagination, the options are near-endless.
