The garage is one of the least utilized areas of our homes. Besides parking our cars inside, we also use it to store various tools. In fact, as time goes on, many families start using their garages as storage rooms, stuffing them with junk.
But why is it so? Shouldn’t we try to improve the garage’s appearance and functionality as we do with other rooms in our house? In this article, we’ll share a few tricks to make this area much cleaner and easier to access.
1. Start With Decluttering
If your garage is a mess, which is the case for most homeowners, you should start the renovation process with decluttering. Not only does decluttering make this room prettier, but it also makes it easier to reach the cabinets. Once you remove all this excess junk, you’ll have a much clearer picture of the available space and how you can improve the area.
However, even if you’re not in the process of renovation, we still suggest you declutter your garage every once in a while. All this stuff lying on the floor can pose a tripping hazard. Let’s not forget that the old junk attracts dust and affects air quality.
2. Enhance Your Floor
Changing your floor is probably the best way to spend your money on the garage. “Epoxy floors, in particular, are the most sought-after materials for this type of work,” shares Cardinal Concrete Coatings, a floor coating service from Phoenix, Arizona.
The great thing about epoxy is that it prevents slippage. It is a much more resilient material than some other alternatives, which is why this kind of investment eventually pays for itself. You don’t have to spend that much time maintaining epoxy floors; as a cherry on top, it makes your garage stunning.
3. Maximize the Space
The tricky thing about garages is that they are usually made for a single car. There’s little wiggle room for adding cabinets or other furniture. Many garages restrict your movement to the point where homeowners must squeeze between the wall and the car.
If you’re having similar troubles, you should consider creating solutions to maximize the space. Overhead storage racks are an easy solution as they allow you to move around without taking up any floor space. Slatwall panels are another option that can come in handy, allowing you to hang your tools, power cords, and other items.
4. Enhance Functionality
Nowadays, many homeowners introduce advanced tech into their garages to increase security and functionality. Perhaps the best thing that you can add is a garage door opener. Look for newer models with long-lasting batteries and those that don’t make any noise.
Some of these gadgets are connected to your phone through an app, allowing you to monitor who gets in and out of your garage. It also helps that your phone can be used as a remote, so you don’t have to look out for the original remote all the time. As for other features, you might consider introducing modern HVAC and lighting solutions to make the space more comfortable.
5. Introduce New Features
Making the garage a multi-purpose space will improve your overall home utilization. Just imagine using this room as a gym instead of placing bikes in your bedroom. Garage can be a fantastic atelier for you or your family members, or you can even turn this area into your recording studio (many bands have done so in the past!)
We recommend that you create enough space in certain parts of your garage where you can place machines, computers, instruments, or whatever else you might need. Keep in mind that you might want to repurpose this space again in the future, so don’t make a heavy investment in designing it for a single purpose.
6. Consider Curb Appeal
Once you’ve fixed everything inside, it’s time to think of curb appeal. Find garage doors that suit your overall home theme. Paint the walls so your neighbors don’t gossip about your garage being dirty each time you open the door. We also recommend that you replace old sections on the outside as well as the driveway pavement.
There are a lot of great things you can do with your interior and exterior. Architects love to play with this space, introducing fresh ideas all the time. If you want to go all out, you might as well consider hiring an interior designer to help you out.
Conclusion
For most people, a garage is nothing more than a boring space where you keep your car and tools. However, with some imagination, you can completely revamp this room and make it a multi-purpose space. Before making any decision, we recommend that you take the time to determine your priorities and budget. That way, you won’t go overboard with the investment.
