Is your garage a neglected space? You’re not alone! Garages are so often not used for cars any more and a lot of people fail to realise the fact that a garage can actually be a great asset if used in the right way. Apart from housing your bikes, tools, garden furniture, spare paint and other bits and pieces in it, there are several great ways to use a garage. Here are some ideas for getting the most out of your garage and maybe even making it become an extension of your home.
Spring Clean Your Garage
If your garage is currently full of junk, or you’ve not ventured into the dark corners for yonks, why not give it a spring clean and see what space you can clear? Even if you simply give your garage a good clean and tidy up, it’s a great start to improving your garage storage and getting more use out of it.
If you’re keen to use your garage for more than just a tool and garden seating storage area, then it’s time to think more creatively. Measure the potential space you have available in your garage, make a floor plan to outline potential ideas and think about how it could be more effectively used.
Make It An Extension Of Your Interior
If you are lucky enough to have a spacious garage, then it could have heaps of potential. For example, you could convert it into an extended living or dining area, a new playroom for the kids, create a laundry and utility room, a specialised craft room or even convert it into a mudroom type storage room for outdoor clothes, shoes and gear.
To help you transform your ideas into concrete plans, and before you get too carried away, you might want to talk to a builder about potential costs and feasibility.
Convert It Into a Home Office
A lot of people prefer working from home and if you are one among them you could set up your office in your garage. If you’re going to be working in your garage permanently, then you’ll probably want to have the space properly converted. Garage walls are typically thin and uninsulated, so you’ll want to ensure the walls are properly insulated and will retain heat.
If your garage is very large or double sized, then you may be able to retain one half to use for all your usual garage storage needs, then divide off the other half to become your home office. Once the walls are painted, carpet is laid and any heating is added, you could have you very own cosy office space.
Some garage conversions cleverly retain the garage door to detract from the fact that there’s any major changes inside. If this is an approach you adopt, you’ll want to enhance its security, especially if you’re likely to have expensive equipment in there. For example, you could replace your old garage door with a new Hormann’s roller garage door. A strong and secure garage door is very important if you want to keep all the important documents and gadgets safe and secure in your office.
Transform It Into a Guest Room
If you find it difficult to accommodate your guests in your home when they come for an overnight stay, then you can transform your run-down garage space into a lovely guestroom. Again, if you’re going to have people sleeping in the room, you’ll want to ensure the conversion is carried out by a professional and that you have the space properly insulated and heated – your guests won’t appreciate a chilly bedroom! Depending on the size of your garage, you may even be able to squeeze in an en-suite shower room at one end of the room, which would be an added luxury.
These are just a handful of ideas to help you make the most of your garage, but if you think creatively and plan effectively, who knows what yours could be used for!
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Very sensible article, but a decent garage door is essential.