A cluttered garage isn’t just a nuisance that makes it difficult for you to find needed items. It’s also a financial liability as it detracts value from your home. Discover how to use this space to its full potential in order to add value to your home while creating a comfortable, convenient area that can be used for a number of purposes.
Install Convenient Storage Space
Go through your garage storage, getting rid of anything that you don’t want or use. Once you know what actually needs to be stored in the garage, invest in shelving so stored items don’t take up too much space. You can purchase ready-made, heavy-duty metal shelves, and plastic storage bins, or invest in a custom garage storage option from Closet & Storage Concepts. The latter option is ideal if your garage is small and you need a lot of storage, or if you need to add a work area for hobbies, projects, or a side business. You’ll need to keep the space primarily for the car, so professional help may be in order if you aren’t able to find ready-made storage shelves that don’t take up too much floor space.
Insulate
Insulation is an investment that will pay off even before you sell the home. Insulating the garage protects your vehicle and belongings from extreme temperatures. It also helps keep your home at an even temperature. Fiberglass insulation is the most common option, but you may also want to consider cellulose insulation, rigid foam insulation, and spray insulation. Add weather stripping to the garage door and any windows as well.
Install Bright Lighting
Your garage lights don’t have to be as aesthetic as the light fixtures in the rest of the home. However, they should be bright enough to find your way around the garage with ease. Motion-sensing LED lights can be an ideal option if you don’t use the garage often. Alternatively, you can install light fixtures for wall and/or ceiling lights. If you have a workbench in the garage, put in task lighting to properly light up your work area.
Pay Attention to Flooring
Garage flooring should look good and be easy to clean. Epoxy paint is a good option; select a color that matches well with the interior style of decor and your home’s color palette. Light colors add light and space to the garage while a dark color will hide dirt and spills.
You don’t have to settle for a cluttered, dingy, inconvenient garage. With a few adjustments and some professional help, your garage can not only add value to your home but can also provide you with handy work and storage space to suit your exact needs.
Photo credit: © Aneese