If you have a garage, you know it offers a range of benefits. Not only does it shelter and protect your car from the elements, it also serves as a spot to store tools and other equipment.
But, it’s easy (and common) for a garage to get so filled and disorganized with everything else that needs to be stored, that people are unable to even fit their car inside it.
If you’re among that group, or you’d simply like to streamline this space, there are multiple ways to upgrade your garage. Take a look at some of the options for enhancing this extension of your home.
1. Upgrade Your Garage Door
A new garage door boosts your curb appeal. Whether you’re looking to boost your value when you go to sell, or just take pride in the appearance of your home, a new door will go a long way in helping your home look good.
At the same time, if you choose one with better insulation, it can help you warm up the space and reduce heat and energy loss. When shopping for an upgrade, look for one with a high R-value, which is an indicator of the doors resistance to heat flow. If your garage is attached to your home, it’s best to select a garage door with an R-value of at least R‑10. If it’s detached and unheated, a lightly insulated or non-insulated door should be sufficient.
If you’re not in the market to replace your door, give it an inspection and be sure that the door’s rubber gasket and weatherproofing are intact. This will make it more energy efficient at the same time it keeps pests from sneaking inside.
Pro tip:
While you’re at it, for ease and convenience, you can retire your garage’s remote control and manage your garage door through your smartphone or even through Alexa with a smart garage door opener. This high-tech amenity will allow you to establish rules for automatic opening or closing, and will even remind you when you’ve forgotten to close the door.
2. Install Organization Systems
If you’ve got power tools mixed in with sporting or landscaping equipment, it can be tough to find or get at what you’re ever actually looking to find. Beyond that, your garage may be an accident waiting to happen.
Though it may seem like a massive undertaking, installing organization systems is simpler than you’d think. And, they’re great to create order and make it safer in your garage.
Whether you choose shelving units or hanging organizers, you’ll get that clutter sorted and off the floor, which eliminates the hassle of hunting around for items when you need them. If you have the room, overhead storage maximizes your space and provides a nice home for bicycles or other large items.
3. Fix Up The Flooring
The floor of your garage takes a beating from your vehicle and its potential spills and leaks. If you want to feel better about this space every time you enter it, improve the floor.
The good news is you don’t have to take up your existing floor and install a brand new one to tackle this project. Instead, apply epoxy, which is a durable and long-lasting coating that can be applied to a stone or concrete floor. It’s an easy and affordable fix that makes an eye-catching difference.
4. Insulate The Walls
If you’re a hobbyist who spends a lot of time in the garage, you know it can get pretty chilly during fall, winter, and early spring. Insulating this area will not only make it more enjoyable while you’re tinkering around on your latest project, but it’ll also keep your home more comfortable.
Upgrading your garage door is a great start, but adding insulation will make your garage even more energy efficient and it also provides a bit of sound-proofing. If there’s a room above the garage, don’t forget to insulate the ceiling as well.
5. Add A Lift
If you have more than one vehicle but a single-car garage, a lift allows you to park two cars under one roof. But, even if you have a two car garage (or more), adding a lift can add more room for more cars. Or, even if you don’t have that many cars, it can help by giving you the ability to get cars off of the floor and give you some working space. And, it’s a handy feature for the car enthusiast who enjoys doing all their own maintenance and repairs.
So, take a tip or two from this article and get started! With a little effort and a few extra touches, the garage may quickly become one of your favorite spots.