Having a garage is not just a convenience to have, but rather an asset that can increase the value of your home.
The garage typically houses two types of vehicles and also provides storage space for other items too. You might use this room as a workshop or you might decide to renovate it as well as make some changes in its design.
Whatever you do, there are certain things you should take into consideration before starting with work on the garage itself, like making the layout and final design.
And after that – the fun part where you can take some tools and get into action. To get some ideas on how to do that, continue reading this article.
Start With the Floor
The first step in renovating your garage is to start with the floor. If your garage floor is concrete, you will need to patch and repair any cracks or holes before you start painting or sealing it. If your garage floor is made of asphalt, you can either patch and repair it or you can replace it entirely.
Epoxy coatings are very popular these days, as they are a relatively hard surface finish but are also washable. On the same note, containment mats for the garage are worth taking into consideration as they make maintaining the floor also much easier.
The base should be prepared first, of course – the entire floor should either have central drainage or a very small slope towards the door. This way the entire room can be hosed down in case you have oil spills or just a lot of dirt piling up.
Add Shelves and Cabinets
One of the best ways to make use of all that extra garage space is to install some shelves and cabinets. This can help you to organize everything and make it easier to find what you are looking for.
Not only will this help with the renovation, but it can also be helpful when it comes time to move out as you will have already created some extra storage space.
If your garage doesn’t have any shelves or cabinets, now is the time to add them. There are a few different ways that you can go about this.
You can either purchase pre-made cabinets and shelves from a store, or you can build your own using wood or metal. If you choose to build your own, make sure that you measure the space correctly so that your shelves and cabinets fit perfectly.
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Replace Lighting Fixtures
Another popular garage renovation project is replacing old light fixtures with newer ones that are more energy-efficient.
This is a great idea if you are planning to sell the garage or spend more time in it, as it can help to keep the place well-lit so you don’t have to worry about missing things.
Proper lighting is crucial when working on either repairing your car or simply working on a DIY project.
Add Electrical Outlets
When adding electrical outlets to your garage, you will need to do it by code. This means that the garage needs to be wired for everything needed in order for you to complete your garage renovation project properly.
You can either hire an electrician or attempt this work on your own. If you choose to do this yourself, make sure that you cut off all power so there is no chance of electrical shock or injury before beginning work.
You will need several outlets above or next to a workbench, and also one next to the door. This will give you good coverage in the entire room so you, hopefully, won’t need to use an extension cord while you’re inside.
Safety Issues
Ventilation is key when it comes to garage renovations, as many harmful chemicals and fumes can be released into the air. Make sure that you have proper ventilation either in the garage itself or somewhere nearby so you don’t have to worry about your health while you are working.
Another safety issue to consider is fire. Make sure that any appliances or tools that you are using in the garage are in good condition and aren’t likely to start a fire.
Garage fires are often very dangerous and can quickly spread to the rest of the house. A fire extinguisher should be nearby, not only during renovation but also when the garage is complete and operational.
Considering how many flammable materials are there in an average garage – it only makes sense to have one at hand.
Another safety issue, especially if the garage doubles as a workshop, is to have a first aid kit – one that includes things like bandages, gauze, and adhesive tape – on hand. Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced handyman, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared.
Stick to a Plan
It’s always a good idea to have a plan before starting any renovation project, and the garage is no exception. This will help to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that you don’t end up making any costly mistakes.
Make a list of everything that you want to do and then create a timeline for yourself. This will help to keep you on track and make sure that you don’t miss anything important.
Having a detailed blueprint is best, but if you’re not up to that then at least sketching what you plan on doing can be helpful.
As they say, “Measure twice, cut once”! Making a plan before grabbing your tools ensures that not only will the whole operation be done faster, but that you will save on materials that would otherwise be bought too much.
Garage renovation is a great way to increase the value of your property, and it can be very rewarding. But garage renovations are often overlooked because they seem like too much work for some homeowners, even those with some DIY skills.
However, garage renovations don’t have to take up all that time or cost as much as you think! You can get started on your garage today with these simple tips. Don’t forget to wear protective equipment and have fun renovating!
