Approaches to Upgrade Your Garage Now

According to The New York Times, a garage is the “final frontier in home remodeling,” and 2017 could be the forecasted year that homeowners will undertake the job of de-cluttering this room to create a more functional, accessible and livable space. Rather than just a place to park your car or stash holiday decor, the garage is now viewed as an extension of the home. Home owners are using aesthetic features and organizational hacks to upgrade the atmosphere inviting while maximizing the storage capacity.

Approaches to Upgrade Your Garage Now

If you’re tackling a garage renovation this year, ensure that these latest trends and upgrades are on your checklist.

1. Convert the Entrance Into a Mudroom

The doorway from the garage to your home can certainly do more than it is right now, doubling as an extra space for storage with a few small changes. Start by installing hooks and racks to hang jackets or umbrellas, and build or purchase a bench that will sit along the wall for seating and concealed storage. Don’t forget to incorporate cubbies for shoes or backpacks.

Your brand-new mudroom produces the illusion of space despite the minimal square-footage and contributes to an orderly, efficient and clean household.

2. Get Creative With the Storage Options

Think outside traditional hardwood shelving and consider a less labor-intensive approach to storing your miscellaneous garage items. Transform baskets, milk crates, utility bins and even hampers into resourceful space-savers to consolidate that clutter preventing the garage floor from being used as a dumping zone. Use baskets for additional books, blankets, and clothing, and save heavy-duty storage containers, like milk crates, for chords and tools.

3. Build a Workshop or Crafting Corner

Turn a spare wall into a makeshift garage studio, perfect for both home improvement projects and Pinterest-inspired creations. Begin by building or buying and installing a workbench. Then, equip the surrounding area with organizational and operational features, like drawers, storage containers and hangars. A pegboard is perfect for something like this.

Other fun features include track lighting, a sink and power outlets-if possible.

4. Resurface and Paint the Concrete Floor

Cover grime and oil stains on your outdated garage flooring with a fresh coat of epoxy gloss. This high-performance upgrade is made to last: “Flooring covered with epoxy will have an extended life and can handle a huge volume of traffic. That is water resistant and dust proof, meaning taking care of garage flooring is simple and fast,” as outlined by epoxy experts.

Cost varies from $3 to $12 per square foot, and some companies set their prices depending on the space being a 1- or 2-car garage.

5. Give the Overhead Door Curb Appeal

Add visual interest to your home’s exterior by replacing that standard-issue garage door with a more attractive, innovative option. The most popular garage door design trends for 2017 include using imaginative materials like glass, integrating smart technology, as well as an upgrade to larger doors. If a garage door re-do isn’t in the budget, provide it with a fresh look with a power wash and new coat of paint.

Adding these creative upgrades into to your garage renovation checklist increases organization, maximize space, and reduce the amount of upkeep. So, wave “goodbye” to clutter and constant cleaning this year. Soon, your garage will certainly be a functional, organized space.

Don’t have a garage? But have been considering purchasing a home here in the Tampa Bay Area? Give us a call at 813-300-7116, or simply click here and we will be in touch.