It’s Time To Stop Neglecting Your Garage
Do you own a garage? Has it become a dumping ground for all that stuff you’re not sure what to do with? Sadly, many garage owners neglect this space when it could be a fully functional room in the house. Here are just a few ways that can stop using your garage as a hoarding space and turn it into something practical.
Store your car in it
Garages were originally built to store vehicles, so why not use them for this purpose? By taking your car off the street and storing it inside, you could lower the risk of damage or theft and lower your insurance premiums in the process (vehicles locked away are deemed less a risk by insurance companies). After clearing out your garage, you may need to do a few maintenance jobs. Garage door repairs may be in order – if the door hasn’t been used in years it’s possible it could have rusted up. You should also check walls for cracks and treat the floor if it hasn’t already been sealed. Bicycle racks can also be fitted to the walls if you want to store your bikes here too.
Convert it into a new room
Converting your garage into a new liveable space could add a lot of value to your home if you plan to sell in the future and is much cheaper than an extension. If you’re expanding your family and need another bedroom, it could also be a cheaper alternative to moving house. The garage could even be transformed into a new lounge space or even an office. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll need to get some electrics put in so that you’re not trailing extension cables. Insulation may also be needed to keep the room warm. Consider too whether you want to get rid of the garage door, add a window, lay down new flooring or plaster over walls.
Turn it into a workshop
A garage can make the perfect mancave for building or fixing things. DIY tools can be stored here and a workbench can be constructed. As with converting into a new liveable space, you may want to wire in some sockets. If you’re using machinery that produces shavings or fumes, an extractor fan may also be worth installing to keep the air healthy.
Rent it out to others
If you’re not sure what to do with your garage, you could use it as a way of making a little more money on the side. A person could rent a garage to park their car or store their belongings much like a self-storage unit. You could even turn into a room for lodgers to stay in. The room would be separated from the house, giving you and your lodger some space – something that renting out a regular room in your house might not allow. Some garages may even be large enough to put an en suite bathroom in. You could even turn into a room for lodgers to stay in. The room would be separated from the house, giving you and your lodger some space – something that renting out a regular room in your house might not allow. Some garages may even be large enough to put an en suite bathroom in.
