A home might not be able to fit any homeowner’s lifestyle. According to a National Association of Home Builders study, as many as 80 percent of homeowners want a garage, but only half of the new homes built include one. The reason? Homeowners increasingly use their garages for other purposes, such as home offices, art studios, and even extra bedrooms.
This trend has consequences for homeowners who need a garage for their cars. Not only are they likely to have to pay more for a home with a garage, but they’re also likely to find that their current home doesn’t meet their needs. If you’re in the market for a new home, ask your realtor how many homes you’re considering, including garages. If you already own a home, consider renovating your garage to meet your needs better.
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to identify where to start when renovating a garage. What’s the best way to use the space? Will you need to make changes? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Identify the Purposes
When renovating a garage, you must identify the purposes for which you want to use the space. This will help guide your decisions about what changes to make. If you’re using the garage for storage, you may not need to change the structure. However, if you’re using the garage as a home office or art studio, you may need to make some changes to have enough space for your needs.
Making these decisions before renovations will help ensure that you’re happy with the finished product. Changing your mind after starting a renovation project can be challenging, so it’s best to have a plan in place from the beginning.
By planning, you can make sure that your garage is a space that meets your needs and helps improve your quality of life.
Start with the Flooring and Walls
One of the first things you’ll want to do when renovating your garage is to focus on the flooring. The type of flooring you choose will depend on the purpose of the space. For example, if you’re using the garage as a home office, you’ll want to select flooring that’s easy to clean and won’t be damaged by office furniture.
There are many different types of flooring available, so it’s essential to do some research before deciding. You may also want to consult a professional to find out what kind of flooring best suits your needs.
Once you’ve decided on the type of flooring you want, you can start to install it. This is usually a relatively straightforward process, but it’s always best to consult with a professional before starting any work. However, it might be better to perform DIY work. A concrete sealer installation can be a good investment if you want to preserve the longevity of your new flooring. It will also give your garage a new look.
The next step in renovating your garage is to focus on the walls. If you’re using the space for storage, you may not need to make any changes. However, if you’re using the garage as a home office or art studio, you may want to add some insulation to the walls. This will help keep the space warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
You may also want to add some drywall to the garage walls. This will help create a finished look and make it easier to hang pictures or shelves. If you’re not sure how to install drywall, you can always consult with a professional.
Install Storage Solutions
If you’re using the garage for storage, you’ll want to ensure that you have plenty of storage solutions. This may involve installing shelves, cabinets, or other storage units. You’ll also want to ensure that your items are well-organized so that you can easily find what you need when you need it.
Your storage solutions will depend heavily on the amount of space you have available. You may need to get creative with storage solutions if you have a small garage. However, if you have an oversized garage, you may be able to install more traditional storage units.
Unfortunately, parking your car might be difficult if you have a lot of storage in your garage. If this is the case, you may consider renting a storage unit for your car. This will ensure your vehicle is safe and secure and free up space in your garage.
Choose the Right Lighting
Lighting is another crucial element to consider when renovating your garage. You’ll want to choose a lighting solution that’s well-suited to the purpose of the space. For example, if you’re using the garage as a home office, you’ll want to choose a lighting solution that’s bright enough for working.
Lighting will determine how you can utilize the space, so it’s essential to ensure that you have the right lighting solution. You may also want to consult a professional to find out what type of lighting best suits your needs.
Conclusion
When renovating your garage, keeping your needs in mind is essential. By focusing on the flooring, storage solutions, and lighting, you can create a space well-suited to your needs. With some planning, you can transform your garage into a flexible space that meets your needs and improves your quality of life.
