I know when we think about home improvements, it's fun to think more about paint colors, new landscaping and lighting, expansion projects and nearly anything else other than...garage spaces.
A recent garage innovation at the Thomas household inspired me to speak with some of my contractor connections about tangible methods for improving garage spaces in general. I've seen garages serve as home gyms, art studios, play rooms, conference call spaces, and all sorts of secondary functions - going so far as vacation rental or apartments for earning extra income! So why not spruce up this often-overlooked space a bit, as it just might be the first point of entry for someone into your home?
Organize Your Space
If junk won’t stop piling up in your garage, consider making it over completely! First things first…
Clean thoroughly: Power wash the floor and walls to remove dirt and stains.
Seal cracks: Repair any cracks in the concrete floor or walls for a finished look and to prevent further damage
Then you are ready to install new flooring such as epoxy or tiles and organize your items in tubs. You can also install new lighting and add more electrical outlets and a sub-panel for increased functionality. Finally, add storage solutions like a workbench, cabinets and shelving to organize the space.
Lastly, a pegboard can help you organize tools nicely, and keep out of the way of kiddos. You’ll be surprised at how much room organization will free up.
Brighten Things Up
Just because your garage is functional, doesn’t mean it can’t reflect your personality or have some personality! Add a pop of color or fun flooring (or both) to liven up the space.
Flex Pantry/Mudroom Space
If your kitchen pantry is spilling over with non-perishables, establish a backup pantry in your garage. Add storage shelves and cabinets to your garage to hold canned goods and emergency snacks. This will free up space in your kitchen pantry to keep it looking fresh and organized. You can also consider using part of your garage as a Mudroom – why not create a nice area for wet and dirty shoes and coats before entering a home?