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Garages hold a lot of potential for homeowners. Aside from storing a car during the colder months, this space could become a gym, a lounge area, a home office, or even a spare bedroom. The key is determining how you want to use this space, then making the area more functional.
Once you’ve determined what you want to do with your garage, use these practical tips to create a multi-purpose garage space.
Seal the Floors
The first step in creating a multi-purpose space in your garage is to seal the floors. According to Those Floor Guys, epoxy flooring is the best option for a garage. This seals the floor while making the room look brighter and more aesthetically pleasing. Yet, adding epoxy doesn’t create limitations like laminate or tile might.
If you’re creating a comfortable living area in your garage, consider using padded mats or plush area rugs to add comfort. These options are easy to remove if you want to use the garage for winter vehicle storage or plan on selling your home.
Implement Functional Storage
The next step in creating a multi-purpose space in the garage is to add functional storage. Ideally, these storage options will allow you to use the area for your purposes without sacrificing valuable storage space.
When it comes to garage storage, you can’t go wrong with bin shelves, overhead racks, and pegboard walls. Outline your storage needs and create a floorplan that allows you to get the most out of your space. Remember to purchase storage options after outlining your requirements.
Insulate the Walls
In most older homes, garages lack the same level of insulation as the rest of the house. Whether you plan on making this your home office or your home gym, having insulation will dramatically impact your comfort level.
Having proper insulation will keep your space cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. This feature also adds value if you plan on keeping your vehicle stored inside. You’ll also need to think about adding a mini-split or localized climate control.
Add Well-Placed Outlets
After you outline the flow of your multi-purpose space, it’s worth consulting an electrician to install some well-placed outlets. The fewer extension cords and power bars you need, the better.
For example, if you’re creating a home office in the corner, you’ll want enough plugs for your computer, lamp, and wifi extender. If you use your garage as a workshop, it can be beneficial to add outlets at the midpoint of the wall by your workstation.
Let There Be Light
Garages are notorious for having terrible lighting. If you want to use this space comfortably, you’ll need to consider alternative light sources. You could add some softer wall lights or a few lamps to accomplish this task. Fortunately, you can combine this project with having an electrician add outlets.
Alternatively, consider installing windows or replacing your dated garage door with a modern, windowed alternative. This upgrade will allow more natural light into the space and increase both your home’s resale value and curb appeal.
Consider Ventilation
Finally, ventilation is an essential safety consideration if you’ll be keeping your vehicle in the garage while using it for other things. Many older garages only have a few vents that lead nowhere. To make your multi-purpose space comfortable and safe, install a proper ventilation system to promote adequate climate control and air quality.
Upgrading your garage and creating a multi-purpose space is an effective way to extend your living space without extensive renovations. The hardest part is deciding how you want to use the extra square footage and organizing accordingly.
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