Is your garage full of junk and cobwebs? Would you like to make the most of the huge potential this space offers? Then read on to learn how to transform your garage into a fully-functional space!
Around 63% of all homes in the United States have a garage. Yet so many homeowners just use this area as a place to store their tools and stuff they don’t know what to do with. But this is such a wasted opportunity. Used properly, a garage can be an extension of your home, adding valuable square footage and employed for all kinds of purposes beyond mere storage.
A garage could be anything from a fully-equipped gym to your own home movie theater. The possibilities are endless. But turning a garage from a dirty, junk-filled hole to a beautiful living space can take a lot of work. The task might seem overwhelming and unappealing, especially if you lack the DIY skills or imagination to turn it around. But anyone can transform their garage with the right tips and tricks. Here are five key steps to get you on your way.
Make a plan
Before you get started, work out exactly what it is you want to do with your garage. This will inform every decision you make as you begin the transformation process. Do you want it to be a home office, a workout space, a cinema, a workshop, a music room, or art studio? Think about what you would do with the space once transformed and how you would fill it. This will give you the motivation to keep going, even when the work is difficult.
Clear the clutter
Every garage is full of unwanted items, broken tools, and spiderwebs. Your biggest job will be clearing the clutter and turning your garage into a tidy, organized, space. This might take you a full weekend and several trips to the dump to complete, but it will be worth it in the end. Start by taking everything out of your garage. Only allow yourself to put items back in the house if they are truly needed. Junk, sell, or donate anything else. Do a deep clean to ensure the space is in good condition to start work.
Install insulation
Most garages are not designed for everyday use, so won’t be as well insulated as your home. If you’re going to occupy the space regularly, this will be essential to ensure it is warm and comfortable. If you’re not comfortable installing insulation yourself, hire a contractor to insulate the walls and ceiling of your garage.
Do the electrical work
Does your garage have enough electrical outlets for your requirements? If not, call an electrician to add some more plug sockets to the walls. Make sure you have planned the layout of your new space, so you know exactly where they should go.
Consider the utilities
WIll your new garage space require heating or plumbing? If you;re going to be spending a lot of time in there over winter, heating will be essential to ensure the space is liveable. Plumbing is likely to be essential, unless you wish to turn it into an ensuite bedroom or kitchen area. These utilities should be installed before any of the interior decoration work can begin.
Paint the walls
It’s time to start work on the decor. Painting the walls allows you to add some colour to your new space and create the right mood. Bright and bold colours like yellow and orange will give it a vibrant and upbeat look. Light pastels such as pink and green, on the other hand, will give it a sense of calm and peacefulness. You can choose to paint the walls yourself, or even go for wallpaper instead.
Lay the floors
What sort of flooring do you prefer? You can choose between carpet, linoleum, tiles, wood, or concrete. It all depends on how you plan to utilise your garage space. Consider whether you want to install the flooring yourself or hire a professional to guarantee a perfect job.
Fill your space
Now that all the hard DIY work is complete, it’s time to fill the space with everything you need to enjoy it. If you’re using it as a gym, load it up with weights and yoga mats. If it’s a home cinema, you’ll need to install a screen or projector and get some comfortable seating. It may take a while to truly perfect your new living area but it will certainly be worth the wait!
