what can you do with garage space

Making The Most of Your Garage Space: What Can You Do?

• Go for the Usual A lot of families use their garage as a place for storage. ...
• Turn it into a Woodshop Have a knack for making furniture with wood? ...
• Use it for Band Rehearsals Nothing beats an awesome rehearsal for a gig done in the garage like your musical idols used to do! ...
• Hold a Garage Sale on Weekends ...
• Do Some Laundry ...

Full Answer

How to organize a garage space?

How to Start Organizing

• Make a solid plan. Before you open that garage door, you’ll want to identify how you’d like to use your garage in future.
• Prepare a work schedule. Your next step is to create a garage work plan. ...
• Take it slow. There’s no rule that says you must organize an entire garage in a single afternoon or weekend. ...
• Keep ample notes. ...
• Check the weather. ...

How to make the most of your garage space?

How to Make the Most of Your Garage Renovation

• Install Insulation and Ventilation Systems. ...
• Create More Storage Space. ...
• Upgrade Security Tech and Entry System. ...
• Convert the Garage into an Office or Workshop. ...
• Make Your Garage Smart. ...
• Add Windows to Your Garage. ...
• Create a Ceiling Storage in Your Garage. ...

How to create a garage living space?

How to Make a Garage Conversion a Comfortable Space

• Insulate the Walls. Most garage walls and ceilings are not insulated. ...
• Raise the Floor Height. Garages tend to be built lower than the house. ...
• Install Floor Covering. Even if you do add sleepers to raise the floor, you still will need a floor covering. ...
• Install New Drywall or Finish Existing Drywall. ...
• Replace or Insulate the Garage Door. ...
• Hide Unsightly Areas. ...

What to consider before converting a garage into living space?

Let’s take a look at some:

• The garage door can be easily replaced. Can you incorporate an additional entrance where the overhead door for the garage used to be? ...
• You can deal with cooling and heating. ...
• Is plumbing possible? ...
• Is there is adequate storage and parking available? ...

What do you do with unused garage space?

How To Turn Your Unused Garage Space Into Extra IncomeRent It for Car Storage. ... Rent It as a Car Repair Garage. ... Turn It Into a Studio. ... Open a Small Repair Shop. ... Rent Out Your Workshop. ... Rent Out Your Tools. ... Start Your Own Business. ... Rent to an E-Commerce Business.More items...•

What else can you use a garage for?

7 Alternative Uses For GaragesMan/Woman Cave. With this one, you can really do whatever you want. ... Home Office. If you work from home, it can be hard to separate your work life from your home life. ... Gym. ... Practise Space/Studio. ... Game Room. ... Theatre. ... Craft Room/Tool Area. ... Summary.

What do most people use their garage for?

Ninety-three percent of homeowners surveyed use garages for storage while 84 percent use it for parking a vehicle.

Is Turning a garage into living space worth it?

In fact, a “well-done” garage conversion to living space can give you up to an 80% ROI, HomeAdvisor reports. “The greatest increase in value and satisfaction will come from good design: building a space that flows naturally from the upstairs and looks like it's part of the home,” Norton says.

How can I make my garage liveable?

15 Tips On Garage Conversion Into A Living SpaceResearch Zoning First. The legalities of converting a garage to living space can make or break the project. ... Adjust Financial Expectations. ... Raise Garage Floor. ... Hide Functional Areas. ... Widen Access Door. ... Create Covered Parking. ... Improve Exterior Appeal. ... Install Insulated Garage Door.More items...•

What can I add to my garage?

9 Garage Upgrades That Could Increase Your Home's ValueInstall A Functional Garage Door. ... Insulate And Vent The Space. ... Use A Smart Storage Strategy. ... Install Adequate Lighting. ... Put An Easy-To-Clean Finish On The Floor. ... Add More Electrical Outlets. ... Add A Walk-Through Door. ... Let Your Car Own The Space.More items...

Do cars last longer in a garage?

Vehicle exteriors are kept in much better condition when stored in a garage which can lead to greater resale values. Because a garage keeps a vehicle warm, the fluid and oil are kept in a stable condition which leads to an engine that runs better than one that is kept outside.

Is a garage really necessary?

For many homebuyers, a garage is a necessity. If you own a vehicle, a garage offers safety and convenience, as well as extra storage space. Even if you don't need a garage, you could decide to sell your home in the future and have a hard time if it doesn't have one.

Why do people have garages?

Your garage keeps your car safe from a lot and is the obvious place to put it. Depending on where you live street parking may not be an option and so having your own garage is a necessity so that you don't pile up parking tickets just from owning a car.

Does removing a garage devalue your house?

How much value does a garage conversion add? If done well, a garage conversion can add up to a whopping 20% to the value of your home. Converting your garage into a bedroom with en-suite bathroom tends to achieve the biggest added value, at around 20%.

Will my house lose value if I convert the garage?

As long as a garage conversion is done correctly, with permits and obeying building codes, it will add value to your home. The value itself depends on how seamless the conversion is and the type of room you build. Typically, you can expect to recoup about 80 percent of the project cost in home value.

How much would it cost to turn a garage into a room?

Converting the garage into the bedroom is the most popular project to tackle. A simple bedroom will run you around $15,000.

Do you really need a garage?

A garage reduces the risk of theft, vandalism and accidental damage, which can go a long way toward providing added peace of mind. A garage may even lower your insurance rates. Anyone who has gotten into a car after it's been sitting outdoors on a sunny day knows that the sudden, sweltering heat can be unbearable.

Where to store things when you don't have a garage?

A first-floor laundry room could also potentially accommodate some gear. But many people just carve out a spot in the family room or in a closet, or even steal space in a home office. Back-of-the-door organizers can be useful for small items; hooks on the inside of doors are also effective.

Is it best to keep a car in a garage?

It's much better to keep a car in a garage so it's protected from the elements. Garages prevent the car's bodywork from being damaged by rain, snow, and even the sun's UV rays. They also provide better protection against vandalism and theft.

What is the least expensive way to build a garage?

What is the cheapest way to build a garage? One of the simplest and most cost-effective solutions for building a garage is to erect a pole-style building. These are sometimes referred to as post-frame construction or pole barns, and many consider them to be superior to traditional stick-built garages.

How many zones are there in a small friendly garage?

Maybe you have multiple needs. In that case, try planning out your garage to meet them all. Carla at Small + Friendly divided her garage into four different zones. There's a crafting/sewing station, a play wall, a laundry nook, and then some smart storage/mudroom area. Everyone in the house has someplace to spread out.

Why do people take over half of their garage?

Some friends of mine recently took over one half of their garage to make an at-home gym because they were frustrated with monthly membership rates. Their hard work paid off — big time. You can get fancy and do flooring and walls, etc. Or you can stick with what matters most: Clear out clutter and replace with weights, mats, and motivation posters.

Can you move your living quarters to the garage?

Moving your sleeping or living quarters to the garage is probably more appealing if your garage has plenty of windows. Also, Frederick notes there's no insulation in her new bedroom, so this idea works best if you live in a more moderate climate.

Can you convert a garage to a playroom?

Or maybe you need more room for your kids and their toys to sprawl out. We've considered dedicating an area of the garage to play, especially since our backyard gets so much sun on hot summer afternoons. This garage-to-playroom conversion is pretty basic, but it gets the job done.

Do you need to insulate a garage door?

If you do intend to use your space year-round, you'll want to insulate and drywall to keep the heat and cold out. Same goes for your garage door.

How to organize a garage?

Since most everyone can use more storage space, your garage is perfect for converting into the ultimate storage area. While planning the space, consider what items you need storage for and organize them into six different zones: 1 Transition Zone: Things like shoes, bags and jackets that you need to grab before leaving the house. 2 Need It Now: Everyday items such as bulk foods and paper goods. 3 Long, Tall, Thin Storage: Everything from rakes to skis. 4 Large Item Storage: Bikes, coolers, sleds — anything too big to easily store elsewhere. 5 Frequently Used Items: Keep these close to the garage door. 6 Workspace: Cabinets and workbench for doing hobbies.

How much space does a 2 car garage give?

Converting a typical two-car garage can give you about 600 square feet of additional living space that can be used for storage or turned into a room for relaxing, working or entertaining. A recent report found that 82 percent of homes in the U.S. have two-car garages or larger, but only 15 percent of people use them to park their cars, meaning that this valuable space is often perfect for many families to use as an additional living area.

What is a garage playroom?

A garage playroom also provides ample storage for toys, books and art supplies. Furniture such as rolling cubbies, shelves and storage drawers can be moved around, making the space extremely versatile. A table and some chairs provide a place sit, eat, read or draw.

What to use for a guest room?

Make them as comfortable as possible with a light and airy paint color, draperies, wall decor and comfy furniture. Use Carriage Style swing-out doors to avoid a bulky opening motor. These garage doors can also be used as an entry door for your guests. Wooden garage doors convey luxury and elegance while offering a unique private space for your guests.

How much does it cost to renovate a garage?

Garage room conversions typically cost less than a full renovation, with the average cost being between $20,000 to $50,000 to renovate a two-car garage. If you plan to add a bathroom, it can cost an additional $15,000 to $25,000.

Why do people have a gym in their garage?

Having a gym in your garage is extremely convenient since it eliminates the commute to the gym, paying gym fees and having to share equipment. Garages provide plenty of room for weights and other workout equipment. Your home gym will most likely be used all year and will require heating, cooling and insulation.

How many people have two car garages?

A recent report found that 82 percent of homes in the U.S. have two-car garages or larger, but only 15 percent of people use them to park their cars, meaning that this valuable space is often perfect for many families to use as an additional living area.

How to maximize space in garage?

To optimize the space in your garage, set aside separate zones for different types of items. For example, create one zone for sports paraphernalia like baseball gloves and tennis rackets, and another zone for garden tools like rakes and shovels.

What happens if the garage door is reversed?

If the automatic reverse feature on a garage door isn’t adjusted correctly, the door can become a safety hazard for pets and children. To test the feature, open the garage door and place an item (such as a plastic bucket) on the floor, directly in the door's path. Now, press the “close” button.

What happens if the reverse feature on a garage door isn't adjusted correctly?

5 /11. If the automatic reverse feature on a garage door isn’t adjusted correctly, the door can become a safety hazard for pets and children. To test the feature, open the garage door and place an item (such as a plastic bucket) on the floor, directly in the door's path. Now, press the “close” button.

Can you repair a crack in a concrete garage floor?

But repairs are necessary if the floor has multiple cracks or deep pits, or if sections of the surface are flaking off. Fill any cracks with mortar or self-leveling sealer. You can then return a damaged garage floor to near-new condition by applying a concrete resurfacing product to the entire floor.

Dispose of Non-Essentials

There’s only so much space in your garage that you can dedicate to things you want to keep. Why waste that precious space on things you don’t even want to keep? That’s what you want to do as your first step, start disposing of non-essentials and junk.

Start Organizing

Now that you have items to arrange and set around your garage, it’s time to split the workload up. You want to create a space for each part of the garage that you’re trying to organize. That will not only help you work better, but it also creates a dedicated space for each type of object.

Reclaim Some Space

When most people think about organizing space in the garage, they only focus on what can kept on the floor. But they tend to gloss over how the rest of the space can be utilized.

Vertical Storage

Speaking of unused space, your walls tend to have a lot of potential for keeping more things stored. You can start with peg boards and hooks for your tools. You can also have some shelves and cupboards installed to keep materials, and other items tucked away.

Get Some Cabinets

When you think, the first thing to jump into your mind is likely going to be some good ‘old cabinets. They can be versatile but simple for storage solutions. It makes for a great option to store items that are too big to fit on shelves or overhead storage. They have the added side effect of looking like they’re a part of your furniture.

Transform Free Space

Not everything has to be about storage. If you don’t have anything you want to store, then you don’t have to. There are other great uses for free garage space, like turning into a good recreation room. Just add a TV, a mini-fridge, and some chairs or sofas. This will give you a good place for you and your family to enjoy.

How can I make the most of my garage?

If you want to make the most of your garage, look up . "Remember your vertical storage! Get hooks and shelving that will allow you to get seldom used, but needed, items up high and out of the way. Anything at eye level or below should be things you use often," says professional organizer Karin Socci, owner of The Serene Home.

How can I make my garage more hospitable?

If you want to make your garage a more hospitable space for you and your car all year, install a ductless mini-split system in the space for heating and cooling. Not only are these machines unobtrusive, their dehumidifier function can also help you address any dampness that might otherwise affect your space. And for more great ways to transform your living quarters, here are 27 Affordable Ways to Turn Your Home into a Luxury Gym!

Why add cabinets to garage?

You've already made over your kitchen with new cabinets, so why not do the same for your garage? Adding some cabinetry to your garage can keep that clutter out of sight and out of mind, making you a little less stressed every time you use the space.

Why add mesh screens to the inside of my garage?

Your other entrances have screen doors, so why not do the same for your garage? Adding some mesh screens to the inside of your garage can help you enjoy a more pleasant temperature inside your garage while keeping pests out.

What to do if your car is loud in the garage?

If turning on your car in your garage (with the door open, of course!) is loud enough to wake up the rest of the house, consider investing in some soundproofing foam. This easy-to-use material doesn't require a contractor to install—all it takes is a nail or staple gun—but can make your space quieter and reduce temperature fluctuations.

What percentage of homes have a garage?

October 1, 2018. According to the American Housing Survey, 80 percent of all homeowners in the United States have either a garage or a carport on their property. However, despite the prevalence of these vehicle-shielding outbuildings, those supposed bonus spaces are often the bane of a homeowner's existence.

What do rafters over cars do?

While the rafters over your car may seem like a perfect space to store things that won't fit inside your house, doing so may actually put your car in peril.

What to do if garage isn't big enough for car?

Space-Saving Workbench. If your garage isn’t big enough for your car and a workbench, you could get a smaller car. Or you could build a fold-down workbench. This one sets up in seconds and eats up zero floor space when not in use. It makes for a perfect mechanic workbench in your garage!

How to get rid of chaos in garage?

A small locker that holds garden gear provides big relief to a crowded garage. Find step-by-step directions for building an outdoor storage cabinet here.

How to hang a ladder from the ceiling?

The materials are all inexpensive. Fasten the corner braces to ceiling joists with two-inch lag screws. Secure the ladder with an elastic cord so it can’t roll out and fall.

Can you stack plastic bins?

A stack of plastic bins can organize thousands of small items. But it’s not so convenient when the bin you need is at the bottom of the stack. That’s the point of this cabinet: You can slide out any bin — no stacking and unstacking. You can easily build a cabinet identical to this one. Or you can customize it, using larger or smaller bins, more bins or fewer. Whatever configuration you choose, this project is a great clutter solution for the garage, workshop or craft room. Click here for the full plans.

Can you store bikes out of the way?

It can be difficult to store bikes out of the way while keeping them readily available. This collection of options for bike storage will help. From this simple hook to more elaborate double-bike racks, cleverly organize your garage with one of these solutions.