Garages can be one of the most unloved parts of the home. They rarely get the same amount of attention as the house in terms of maintenance and improvement. And often, they become a dumping ground for all our junk. But garages are a great asset. They’re an additional space that can be used for storage but also as a place to exercise, work and do hobbies or to use as a utility room. That’s why it’s worth spending a bit of time and care to improve your garage, so it can fulfil its potential.
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These are some of the best ways to improve it.
Replace the roof
There are several key advantages to replacing a garage roof, even if it’s not in a bad condition. For starters, many older garages are built with asbestos roofs, making them potentially hazardous to your health. Flat garage roofs, meanwhile, are
susceptible to pooling and leaks in areas prone to heavy rainfall and they’re not
always as aesthetically pleasing as gable roofs. So, replacing the roof is a great way to improve your garage.
Upgrade the door
It’s just as advantageous to replace your garage door. Firstly, it will vastly improve your home’s kerb appeal. For instance, you may choose to modernise your garage with a contemporary door or go with one that matches the style of your front door for
a more cohesive exterior. Secondly, it provides an opportunity to increase the security of your garage by installing a stronger door with better locks. This can not only protect a car from theft but other items such as gym equipment, bikes and power tools. Another thing you could do is automate the opening and closing of the door, making it more convenient to use.
Or paint the door
There’s no doubt that replacement is the best option to improve your garage door but simply painting the existing one comes in a close second. Painting it will tidy up the exterior and help to breathe new life into your garage. It will also help keep your door protected against rot and rust. Again, you might choose to match the colour to your front door and windows or you could go with a bright pop of colour to make your garage stand out.
Seal or paint the floor
Garages often have a basic concrete floor, which is durable but not always completely practical as it can easily stain and soak up oil and moisture. So, why not make it easier to clean and maintain by sealing or painting it? Not only will this stop spills from absorbing and staining, but it can make the space feel nicer to use without needing to spend much money.
Add electrics and plumbing
Anything you can do to make your garage more practical to use will improve it. That’s why adding electrics, such as lighting and plug sockets, has to be one of the top upgrades you can make. Not only does it make your garage easier to use early in the morning and late in the evening, but it enables you to charge the batteries of your DIY and garden tools. It’s equally handy to add in plumbing as this will make things like car washing much easier and means you can convert part of your garage into a utility – so the space can perform more than one function.
Install an EV charging unit
Should you be thinking about installing electrics for charging purposes, you could goone step further and install an EV charging unit. Not only is this the most convenientway to charge an electric car but it’s also a great way to futureproof your garage.
Insulate it
If you don’t use your garage to park your car and want to use it for other activitiessuch as a home gym, office space or kids’ games room, then insulating it is going to be one of the best moves you can make. This will enable you to use it comfortably all year round and makes it more suitable for storing items that you don’t want to get damp.
Fit a window or door
If you’re going to use your garage for working, crafting or play, then it might also be useful to install a window to give you some natural light. Plus, it might provide a nice view out into the garden. If your garage does connect to your rear garden, you could think about fitting French doors instead, to turn it into a garden room.
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