Forget Me Not
Realize Your Garage's Full Potential

by Brad Randolph

As an important element of curb appeal, your garage is often the first impression someone has of your home, and it represents a sizeable portion of your square footage as well. The garage is often a repository for precious memories, important papers and expensive equipment, yet it is frequently the most neglected room in a house.

We finish our basements, expand our bathrooms and remodel our kitchens, however, the garage is treated more like a storage unit than a part of the house. In fact, many become so overrun that it’s estimated one in three people who own a garage still park in the driveway. Not surprisingly, consumers place extra storage space very high on their wish lists.

What most home buyers don’t know is that, compared with other home renovations, a garage makeover is quick, practical and relatively inexpensive. At an average of $2,500 to $4,000, the cost is much less per square foot than upgrading other areas of the home. For a fraction of what you might spend on a kitchen or bath remodel, an enhanced garage can add beauty to your home, increase its worth and maximize livable space. An enhanced garage can also set your home apart in a crowded real estate market.

For most homeowners, the biggest obstacle with organizing their garages is simply knowing where to start … and fighting a feeling of being completely overwhelmed. But with a few simple steps and some help with the organization of your stored and commonly used items, you’ll be well on your way to reclaiming the garage as your own.

Step 1: Sort

The first step is to make piles of what to keep and what to throw away. It’s also best to separate seasonal items such as holiday decorations and beach chairs from those you use more frequently. Then, utilize organizational tools such as plastic bins and hooks. Clear bins are especially convenient because you can instantly see what’s been stored away.

Step 2: Select

Although it may sound simple, for many homeowners the idea of tackling the piles and boxes can be exhausting. That’s when it is time to call in a professional. If you go that route, ask the sales representative about the actual design and layout process before selecting a professional garage enhancement service. Some providers use computer programs such as Auto CAD to evaluate the best options and offer on-the-spot, three-dimensional renderings that include coordinated textures and color schemes. That way, you can ensure that the design fits with your needs and lifestyle.

Some companies will also help you clean up the garage and provide temporary storage options while your garage is out of service. Make sure you have a plan in place before hauling boxes or scheduling an installation.

Step 3: Strategy

It’s important to find out the purpose of your garage before deciding on specific cabinetry and flooring. Are you a “gear head” who requires a workshop or hobby area? Are you hoping to create a fun hangout for your teens? You can design a workshop or hobby area or simply streamline storage to create an exceptional home for your exceptional vehicle. You’ll want to consider these factors before choosing from a variety of garage cabinetry, organizing systems and floor coating systems.

Cabinets

Bear in mind that the temperature and storage demands of the garage are different than for other areas of the house. The cabinets should offer heavier shelves and should be mounted off the floor to eliminate moisture and rodent damage. They should be fully finished inside and out. Garage cabinetry comes in a variety of sizes and finishes to fit your storage needs. If you’re tight on space, opt for by-pass sliding door systems. These cabinets are ideal for smaller spaces without adequate room for swinging doors, and they allow you to retrieve belongings without having to move the car.

Flooring

No garage enhancement is complete without a durable flooring system that protects against car fluids and abrasive liquids. When it comes to choosing your flooring, make sure it can stand up to the extreme temperatures and wear and tear of garage use. Look for coatings that are stain and slip resistant. A high-gloss shine is preferable. Not only will your garage have a finished look; cleanup will require only a hose and mop.

Organizers

To maximize your storage space, use gridwall organizers, wall racks and hangers. These versatile and expandable organization systems help you easily determine the whereabouts of your belongings and offer easy access. You can find organizers that easily accommodate sports equipment, gardening tools, cleaning accessories and more.

However you envision ultimate garage, there are a number of solutions to help you get there, from do-it-yourself organization to professional companies that design, install and warranty your enhancement. Get a jump-start on spring-cleaning to reclaim this space and make your own.

Brad Randolph is Vice President of Sales and Business Development for PremierGarage.

Infolink:
www.premiergarage.com