The garage is more than simply a place to park your vehicle or store your belongings; it is a multi-purpose area that may be used for a variety of purposes. It can house your home office, hobby/entertainment room, or even a small private workshop where you can work on a project vehicle – all of which sound great, don’t they?
However, there’s no disputing that the garage is one of the most neglected areas of the house, and transforming it into a warm and pleasant living space will need some work. As a result, if you’re not sure where to begin, I’m here to help with my top five recommendations for making your garage more comfy than before.
- Create Zones in Your Garage
It’s usually a good idea to develop a floor plan for your garage and attempt to identify the zones before you begin your conversion/renovation. Take note of the dimensions of your garage, the sizes and positions of its features (e.g., windows, vents, doors, switches, and electric sockets), and the items that must be stored within, such as automobiles, bicycles, and heavy equipment, etc. That way, you may test arranging these items first before purchasing other items or furnishings that will not fit in the end.
In general, your vehicle(s) should have adequate room for you to easily get in and out of. Furthermore, goods that you often use together, such as mechanic or gardening equipment, should be placed in groups and next to one another. Ideally, you’d also want to store frequently used goods closer to the garage entrance, while seldom used items may be kept in less accessible locations.
By arranging comparable goods in their own zones, you’re effectively establishing an invisible boundary where each place may organically stand apart, making your garage seem more organized. If possible, you may additionally designate the remaining vacant areas as a workshop, bar, or anything else linked to your own delight.
- Maintain an Orderly Storage System
Although there is nothing wrong with having a lot of garage tools and equipment, having them strewn around isn’t always a pleasing look. Not to mention that if they aren’t cleaned or maintained on a regular basis, they will soon be coated in dust and spider webs – ugh! As a result, your best chance here is to devise a storage method that keeps things neat, clean, and simple to locate.
You may now discover a variety of garage storage options to meet your requirements. For example, you may use empty walls to add pegboards or track systems to keep items off the floor and provide extra space to walk about. Furthermore, since garage cabinets and parts organizers come in a variety of kinds and sizes, your possibilities are almost limitless.
Furthermore, if you’re a gearhead with a lot of repair and maintenance equipment like me, a wheeled tool crate/toolbox is one of the best purchases you can make. It makes it much simpler to grasp your equipment while working on automobiles, and putting them back after usage prevents you from losing them in the future.
- Include Cozy Furniture
You’ll most likely have additional room and opportunity to put some cozy furnishings inside after arranging your garage and clearing the floor. Furniture transforms your garage into a true living room, and there are several alternatives available based on your taste and budget.
For example, if you like DIY projects, you may start by purchasing a working table and some stools, or a coffee table and a sofa if you want to rest in your garage. Wade Logan Furniture is a wonderful place to start if you’re looking for high-quality, cheap furniture that will go in pretty much everywhere – but you can also browse anywhere you choose.
Do you still have any free space? You could even take it a step further by adding a pool/ping-pong table, a projector and sound system for a mini-home theater, or even a tiny kitchenette. To be honest, there are several ways to improve the comfort of your garage.
- Install an air conditioner
Most of the time, the garage temperature goes undetected and unregulated, but this has to alter if you want to spend a long time there. Consider adding a fan, air conditioner, or heater to keep the space as comfortable as possible.
Nowadays, you may even obtain a low-cost, ductless mini-split AC that can both chill and heat, which is my preferred choice. It not only successfully cools/heats the area, but it also functions as a dehumidifier. The higher temperature can now keep moisture levels in check, eliminating condensation that might harm your garage items.
However, ensure to pick an AC unit capable of adequately cooling/heating the garage. Using a less competent system than advised might cause your AC to overheat and wear out sooner. Furthermore, remember to insulate your garage if you don’t want cool/warm air to escape fast, resulting in poor cooling/heating and greater energy expenses.
5. Improve the Lighting System
Although it is frequently overlooked, good lighting plays an important part in the comfort of your garage. A bright room allows you to see everything clearly and creates the sense that you are in a spacious space.
“How can I get the best lighting?” you may wonder. As it is sunlit and healthy, windows are excellent sources of natural daylight throughout the day. Meanwhile, LEDs make wonderful garage companions at night since they are highly bright (particularly in white), power-efficient, and have a long lifetime.
You may also add a multicolor LED light strip and adjust the ambient lighting to fit your mood to enhance your lighting game. Believe me when I say that investing in excellent garage lighting can make a world of difference.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to settle for an average garage like everyone else’s if you take a little care and makeover. Utilizing your garage to its full potential is often a wonderful idea, and if you have the means to do so, I strongly advise you to follow your instincts and transform this space of your home into something happy and productive.
Finally, I wish you the best of success as you embark on your garage remodeling adventure.