Your garage is a space that is a world of untapped resources. If you're not convinced, here's what you should do this weekend. Clean it out. That is, take all the stuff off the floors and walls (leave the things on shelves) until you have a basic shell measuring as much as 400-500 square feet. That's an amazing amount of space! But it's how you put everything back that makes the difference.
Storage
Shelving: Shelves are perhaps the easiest storage item to make, either from a kit or with lumber. However the places you want shelves are the sides of the garage where space is limited because you may want the front of the garage for a work bench. If you are not a hobbyist make the bench smaller, about 4 linear feet, because everyone needs a workbench for something.
Cabinets: Many companies now make attractive cabinets for the front of the garage. These are great because you can store dried and canned foods for easy access and the doors will ward off any insects or wandering mouse. Another idea is to find some old kitchen cabinets (maybe from your own home) and put them up. They can always be painted.
Freezer/Fridge: As long as we're talking about food the front of the garage is a great place for a second refrigerator or a stand-up freezer. The stand-up kind are better because they take up less room and you can find things easier rather than digging through the old chest-style. This makes for more economical food rotation too as many people forget about things in a chest freezer.
Motorcycle Rack: An innovation that is catching on with the baby-boomers is the motorized rack that can support an all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, ride-one mower or snow-blower. The rack is attached to the wall and the vehicle is placed on and secured. Then an electric motor-drive elevates the vehicle to the ceiling allowing space underneath
Car Elevator: One of the more ingenuous storage ideas emanates from service stations - the car lift. Many households have more than two vehicles and nowhere else to put another one. The car elevator is placed in one stall of the garage and the extra vehicle is driven on the lift pad. On either side are posts containing the lift mechanism. When the elevator is activated the vehicle is lifted up to a safe level the mechanism is locked and another car can be parked underneath. The only consideration is that the garage has to have to headroom for this to work.
Overhead Storage: Many garages have excess space above the automatic doors where racks can be installed. This is a good area for long pieces like wood or moldings. The best recourse is get metal shelving racks at a home store.
Floor: In any garage a clean floor makes a big difference. The concrete lasts longer and resists stains better when it is coated with a tough paint. Epoxy-based paints make the best coatings but it is the preparation that is very important. The floor should be thoroughly vacuumed and then cleaned with a solution of hot water and trisodium phosphate (TSP). When this dries a mild solution of muratic acid will take off any impurities and allow the paint to bond with the concrete.
Work Area
Many homes have basements but smaller homes will not have the room for designated work space. This is where the garage comes in. Depending on what the hobby is - woodwork, cars, motorcycles etc. - the garage can be outfitted for full enjoyment. Tool superstores stores sell a variety of workbenches, vices and tool storage amenities that allow you to work freely whole finding all the parts and tools needed for the project.
Living Space
For those who need living space going into the garage is a great option. In almost all cases the walls are finished, the electrical is already there and there is a good subfloor. In cases where there is a 2-car garage one stall can be converted into a workshop or study while the other side can still house the car.
Homeowners who need more living space but do not want to move can look at a 2-car attached garage as a bedroom, bathroom and livingroom. The only big drawback is that the majority of prospective buyers prefer garages so this may work against you when you go to sell the property. The other downside is that the covenants of the neighborhood may not allow you to park vehicles on the driveway overnight.
Home Office
With the internet bringing business to the doorsteps of the every user there are a myriad of businesses set up which require shipping merchandise. Depending on the zoning in your area the garage can be a great place to work a business. This could include everything from a hair salon to a machine shop.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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