If you have a garage, you probably belong to the majority of homeowners who take the space for granted. It’s easy to do, as garages offer great storage spaces for just about anything, from vehicles to tools, sports equipment, and more. However, there is so much more to your garage than you might realize. It’s not just a garage, it’s a space full of potential.
It’s understandable to get comfortable even with a cluttered or disorganized space. However, if you can’t step back and see the reasons it deserves a little more love, you’re missing out on a great opportunity.
Take a note from those who have already turned their garages into amazing man caves, amazingly-organized storage areas, and other great functional spaces that are more than the average garage.
Stop thinking about why your garage doesn’t need fixing and start thinking about why it deserves regular maintenance and occasional improvements, just like the rest of your home.
Your garage can improve (or decrease) your home’s value significantly
The garage itself makes up a fair portion of your home’s value. Those homes with a front-facing garage door will also have to factor in how the garage affects the curb appeal of the home, which can also impact value. Considering that the average door takes up about 30% of your home’s façade, it’s important to keep it looking good and working perfectly.
Any real estate professional will tell you that if you want to improve your home’s value, you need to consider improving the garage. At the very least, the garage door might need an upgrade, or even just a fresh coat of paint. Most people who are shopping for a home expect to have a garage. Many of them also want it to be functional, updated, and ready to use.
You see your garage multiple times a day, even if you don’t realize it
Over two-thirds of homeowners report using the garage as the primary way to enter and leave the home. It can be frustrating to be constantly navigating over piles of junk and cars that don’t have enough space, let alone having to see it all on a daily basis. Take an hour or two and tidy up and see how much better you feel.
Once you’ve started the process, set aside some time to take care of maintenance and a few improvements. You can make the space more functional and safer for everyone in the family. Plus, you’ll be proud to show it off for a change.
The garage protects a variety of objects and personal effects
Think about all the stuff in your garage. Now, think about the items that have significant value. That $1500 rolling tool box? It’s probably filled with tools you forgot you had because it’s buried behind a bunch of toys and games. What about your cars? If your garage is cluttered, it’s probably also got a few hidden areas that need repair.
Can you really trust that your belongings, from the most expensive to the basic garden tools, will be protected in your garage as it is? It’s crucial to protect all of your investments by investing in a safe space to store them.
Detached garages usually have higher ceilings than their attached brethren, but for most people, that is wasted space. Consider putting in some kind of overhead storage for seasonal storage of items that aren’t used regularly to maximize your space and get the clutter out from underfoot.
You could spend a lot of great hours in your garage
It’s time to stop seeing the garage as an afterthought. This is an entirely separate space that is part of your home. Whether it is attached or detached, your garage makes a great choice for a craft or hobby studio, a TV or game room, or even a just a shop where you can work on cars or build things. It’s going to be difficult to get out of that “just throw it in the garage” mentality, but once you transform the space and see its full potential, you will never go back to forgetting your garage again.
Your garage could be full of all kinds of hidden dangers
If you can’t see your garage space for all the clutter, can you really know that there aren’t any potential hazards around? Take a minute to look around. How many old paint cans and chemicals do you have sitting around? What about that jug of used oil that you never took back to the parts store for recycling? These are both flammable and toxic, and best to be gotten rid of as soon as possible.
What about all the clutter on the garage floor or leaning up against the walls? How many times are you going to catch the edge of that rake before you give in and tidy up? Many people are lucky that they haven’t been injured so far due to the clutter in their garages. Not only is clutter annoying, but it’s a fire risk and can become a health hazard if not addressed.
Don’t keep food in your garage, either. Canned goods should be fine if you have nowhere else to store them, but other foods aren’t as well-sealed and will guarantee that every type of vermin in the neighborhood will be over for dinner.
Finally, poor ventilation, trash buildup, and/or too much clutter could lead to odors, mold, mildew, and more pests. Don’t ignore your garage or you will find yourself facing a lot of serious issues down the road.
A new garage door can be a new start
Inspiration can be hard to find when it comes to projects around your home. Treat your garage to a fresh door to inspire the rest of your improvements and care, and turn the space into something everyone loves, rather than the space that everyone loathes.
If you’re ready to discuss garage door system, contact us now. We’re here to help. Our no-obligation quotes make it easy for you to see the value of this investment. You can reach us at 1-800-244-9253 to discuss your garage door needs.
If you’d rather see for yourself, feel free to visit our local showroom. We’ve got an experienced staff on hand that can help you find inspiration in our image gallery and our signature Design Centre. We’ll make sure that we find the style that is perfect for you!
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