September 9, 2016

Some steps for regaining control of your garage

Some steps for regaining control of your garage

Are you tired of heading into the garage only to sigh and think it would be great if you could actually use the space? Maybe you are hoping to regain control of the garage? Whether you feel you’ve lost control of the garage due to unused clutter or just because it is a mess, we have some good advice.

It is interesting to note that many garage owners start to worry about the space as the colder weather returns. This is because they need the space to shelter a vehicle, and yet there may not be enough room. That’s okay, we have workable tips that can help you really optimize the entire space.

Naturally, it all begins with a good clean out!

Step 1 - clean it all out!

On a non-rainy day, start to regain control by taking the time to actually remove everything from the garage and into the driveway. Don’t do this chaotically, but create specific areas for things to be:

  • Discarded
  • Recycled
  • Reused and/or donated
  • Sold
  • Kept and properly stored

This makes it sound easier than it will be, because most of us have things we don’t want to toss or give away, but it must be done!

Step 2 - getting it ready

With that gloriously empty garage staring you in the face, it is now time to consider how to best prepare it for your needs. Did you plan on making a work area? Play area? Just make space? Either way, you need to consider its insulation.

All garages benefit from insulation, whether attached or detached. You will want to consider everything from a vapour barrier to drywall, but the key is insulation. Most homeowners can handle it as a DIY project for less than $1,500. Paying someone else to insulate and/or finish is usually twice the price of doing it on your own.

Once insulation and any finishing work is tackled, it is time to consider the different coatings that may become necessary. If you have drywall or even concrete walls, you can paint them any color you wish. However, if you are running the risk of splashing the walls, such as driving in with muddy tires and being close to the wall as you enter, consider a protective barrier of exterior siding (made of PVC) that you just hang by attaching to the wall studs.

Exterior paint or paint for concrete, along with the siding, generally makes the walls impervious to problems and attractive.

Step 3 - laying out the space

What are your exact plans for the garage? Don’t “ballpark” anything and take the time to measure the space and then plot it all out on graph paper or a sketch pad. Figure out where the bigger items are, or will go (such as benches, laundry machines, and so on), and be sure you draw everything to scale.

You may want to consider adding a work bench, storage for yard or seasonal tools, a second refrigerator or freezer, camping or sports gear storage, a play area for kids, and so on. Now is the time to map it out.

Don’t forget to measure the floor to ceiling distances and take into account the garage door. For instance, if you have a seven-foot high door and the ceilings are ten feet, you actually can use space above the door. Also, where the door is concerned, measure between the tracks and don’t forget to give ample space for the opener.

While considering the space, be sure to determine the need for new outlets, lighting, and if you are going to also have to finish the flooring.

Step 4 - prioritize

It usually takes a good plan to make it clear just how much work is required, and how much expenditure. A lot of reclaiming the basement is DIY. Painting, cleaning, and so on is all easily done. If you need electrical work, be sure to rely on a professional, but for the most part, you can probably handle garage projects like this on your own.

Most homeowners want nothing more than to organize their mess, and this means storage space. If that is the priority, consider building things on your own or purchasing pre-made storage systems. Between pre-made storage units, paint and finishing tasks, new electrical and the other steps, you can expect to spend from less than $1,000 for super modest projects to $15,000 or more for full redo projects.

It helps to find inspiration by simply using a search engine and seeking out “garage storage organization ideas”, then looking at the “Images” section. Pinterest is also a great place for this sort of search.

STEP 5 - the garage door and opener

One thing to always keep in mind when reclaiming the garage is the door and the door opener. This can make the difference between a successful project and one that fails. Select only a well insulated garage door with good weather proofing to allow you to use the space year round.

Need some help with it? Contact us at 724-834-8450 for a free quote. We can show you the right options for the architectural style of your house, and help you make your project a total success.

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