Over the last decade, the idea of the “family car” has shifted greatly. Whereas station wagons used to be the norm, nowadays those dinosaurs have given way to minivans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). While that shift has certainly impacted drivers’ wallets when it comes time to fill up the gas tank, it’s also led to a more subtle change in the way drivers use their homes.
With cars becoming bigger and bigger, garages have become less and less usable. Unless a home was built in the last decade, chances are the garage isn’t big enough to fit today’s average SUV or minivan. That’s led many homeowners to seek ways to utilize their garage in other ways. When it comes to renovating the garage, the options are endless. However, there are things to consider before tackling such a big project.
Electricity: The great thing about converting a garage is that it’s similar to an open canvas for an artist, offering endless possibilities and few restrictions. Garages have been converted into rec rooms, home offices, workshops . the list goes on and on. Regardless of what you’ll be doing to your garage, you’ll need ample electricity, both to convert the garage and to utilize it once it’s completed. Be sure to install enough outlets so bulky extension cords will be as unnecessary as possible. A general rule of thumb is to install one outlet every three feet. This will allow you to easily rearrange the room down the road or even convert it to something else should you so choose.
· Storage: In addition to tools, many garages are brimming with old coffee cans full of nuts and bolts and a host of other items on shelves that serve very little purpose. However, some of the items on those dusty shelves are important, and can’t really be discarded. The problem is these items are often unsightly, even more so when the garage is being converted to a home office or rec room. In such instances, much like renovating a kitchen, you might want to consider having cabinets installed. That will still allow the garage to serve as a storage facility but one that looks much better.
· Flooring: Exactly how you floor crafts your new garage will be dictated by the purpose it’s serving. Whatever that purpose is, chances are the concrete flooring will have to go, or at least be covered up. In the case of a home office, you’ll likely want to install carpeting. In a rec room or room, vinyl flooring might be the best route to take. It’s best to let the room’s function dictate its flooring.
