Is your garage giving new meaning to the phrase “Don’t go there?” Is there so much junk in your garage that even the items that are actually valuable become junk by association? We hear you! But don’t despair, there’s gold in them thar garage walls! And garage conversion can be the key to finding it.
Not only is garage conversion a wise choice for increasing the value of your home, but its also a smart way of adding space to your home. Whether it’s that den you always wanted, the art studio you dreamed about, or the man cave where you could freely assert express your primacy, the garage space is a minefield of possibilities. At Colonial Van Lines, we believe in using every opportunity to make your home the home of your dreams, whatever those dreams may be. So, we thought we’d give you a few garage conversion tips to point you in the right direction!
Garage Conversion Done Right
Remember, when you convert your garage into a useful space, you are not only increasing the value of your home, you are improving your quality of life! If you have the motivation to do it, Colonial Van Lines is happy to lend some inspiration!
Garage Conversion Step One: Clean the garage
Remember what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! Pick up thy plastic bags, boxes, and what have you, and sort your items into three piles: what to toss, what to keep, and what to donate to charity. This will be especially helpful if you want to do other improvements, as it will open up space in your garage to give you better access to the areas that need attention.
Step Two: Install New Floors
Now that you’ve rediscovered the floors in the garage, you’ve probably noticed they’re due for a replacement. If so, here are some of your options:
- Concrete Stain: The cheapest of your choices concrete stain can be applied in a thick coat over your old floor so that the old floor shows through. Emphasis on the “old floor shows through” part. Great if your floor is in good shape, not so great if it’s taken a beating.
- Epoxy: Talk about laying it on thick! This durable floor coating comes with a built-in hardener, so it won’t be damaged when you’re lugging your amplifiers around to set up for band practice. The process takes about 3 days but can be done in phases, so you can continue to use parts of the garage during the remodel. First, a coating is applied, then colored chips are scattered over it, so the end result resembles graphite.
- Peel and stick tiles: Yes, please! If your one of those fortunate few whose garage floor is relatively leveled without height imbalances of severe cracks, peel and stick tiles are an easy way of classing up your garage. They are easy to cut, quick to install, and you can make custom patterns out of them by using your own color combinations.
- Roll- out vinyl flooring: If installing new flooring is on your garage conversion “to-do” list, vinyl flooring can hide a multitude of sins. Simply unroll it onto your garage floor, trim off the excess, and voila!
- Carpet: And if you don’t choose to roll out the vinyl flooring, you may just choose to roll out the carpet! Not necessarily the red one, the Tuff Carpet is a product that is specifically designed for holding up to the rigors of everyday life. Also installed as a series of peel and stick tiles, the Tuff Carpet is easy to install and can be color customized to suit your décor.
Next Stop on the Garage Conversion Train: Repair and Repaint
Remember when your kid took the car out for driving practice, made it back without denting the car, and then drove it straight into the wall of the garage? Not every memory calls for a constant reminder! Drywall repair, replacing door frames, and molding can be excellent ways of letting go of the past and looking to a future of garage arcadia.
Convert your Garage and Cool It Off
Once your garage becomes fit for humans, you may want to acclimate accordingly. This may or may not include the installation of a cooling device to keep the area comfortable, breathable, and, most importantly, livable. The cheapest way to do this is by buying small inexpensive plastic fans and placing them strategically around your garage. Air conditioning is the best bet, but also the most costly. Air conditioners are pricey, running them is pricey, and proper insulation may mean installing a new garage door.
Maximizing the Space in your Converter Garage: Cabinets and Storage Device
It has been said that organizing is a journey, not a destination. And if a garage conversion is your next destination, the next step on your journey is installing cabinets and storage devices. As general rules of thumb:
- Install cabinets on legs sitting 4-6 inches off the floor. (all the better for cleaning under).
- If you have a budget in mind, get it straight with the designer ahead of time.
- Let your designer know how much you need to store and make sure the plan provides enough space to accommodate all of it.
- And, yes, you can successfully install kitchen cabinets in your garage.
For more garage makeover inspo, check out Pinterest.com.
Colonial Van Lines: Improving Your Quality of Life
At Colonial Van Lines, we may not know a lot about in garage conversion, but we do believe in improving your quality of life. Because moving is often a necessary part of life, we aim to deliver top-quality service. As South Florida’s most recognized and trusted local movers, we stand by our customers from the beginning to the end of the move. Our services include packing and storage for business and residential clients with customized moving plans that work within your budget. We offer free transparent moving quotes and contracts that we don’t have to force you into signing. Just friendly, expert, service at affordable rates.
Whether moving or home owning is a part of your life, let’s keep It as high quality as possible. Start your garage conversion today and call Colonial Van LInes for a free rate quote. We keep it stress-free, straightforward, and affordable.
