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Do you want to make sure that your upcoming DIY project is a success? If so then you have come to the right place. Take a look below to get some top tips.
Declutter First
This may sound like a simple step, but it is so important. The first thing you need to do before you start the renovation would be to declutter your space. Sort through all of the stuff you have stashed over the years, and categorise them into different piles. You need to make three piles ideally. One for items you intend to keep, one for broken items and finally, a donation pile. Get rid of anything that you can’t use as well. Figuring out what you intend to keep and why, will be very helpful when the time comes for you to implement storage.
Choosing a Floor
One of the most difficult decisions you will have to make when it comes to your garage remodel is deciding what flooring you would like to install. This will depend on how you intend to use the space. If you want to have enough room to park your car, and then some space for storage then you need to get a floor coating so you can stop your items from getting water-damaged or covered in mud. Garage floor containment mats are ideal here. If you intend to use it as a playroom for your kids, then opting for a softer floor may be a better option.
Replacing the Garage Door
One major thing that a lot of people tend to overlook when renovating their garage is the door. If you don’t refresh or replace it, then the garage won’t get the fresh look you are going for. If the door is in good condition then you should be able to give it a fresh coat of paint. If you need a good-quality or sturdy door then having a roller door could be a good option. These doors last for a very long time and they are super easy to install. You don’t have to worry about making repairs all the time and they are way more aesthetically pleasing.
Flexible Storage
Installing the right kind of storage system is so important when it comes to your garage renovation. One mistake that people often make is limiting their storage system. It needs to be flexible so you can make sure that your current needs are accommodated. Determine how your future could be accommodated here, so you can make good decisions going forward. Give some thought as to how your storage needs may change in the coming years as well. You may have to make room for a children’s bedroom or you may have to store items that you probably won’t need later on. If possible, you need to invest in adjustable storage so you can make the system you have more flexible, or so you can add some more storage in the future.
Put a Focus on Insulation
A garage has to be insulated so that it stays warm during the winter and cool during the summer. If you live at a location that experiences extreme weather then you may want to install a heating and cooling system. It’s possible that your garage will already have insulation. If this is the case, then make sure that you check the condition of it before you begin your renovation, so you can make sure that no damage occurs during the remodel.
Eliminate Safety Risks
A lot of the time, remodelling a garage can result in you exposing yourself to safety risks that you might not have thought about before. For this reason, you need to consult with an expert so you can make sure that there are no issues with the plumbing work or electrics. Ensure that the new roller door you opt for is installed properly and that you declutter as mentioned above, to stop it from catching on anything.
Choosing the Right Floor
When you decide to overhaul your garage, you need to make sure that you have the right kind of plan in place. If you have a drab garage floor then this will have a serious impact on your space and its general appearance. When it comes to repairing or even restoring your garage floor, a lot of homeowners decide to go for garage floor paint. While this can be inexpensive, it doesn’t look good. It gives your floor no protection, and it won’t last long at all. You can count on the floor chipping and flaking before you know it. DIY epoxy kits can cost more, and they may seem like a good option but again, they don’t give you a great deal of protection. Getting your floor done by a professional is always a good idea, as this will save you a lot of time, money, energy and stress.
Don’t Choose Cheap Cabinets
You get what you pay for. If you cut corners when it comes to your garage storage then this will catch up with you. Cheap cabinetry will start showing deficiencies very quickly. Functional issues, such as drawers and doors will stop closing properly and they will lose their proper form. You also have the rusting problem. Cheaper cabinet systems are often constructed from steel and they are made overseas. Cheap metal rusts faster and if you have a garage that gets a fair share of moisture then this is a recipe for disaster. Unless you are happy to replace your flimsy cabinets in a year or two, you need to opt for high-quality storage systems. You will soon find that cabinets look better and that they function better too.
Utilise your Space Well
You have to make sure that you utilise your space well. If you have a poorly designed garage remodel then this will result in your storage systems being installed, but you won’t have enough space to do anything else. If you want to make the most out of your garage’s space then take the time to use overhead space and walls. Just make sure that you safely anchor any overhead storage tracks so that you can stop them from falling down at a later date.
Always Get a Warranty
If you get a new garage door, some tools or any kind of equipment for your garage then you need to make sure that you get a warranty if possible. The main benefit of getting a warranty is that it gives you peace of mind, and sometimes you cannot put a price on this. It may be that your floor is covered for any serious wear and tear if you maintain it properly, or that your lighting is covered for a set period of time. Either way, getting a warranty is always a good idea, especially if you are putting a good amount of money down to cover your installation.
Don’t Forgo Safety Sensors
If you want to keep your garage as safe as possible then it is so important that you don’t forgo safety sensors. You might also want to opt for an alarm as well. If you are using your garage to store very expensive goods, then it is a good idea to make sure that you insure everything. If you don’t then you may find that you can’t make a claim and this is the last thing you need. One way for you to reduce your monthly insurance payment would be for you to install a good lock, and have vehicle reversal safety sensors installed, to keep everything as safe as possible.
Choose the Right Lighting
Garage lighting is so important. If you opt for a standard light bulb then you may find that you need way more of them to illuminate the space. The main reason for this is because your garage probably won’t have any windows, so you ideally need to double the amount of light that comes into the space through artificial means. If you want to choose a good option then one thing you can do is choose lights that are halogen-based or ones that are specifically made for garage use. If you can make sure that this is the case, then you should be able to illuminate your space without any difficulties at all.
Get CCTV
Criminals often break into a home by going through the garage. If you want to stop this from being the case then it is so important that you invest in a solid system. CCTV is a great deterrent, which means you might be able to stop your home from being a target in the first place. If you use your garage to house expensive instruments or valuable workshop tools then you should make sure that you have some kind of CCTV in place, as it could help you to not only keep your garage safe but also your home as well.
Why not see if you could maximise the potential of your garage remodel today, to see what works for you?