A Greater Garage
by Jessica Groach
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
Unless you're a teenage boy in a rock band, you probably don't spend time in the garage. It's so filthy and congested, you hate going in there.
But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, comedian Jerry Seinfeld reportedly spent almost $1.4 million on a garage for his car collection. It features an office, elevator, kitchen, deck, and full bathroom.
Okay, so this pretty extravagant. But doesn't it make sense to turn your cluttered, uninviting garage into something useful? Here are some ideas:
From Head...
Most garages are a cluttered mess that anyone sees the second you open the door. But above you are hundreds of cubic feet going completely unused. You can purchase storage systems that are designed for this space at any home improvement store, or you can simply lay wood planks across the beams, creating shelves that let you cleverly store items out of sight. Hang bicycles or large toys from hooks, and use pegboards on the wall for hanging tools. Also, a decorative ceiling fan with a lamp adds style, ventilation, and additional light to a garage.
...To Toe...
Car enthusiasts may prefer tile for showing off their "babies," at around $30 per square foot. But for a floor that's easy to clean, an Epoxy treatment on cement, at around $2 a square foot, allows you to wipe off oil with just a wet rag. New flooring can be a great investment in the life and usefulness of a garage.
...And Beyond
- Your garage door is probably the most prominent feature on your home. Consider ditching your dull, gray, steel garage door for cedar or colorful paint.
- Paint "zones" in your garage as a storage strategy. For instance, green is where the Christmas decorations go, and red is where you find tools.
Reclaim that garage! It doesn't have to be a wasteland.
Sources
About the Author
Jessica Groach, a new homeowner herself, is a freelance writer and writing instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno.
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