Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Functional Garage Renovation Ideas to Boost Your Home’s Value
Moneymagpie Team
28th Nov 2024
Your garage has a primary function, to protect your vehicle from the elements. However, this doesn’t mean your garage can’t serve other purposes. Whether you’re searching for ways to boost your home’s value or want to make your garage a little more functional, it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
Did you know that the average garage renovation costs $7,000 to $15,000? If this is a little outside of your budget, don’t worry. We have some great garage renovation ideas that aren’t going to cost a lot of money.
Garage Renovation Ideas
Your garage is already serving a purpose. This is where you park your vehicle. However, a garage can have multiple uses. All it takes is a little renovation. Turning your garage into more than just a parking space can also increase your property’s value. This should be a goal even if you’re not planning on putting your home on the market.
So, if you’re not sure how to get started renovating your tired garage, here are a few ideas to help you get started. Best of all, some of these ideas are not only effective but they’re also extremely affordable.
Add a Coat of Paint
When was the last time you painted your garage? If the garage is attached, the answer is probably the last time you painted your house. If the garage is detached, it may not have been freshly painted for years.
Did you know you can usually pick up a few gallons of exterior paint for $100 or so? Just imagine, for the price of four evening movie tickets, with a side of buttered popcorn, you can spruce up your garage. Just remember to always use exterior paint. Interior paint is capable of withstanding exposure to the sun, rain, and wind without cracking, chipping, or peeling.
A fresh coat of paint can do more than give your garage a makeover. The paint can also help protect your garage from the elements. When it comes to choosing a color, your options are almost limitless. You can go with a color that matches, complements, or contrasts with your home.
Adding some LED lights around the garage will help make the fresh paint pop while increasing visibility on your property at night. You can even go a step further and swap out the garage’s fluorescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. Don’t forget about the flooring.
If your garage floor has seen better days, grab a can of epoxy paint while you’re picking up the exterior color. Epoxy paint seals the garage floor while also helping it look new. Best of all, repainting the garage, including the floor, is a budget-friendly renovation upgrade.
Invest in Shelving
Are you worried about tripping over a rake every time you go into the garage? Maybe you’re worried a garden shovel will fall on your car. If your garage has clutter lying around like garden tools, it’s time to start thinking about a renovation. Your goal is to organize everything, including random yard and garden supplies.
A great place to start is with shelving, and you have plenty of options. You can easily install wall shelving. All you need is some lumber, about shelf width, and some brackets. If your garage doesn’t have rails on the walls to hold the brackets, add them to your shopping list. You should be able to get everything you need for around $500 or less. How much you spend depends on the number of shelves.
If you have any money left over, consider adding another light. Hopefully, you’re already using LED lights in your home and garage. Even though LEDs have a higher lumens output compared to fluorescents, the single fixture that’s standard in most garages still doesn’t produce enough light. Adding another light can turn your garage into a bright work and storage space.
Invest in Dedicated Storage Systems
Shelving can only do so much and it’s not always practical for all of your storage needs. Sometimes you need storage systems with drawers, cabinets, and even work counters. Head to any home improvement store or browse online options, you’re bound to find something that’s perfect for storing all of your odds and ends.
How much can you expect to pay for storage systems? The cost depends on size, materials, and even the number of drawers and cabinets. On average, you can keep costs relatively low between $1,000 and $2,000. However, you can go lower or higher depending on your storage needs.
Add a MudRoom
Do you or your family enjoy an active lifestyle? You know one where you spend more time outdoors than inside. If so, this probably means you’re tracking dirt and mud into your home. What about adding a small room in your garage? This renovation idea works best with an attached garage and when you can create a small room next to your home’s entry door.
Adding a room to your garage isn’t the cheapest renovation idea. If you want the room to be both functional and comfortable, you should plan on spending around $5,000. This covers the cost of materials and labor. However, remember this cost is only an estimate. Adding a mudroom may cost a little more or less depending on factors like the room’s dimensions and materials used.
Go Big with New Garage Doors
Nothing changes up the look of a garage quite like new doors. If you’re tired of your garage’s traditional rolling metal doors and have around $10,000 to spend on renovations, this may be an idea to consider.
Your options are almost limitless when it comes to garage door styles. You even have options when it comes to the materials. Want your garage door to stand out? Consider going with a wooden garage door complete with carriage-style fasteners.
Your Garage Says A Lot About Your Home
A garage is more than a place to store a vehicle. The garage is also an extension of your home. Renovating your garage can do more than improve its functionality, it can also help increase the value of your home. Best of all, you can boost your property value even with a simple, inexpensive garage renovation.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments
