Alternate Uses for Your Garage – Infographic

A garage is an excellent addition to a home, and one that can add value to your property if you really take advantage of the additional space your garage provides. By using the space more creatively, not only will you add even more value to your property, you’ll also increase its appeal.

With property prices constantly rising and mortgages becoming more difficult to secure, maximising your living space has never been more important. Read on for some inspiration on alternate uses for your garage.

Home gym

If you’re looking to increase your fitness levels or want to work out in your own home as opposed to a public gym, your garage provides abundant space to set up your own private gym. You can make the space look more pleasant with wall mirrors and some good lighting, and you’ll probably want to install a soft, absorbent flooring if you’re going to be using weights, but other than that, all you need to do is move in your equipment and mats and set your gym up entirely how you like it. As an additional feature, why not install a speaker system so you can listen to music while you work out – or, if you’d prefer, a television to catch up on your favourite shows?

Cinema

If you’re a big movie buff, you could install your own home cinema. The lack of windows creates a darkened atmosphere perfect for watching a movie, and the large, empty walls are perfect for installing either a tv or a projector. Simply upgrade the flooring of your garage, add a speaker system and choose your most comfortable seats. We’d also recommend that you opt for an insulating door to help keep the room a comfortable temperature year-round and to soundproof the garage.

An additional bedroom

Whether it’s to accommodate for your growing family or to make space for a guest room, upsizing properties is always costly and can be very stressful. Instead, turn your garage into an additional bedroom! It will take a bit of renovation for this to be viable, but it will be a much more cost-efficient way of homing your family than moving house, and the additional value you add to your property will make it worthwhile. Lighting, flooring and a window for ventilation should be your first steps to make the garage habitable, but after that, the decor is down to personal preference!

Teenagers’ zone

We all know that teenagers aren’t the easiest generation to deal with, so why not take the stress out of domestic life by giving them their own private space to hang out in. This is beneficial for all involved; your teens will enjoy having their privacy and inviting their friends over, while you can enjoy that all of their mess is confined to one room, you don’t have to fight for the TV remote anymore, and you know they’re safely in your home rather than wandering the streets.

When creating a teenagers’ zone in your garage, get the kids involved and let them choose how they want the room decorated and what features they want. Whether that’s a space to relax with a book, a big tv, a computer console or a mini fridge, the cooler they think the room is, the more likely they are to use it.

Home office

If you work from home, you can find that trying to concentrate in the hustle and bustle of your home is very difficult. You may be distracted by the tv, radio, the family, or even the piles of washing up waiting to be done – let’s face it, when you’re not in the mood to work, anything can be a distraction!

Converting your garage into an office space can help you get the clarity you need to deal with all of your work in peace. Having a space specially dedicated to working can help you get in the right frame of mind to sit down and be productive, without any distractions. You may want to add a skylight to make the room brighter, but this is optional. Decorate the room in neutral tones, invest in a good desk and you are good to go!

A bar

You can upgrade your garage into your very own bar, with just a little bit of work and whole lot of imagination. Having your own bar at home can be more cost-effective than frequenting the local pub, and you can enjoy your liquor without being crowded by other people! A bar is a great social space too, so you can get your friends and family round and make the most of your Saturday night.

Install a fridge to hold your mixers and snacks, and a plush bar to show off your cocktail making. Finally, get some seating installed, and if you really want to invest, a jukebox loaded with your favourite songs could be a great addition.

Utilities room

This conversion is a little bit less exciting, but a lot more pragmatic! If your home is feeling cluttered trying to house your washer and dryer and you can’t comfortably use your facilities, you could take advantage of the space your garage offers by moving your laundry set-up there and using it as a utility room. Not only could you hold your washer and dryer there, you could set up a clothes horse and an ironing board and ensure you always have the space to get your chores done.

On top of this, you will also free up valuable space in your home, making your property less cluttered, more useable and more attractive.

Sunroom

Finally, if you’re looking for a bigger project that can really revitalise your home, how about turning your garage into sunroom? Installing floor to ceiling windows and converting your roof will transform your tired, dark garage into a bright, open space that will trap heat inside during summer, making for a beautiful space to relax and unwind.

If you’re looking to adapt your garage and use it as a living space, you will need to make sure that your garage is insulated to keep the room warm in winter and cooler in the summer. If you are going to be keeping expensive items in your garage, you will also need to make sure that the garage is secured against thieves. The best way to do this is to opt for a high-end garage door to offer you all the security and insulation benefits you will need.

To keep your garage in the very best possible condition, choose a Rollerdor Ltd garage door. Constructed out of powder coated aluminium and a foam filled insert, our doors are robust, secure, long lasting and insulating. To find out more, get in contact today by calling 0800 030 6004. We’ll be happy to help with any enquiry you may have.