The Garage
Architects and designers are part of an emerging trend to take advantage of the final frontier of home design - the garage. For builders, designers and architects, the garage has enormous potential as a new category in home redesign. With new innovations for every room in the home, building and design professionals must constantly rethink their plans to accommodate new products for the homebuyer and builder.
Garage Planning
Garage organization drives faster home sales. According to a recent national survey, an organized garage speeds up selling the home and prevents a drop in value that often occurs when a house sits too long on the market. It serves as an additional family room or storage space for basement-deprived families in the Southwest. An organized garage even serves as a hibernating pod for cars while old man winter visits the Midwest. Cleaning up your gray space doesn't have to be difficult according to organizational experts. Here are a few simple tips to making over your garage:
- Pitch It or Give It
To help home buyers view the full capacity of the garage, get rid of the seldom-used items. Those rollerblades that have been sitting there since the early nineties, the rusted paint cans and old cleaning supplies should be taken out to the curb. Salvage old tools, sporting equipment and toys by donating them to a local Boys and Girls Club or a neighborhood charity.
- Think Vertically
A proactive seller prepares all areas of the home for potential viewing. Homeowners and home sellers can clear the clutter with various gara
ge organization products mounted on the walls.
- Safety First
Whether the garage is used for storage, to park the car during the winter, or as an addition on the home, the space needs to be organized and safe for all family members. Ensure safety and tidiness by storing chemicals and sharp or dangerous items on high shelves or inside cabinets. Also, non-slip, roll flooring is a good way to prevent accidents from occurring.
- Freshen Up
Every room in the house needs to look presentable for a home sale and beyond, so why not the garage? This is an area that has been neglected for years and is now becoming the trendy place to hang out. Add matching cabinets, flooring, a workbench, a TV, and a recliner to create envy among your new neighbors.
- Just Chill
Don't overlook the garage when trying to imagine where to fit the extra refrigerator/freezer. Manufacturers have introduced garage-specific appliances that can withstand the extreme temperatures and environment of the garage while saving homeowners money by reducing electric bills.
The Wall
For homeowners and aspiring organizers who need an inexpensive way to start putting items in order, look no further than your garage walls. This underutilized space is perfect for hanging shelves, cabinets and hooks that will help get items off the floor. By installing a slot wall panel system the garage can be transformed from dump to dazzle in a weekend. There a variety options and inexpensive starter kits than get you on your way to an organized garage.
Refrigerators
When working in the garage - a cold beverage might be just the thing you need. With a modular refrigerator designed for the garage, a cold one could be at arms length. For holiday entertaining or large get togethers, a garage refrigerator is a must for storing appetizers or full course meals. Choosing one that is made for the garage environment is important to protect food from spoiling.
Freezers
Giving a cold shoulder to refrigerator space - the freezer stands alone. It doesn't need the refrigerator counterpart people often attach to it. In fact, the freezer recently has been pursuing its solo career in a number of different rooms in the home. Freezers are often spotted chilling out in the garage, where it has plenty of room to support leftovers, bulk purchases and even those unwanted holiday fruitcakes! Freezers in the garage also have taken their look to a new level, now being offered in a tread plate covering to match other garage accessories. Besides looking good, these new freezers are also made especially for the garage environment and provide a practical and much needed storage solution for the home. Always reinventing itself, the freezer can also be found chilling basements, bar areas, and theater rooms alike.
Trash Compactors
Have you ever noticed that you have twice as much garbage as your neighbors? One of the simplest solutions to this smelly problem is to invest in a trash compactor. This smashing sensation will cut down on your trips to the curb. It will also save you money in the long run, especially in areas where garbage-collection fees are based on volume. There are many available today that are clean, safe and easy to use. So keep up with the Jones' and cut down your troublesome trash today.
Workbenches
The staple of every garage. Available in different sizes to fit the needs and layout of your space, a work bench is a great addition for wood working projects or arts and crafts. Some are available with maple tops and can even adjust to uneven garage flooring.
Storage
How do you get your clutter organized and out of sight? Cabinets are a great option for storing things over head, especially items that you want out of children's reach like chemicals and things that are sharp. When organizing dad's tools or fishing equipment, a modular drawer cabinet is the newest tool chest on wheels. For larger items like golf clubs, life jackets and sporting equipment a locker is great for meeting your ever changing storage needs.
Accessories
The right accessory can complete any outfit, design or in this case, a garage. Baskets, bins and hooks will tidy up the garage while giving it a clean and stylish feel. These items are perfect for storing nuts and bolts, basket balls and children's toys. Another way to utilize space is by installing a shoe rack so family and friends can leave shoes and boots in the garage and eliminate dirt being tracked into the home.
Learn more about organizing your garage from the experts at Gladiator™ GarageWorks