What Are the Best Uses for a Garage?

Your garage has a lot of potential, and it offers you a great deal of space beyond the square footage of your home. You might be wondering what to do with an empty garage. Fortunately, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do in your garage. Many homeowners have devised creative ways to utilize the space, transforming it into workshops, art studios or storage rooms. Check out these garage makeover ideas for inspiration. As a bonus, many of the best garage features are inexpensive and easy to install. 

1. Storage 

Garages tend to become areas of storage, but many homeowners only use some of the available space. If you’re looking for storage projects to do in the garage, here are a few ideas:

• Ceiling storage system: You can make use of vertical space by installing shelves near the ceiling. 
• Bike lifts: Bicycles can take up a lot of room. A bike lift system is a clever method for clearing bikes out of the way. Using roped hooks and pulleys, you can lock bikes into place near the ceiling. 
• Door storage: If your garage has an up-and-over door, you can use it for added storage. Attach mesh totes to the inside of the door, fixed with brackets. 
• Bungee rope bins: If you have any athletes in your house, you know how sports balls can get in the way. You could use a storage bin with vertical bungee ropes attached across the opening to contain the balls while allowing easy access. 
• Jars under shelves: You can make double use of your shelves — all you have to do is screw the lids of jars to the underside of each shelf. This is a great way to store small, easy-to-lose items like screws, nails and rubber bands. 
• Pegboards: Pegboards are a great addition to any garage because they’re so versatile. They allow you to arrange your items however you choose to utilize every square inch. 
• Rolling bins: Another option for tool storage is a rolling storage bin. You can pull it out when needed and push it against the wall when not, saving floor space. 

2. Workshop 

A garage is a great space to use for a workshop with its easy-to-clean surfaces. You can do all your handy projects right in your garage, whether you’re upcycling furniture or repairing a vehicle. Your garage also offers some protection from the elements, so your ongoing projects will be safe from rain, snow or beating sun. This can save you a great deal of money, as renting a workspace can be expensive. 

If you want to turn your garage into a functioning workshop, make use of pegboards, shelving and vertical storage. A well-organized system will keep your tools undamaged. It’ll also save you time and frustration, since you’ll know where to find anything at a glance. 

3. Entertainment 

A garage can make a great space for entertaining guests. Add seating, tables, speakers and a mini-fridge to make your garage party-ready. A garage is the perfect area for a summer night gathering — simply open the door for indoor-outdoor flow. Use fold-up chairs and tables for easy after-party cleanup. To make the space more inviting, add some decorative wallpaper, twinkling string lights or tealight candles. Check out these pictures for stylish garage remodel ideas.

4. Home Gym 

If you’re looking to get into fitness but prefer not to use a public gym, you’re not alone. Gym memberships can be expensive, driving to the gym can be a major time commitment and being surrounded by strangers can make you feel insecure or uncomfortable. The solution? Turn your garage into a gym. Exercising is one of the most common things to do in the garage, for a good reason. 

Garages make great exercise spaces. They offer plenty of room to stretch out, and you can open the door for fresh air. You need not buy expensive equipment for a proper workout. With nothing but a floor mat and a few dumbbells, you can work up a sweat. Plus, it can be easy to turn your garage into a gym!

5. Studio 

A garage can be like heaven for the hobbyist. It has storage space for supplies, and its concrete surfaces make for easy maintenance. As long as the weather is tolerable, you can also open the door for natural lighting. If you want to conserve space, hang foldable easels or tables from wall hooks and utilize vertical storage options for your supplies. That way, you can maximize your garage floor for other uses. 

While a garage can be a great art studio for an adult, it can also be the perfect arts and crafts space for kids. You can breathe easy knowing your kids will enjoy messy art supplies without spilling any on your furniture or floor. Make sure any dangerous tools or equipment are out of reach before setting kids loose to play. 

6. Mudroom 

Are your family members or guests tracking mud everywhere when they come inside? You can use your garage as a mudroom, as it makes the perfect pit stop between inside and outside. You can set up cubbies and shelves to separate shoes, jackets, scarves, umbrellas and other outdoor necessities. For some fun personalization, add nameplates above each cubby. Using your garage as a mudroom will help protect your indoor surfaces from mud, dirty water and even pests. What’s more, it’ll make it easier to grab your accessories on the way out the door. 

7. Living Space Above Garage 

If you’re interested in increasing your home’s value, you could add a living space above the garage. Even a single car garage takes up quite a bit of land. You can increase the livable square footage of your home by building upwards, on top of the garage. This is attractive to homebuyers if the space includes a kitchen and bath. Granted, an extension like this can be expensive, but your home’s resale value will benefit from your investment. 

8. Ideal Parking Space 

Parking a vehicle in your garage might pose a challenge. Many garages offer a tight fit and have poor lighting. This can lead to damaging your vehicle as you attempt to park. Before you invest in expanding your garage outward, try some of these garage finishing ideas: 

• Use overhead storage to maximize floor space. 
• String tennis balls to your ceiling to act as parking aids. 
• Try a higher tech parking aid, like a wireless parking sensor. 
• Install better lighting for improved visibility. 
• Secure wall bumpers to minimize damage. 

Things to Consider Before Making Major Changes 

Although these garage transformation ideas might have you feeling inspired, proceed with caution. Before you start using your time and savings to alter your garage, consider these factors: 

• Insulation: If you want your garage to be usable year-round, you’ll need proper insulation. 
• Lighting: Many garages have poor lighting. For a garage to make a safe studio or workshop, you’ll need to invest in quality lighting. 
• Electrical wiring: If you plan to use any electronic devices in your garage, you might need to add some outlets. 
• Permits: Before making major changes, make sure you’ve obtained all necessary building permits. 

Contact the Experts at Cornwell Door Service 

No matter how you use your garage, you need a proper, functioning garage door. Here at Cornwell Door Service, we provide an array of door options to fit any garage use. We can fulfill your garage door needs as you convert your garage into the perfect usable space. Schedule a garage door service with Cornwell Door Service today, or call us at 800-820-9841.