Ready to Renovate? Here's What to Consider When Renovating the Garage
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Doing any type of home renovation is a big job. Not only is it an exciting opportunity to really transform your home and add some value, which is especially fun if you're planning on selling, it's a big job that's going to be a pain to live in for a while.
Sure, the end result is always worth it, but you have to decide where to begin. If you know that your home is a fixer upper and it needs an overhaul. You should really focus on the garage first and it's in this article that we're going to break down the reasons why for you.
It's important to understand that creating your dream garage is not as simple as just clearing the space, putting down an epoxy floor, and hoping for the best. There are several things that you should be considering to ensure that your garage is secure at the side of your home and is part of your home in its entirety, even if it is only somewhere that your car will live and keep away from the climate. Your garage is still going to be an extension of your home so let's take a look at what to consider when focusing on the garage first.
Have you thought about legal permits? It's fun to flip through catalogs of durable garage doors and flooring choices, but you need to know that you have the legal right to renovate your garage in the first place. There are plenty of areas that require a permit for any construction work, especially if this work is going to expand your garage up, down, left or right, or in any way. Even the simple projects like garage renovations may be bumped into by zoning regulations, and these can restrict which modifications you can or cannot make to your space. You don't want to spend a lot of money changing up your garage, ripping out the doors and adding in some snazzy new ones only to have to tear it all down.
Mapping out your budget should be your first step. Renovation budgeting is never the thrilling part of a renovation because you just want to be able to say yes to everything and have the dream garage. The good news is that you could probably fit your dream garage into your budget with a little shopping around. An accurate budget is really going to help you to understand your affordability and what you can spend to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Consider every single expense from materials and labor to the permit costs and then add 10 to 20% more. You need a buffer for this because these always, always pop up.
Focus on professional and qualified contractors. If your garage is going to take some time to renovate and it involves more than just a new lick of paint, you may need some professional help. Once you've got your permits and you've fixed up your budget, start looking around for qualified and professional contractors who know what they're doing. You need to choose contractors who are not just qualified, though. Look for those with good reviews.
Is your design idea a functional one? When you consider the renovations that you want to plan out and complete, think about how you want to use the space. Is your priority creating a haven for your favorite car, or do you want to make your garage an extension of your living space? Some people use their garage as a workshop or a studio, and you could absolutely do the same thing. It needs to be a functional design, however, because you can't just change it into a studio. You'd need to add outlets that you may not already have, and you may need to consider extra ventilation and windows.
Insulation and ventilation should be a priority. As we were on the subject of extra ventilation and windows installed in your garage, you need to remember that proper insulation can make the space comfortable throughout the year. It can also help you to reduce any energy costs, which is important if you're planning to use the spaces of the workshop. Ventilation and good airflow are equally important to prevent any moisture buildup or mold and ensure you have a healthy garage environment.
These are just a few of the considerations you need to make when you're renovating the garage. It's a big job, and even a lick of paint is going to put your garage out of Commission for a little while. Making a point of mapping out your plan is going to help you to keep up with it and have a successful renovation.
