5 Great Garage Makeovers

June 24, 2010

The garage is often the most neglected area of the home, but there may be a lot of untapped potential in this space. Let your imagination run free and you can probably find some uses for your garage that include more than just storing the car.

Organizer's Dream

Imagine a garage that's an organized haven instead of a cluttered headache. If you've been putting off cleaning out the garage, why not make up your mind to do it now? There are seemingly endless options for storage systems, meaning all your garage clutter can have a place of its own, and may be used a lot more when you can actually find it.

Rehearsal Space

Whether your kids have taken up a noisy instrument or you want a place to sing your own tune, soundproofing the garage can allow for an instant music studio. Soundproofing material can be added to the ceiling, floors, and walls without much hassle, and the whole family can enjoy peace and quiet in the rest of the house.

Home Gym

If the gym is costing you a fortune, why not make your own by converting the garage, or part of it, into a home workout space? Move all your unused exercise equipment into the garage and you may be surprised how much you actually have. Even a set of weights and a small television to play workout DVDs can allow you to feel the burn in the privacy of your own home.

Private Office

If you haven't been able to create the perfect home office inside the house, try carving out a niche in the garage. Privacy may be an added bonus of the garage office for those who live in busy households. If you have clients who visit you in-office, adding an extra entry door may be more practical and professional than having them enter through the garage door.

Above-Garage Apartment

While you will need to enlist the help of a professional for this project, an above-garage add on can be a very worthwhile investment if you have a need for it. Renting an above-garage apartment may be a great way to provide extra income. Also, if you have an elderly relative or independence-seeking teenager, a detached room that's still close to the main house can offer the perfect haven.

Take your garage to a whole new level by incorporating one of these garage makeovers, and you'll be enjoying a new, more functional space in no time!