When it comes to resale value – a great garage can be just as important of a selling point as is a great kitchen!
Recently, I was a featured speaker in Philadelphia at the annual meeting for AACA, the Antique Automobile Club of America. My topic was “Garages – The Good, the Bad & the Ugly. I’ve attached the worksheet I handed out to the audience at the event so my readers can also benefit from a basic planning tool.
Garages are often an afterthought. Instead, I’d like you to think about the garage as an integral extension of your home. It should be treated with the same respect as the living room, bedrooms, and other key areas of your home. A garage that becomes a dumping ground for everything BUT cars simply sends the message that the size of your home isn’t adequate.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Try Googling the topic for some ideas. Also, check out the cool garage ideas at Closets by Design, The Container Store, Lowes or Home Depot. If you need a professional help, contact a garage design specialist in your area.
Whatever you do…respect the garage.
MY GARAGE
A PLANNING CHECKLIST
- Room for ____ # of cars ____# motorcycles
- Workbench and tools
- Security system
- Finished floor
- Overhead lighting
- Organizational systems
- Cabinetry
- Heat and/or air conditioning
- Lift/jacks
- Drywall and paint
- Car art
- Refrigerator
- Slop Sink
- Seating
- Shelving
- Parts washer
- Air compressor need
- Small power tools
In addition to the list above, what else will be kept in your garage?
______ a. Sports and hobby equipment
______ b. Cleaning supplies
______ c. Gardening tools and equipment
______ d. Pesticides, oils, paint, etc.
______ e. Lawn mower, snow blower or tractor
______ f. Shopvac, power washer
______ g. Boots, shoes, clothing
______ h. Food storage
______ i. Trash and recycling cans
______ j. Holiday decorations
______ k. Other _______________ _______________
Do you need a professional to help plan and execute the project for you?
______ No. I can do it myself. ______ Yes. I’ll need help.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
- Prioritize needs and functions
- Do a rough layout
- Plan the process
- Clean everything out of the garage and either put it in temporary storage or throw away the things you no longer need or want
- Get rid of old broken-down stuff, electronics, and tools that are past their usefulness
- Clean the garage, walls, floors, shelves, etc.
- Update electrical and plumbing as needed
- Insulate, drywall and paint
- Install cabinetry, organizational systems, shelving, etc.
- Clean all your tools and other machinery before putting them away
- PARK YOUR CARS IN THE GARAGE!
Please, give your garage the attention it deserves.