Just because the primary purpose of a garage is to protect and store vehicles and additional household items doesn’t mean this is the sole use for the space. In fact, there are many possibilities when it comes to utilizing the additional square footage that comes with a garage. The best part? Your garage is essentially a blank slate for you to create the room of your dreams.
Read on for a closer look at five potential uses for a garage, along with tips for transforming your garage into a valuable and functional extension of your home.
1. Turn Your Garage into a Home Office
With the rise of remote work, home offices are increasingly in demand. If you’re looking for a way to separate your professional life from your personal space but you don’t have a spare room available inside your home, converting your garage is an excellent solution.
And then there’s the fact that some of the world’s most successful companies—including Amazon, Microsoft, and Disney—were started in garages! If you’ve been wanting to embrace your entrepreneurial aspirations, your garage may be the perfect fit.
Some tips to get you started with this productivity-boosting home improvement? Begin by decluttering your garage. (Half of homeowners cite their garages as the messiest areas of their homes.) Choose calming neutral paint colors, and invest in high-quality office furniture, such as an executive desk, ergonomic chair, and adequate storage. Don’t forget about proper lighting, which will improve both the feel and functionality of your space.
Finally, consider investing in a mini-split heating/cooling unit to keep the temperature comfortable year-round.
2. Turn Your Garage into a Gym
If you’re looking to embrace a fitness-forward lifestyle, transforming your garage into a home gym is a fantastic strategy for moving you toward your goal. Rather than finding time to go to the gym everyday, a home gym means you can work out at your convenience in the comfort of your own home. Other benefits of home gyms include the confidence to try new things, more flexible hours, and increased motivation.
From yoga studios to circuit training, the options are also wide open in terms of the kind of home gym you design. As with all garage renovations, this home improvement project starts with considering your goals for the space. This dictates what equipment and furniture you’ll need (exercise machines, yoga mats, weights, mirrors, etc.) as well as design decisions, such as appropriate flooring. Other considerations include privacy, convenience, and ventilation.
On the note of ventilation, sliding screens are an ingenious indoor-outdoor solution when integrated into your garage home gym or any other garage space. On nice days, open the screen to enjoy fresh air while you exercise. On not-so-nice days, enjoy the benefits of nature without bugs, burning sun, and other inconveniences.
3. Turn Your Garage Into a Playroom
Have kids? Maximize your garage’s potential by converting it into a dedicated playroom. In addition to preventing spillover of toys, games, and other items into other living areas, your children will love having a space to call their own. Depending on your kids’ ages and interests, your garage playroom can be anything from a multipurpose playspace with toys, books, and games to a reading nook or hangout zone for teens.
Some ideas for bringing your garage playroom to life include using vibrant, child-friendly paint; choosing durable, easy-to-clean flooring; mixing in fun furniture like bean bag chairs; and incorporating ample storage. As with all renovations, let purpose lead the way. Considering how your kids will use the space can help you achieve a truly functional environment that adds value for you and your family.
This is another design challenge where a screen enclosure system is a wonderful solution. Not only do kids love the great outdoors, but exposure to nature has many benefits. By outfitting your garage with a screen enclosure system, you’ll attain the best-of-both worlds.
4. Turn Your Garage Into an Extra Bedroom
An extra bedroom is atop the wishlist of many homeowners. Whether you frequently host overnight guests or have a growing family, it may be on yours, too.
While an addition is a possibility, it’s also expensive and disruptive. Not only does converting your garage into an extra bedroom give you the extra sleeping space you desire without requiring an addition, but it comes with additional benefits, such as privacy. Plus, adding that extra bedroom could end up increasing your home’s selling price by up to $50,000, depending on where you live.
Some strategies for creating an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable space? Create a seamless transition by echoing the design style and features of your home’s interior, such as paint colors, furniture style, lighting, flooring. You’ll also need adequate insulation and ventilation for everything from temperature regulation to noise reduction.
5. Turn Your Garage Into a Man Cave or She Shed
Many homeowners fantasize about having spaces of their own. If you’ve always dreamed of unwinding or indulging in your own “man cave” or “she shed,” your garage is the perfect spot—with a few thoughtful changes, that is.
Start by defining the theme of your new space, whether it’s a sports bar, home theater, workshop, or crafting zone. Then, outfit your new room appropriately. For example, a large wall-mounted TV or projector, comfortable seating, and mini-fridge for refreshments are must-haves for home theaters, whereas a space for woodworking or DIY projects will require a workbench and storage for tools and supplies. Be sure to add personal touches, such as artwork, sports memorabilia, or a pool table or dartboard to infuse your personality into the space. With proper planning and execution, your garage can become the ultimate individualized sanctuary for relaxation and pleasure.
Add More Livability with Sliding Panels
One last thing to keep in mind while converting your garage into the functional space you envision? Keep both form and function at the forefront. After all, a room that looks great but doesn’t meet your functional needs is impractical, while no one will want to spend time in a room that’s entirely utilitarian.
That’s where custom-built Eze-Breeze garage enclosures come in. Versatile, attractive, durable, and user-friendly, screens for garage doors serve both form and function. Even better? A garage door screen kit from Eze-Breeze is both affordable and easy to install.
To start transforming your garage into a welcoming and functional space with a custom sliding garage door screen, contact your local dealer today.
