Has a garage become more of a dumping ground than a valuable living space? You're not alone. One survey found that around 37% of people with a garage on their property don't store a single car in it.
This means that your garage could be transformed into a valuable asset for your family and lifestyle. Not only can it enhance your living space, but it can also significantly increase the value of your home.
The potential added value or ROI depends on how you use the garage, but a well-executed conversion can be a worthwhile investment if you don't need the space for a car.
For instance, a garage converted into a guest suite could potentially generate rental income, thereby offsetting the initial conversion costs and boosting your property's worth.
So, what are your options? The beauty of a garage conversion lies in its flexibility and the potential for personalization.
Let's explore the possibilities, and you can decide what best suits your needs and lifestyle and then make it uniquely yours.
Kids Space
The garage is the perfect place to create a dedicated kids' play area you can childproof and make safe for them to play in and house all of their toys and activities.
This means you can remove them from taking over your home or, at the very least, have a space that takes them back to when they inevitably find their way all over your house again.
You can add the best garage flooring and storage and decorate the walls so it's like their own fun zone in your home.
Remember to add flexible storage options, safety additions such as soft flooring, secure garage opening devices, and increased security so you know your kids are safe in the space.
Home Gym
If fitness is your passion, a garage gym conversion is a convenient and popular idea. It allows you to work out at home, avoiding the hassle of public gyms.
Whether you dislike working out in public, your local gym is not easily accessible, or you have childcare responsibilities limiting your ability to get to a gym, a home gym offers comfort and convenience, giving you the peace of mind that your fitness routine is always within reach.
Guest Suite
Depending on how the garage attaches to your home and its size, this space can be converted to a guest suite.
However, it's important to note that such a conversion typically requires obtaining the necessary permissions and approvals from local authorities.
This can accommodate in-laws or family members staying over. It can be an alternative space for kids' sleepovers, or you can even rent it out if you live in an area that attracts high volumes of visitors for various reasons.
If you have running water or can add a kitchenette or bathroom to make it fully self-contained with its one entrance, a garage or guest suite can be a flexible option to add value and functionality to your home whereas you otherwise didn't have it.
Storage
Some people need the added space a garage affords them for storage, and when utilized correctly, this isn't a waste of use, simply a functional addition to your living arrangements.
You need to install effective storage options for the items you will be housing there, e.g., tools, season items, outdoor equipment, etc., so it's all organized and kept safe, not just a dumping ground.
However, for families with smaller living spaces or no storage built into their homes, converting your used garage into an effective and separate storage area can be valuable in more ways than financially.
Home Office
Just imagine it:
- A custom-fitted desk.
- Ambient lighting.
- Functional and stylish office furniture.
- Soundproofing.
- Personalized decor.
- A space that is truly your own.
Whether you're a remote worker, working from home for a business, or setting up your own business, repurposing your garage into a dedicated workspace can offer you value personally.
The extra features and amenities can also be valuable to others who might be interested in purchasing the property should you choose to sell up and move.
This space can make you feel productive and efficient in your work and can be a valuable asset to your home.
Entertainment Space
Who doesn't want to create a dedicated entertainment space at home? The beauty of "entertainment" is that it can be customized to your wants and needs.
Maybe entertainment for you is a home library and movie theatre, allowing you to relax with a good book, catch a movie, or sit in your own home cinema seats and popcorn maker.
Or you might find a games room filled with all your favorite arcade games; for example, a pool table and dart boards are right up your street.
Add in a drinks area stocked with your favorite beverages and snacks, and you will become the house everyone wants to go to let down their hair and have fun.
Fitness Studio
As discussed, adding a home gym to your garage above can be beneficial. However, a fitness studio can be tailored to other activities that aren't weight-based and don't have the usual gym equipment.
You can create a yoga or Pilates studio or a dance studio. Add a screen and projector, watch workouts or tutorials, and allow yourself a space to work out and relax; it is perfectly created for fitness.
Hangout Space
If you have kids heading into or are in their teenage years, then a teen hangout space can help you give them somewhere to spend time out from under their parents' feet but still at home so you know they're safe.
You can have them design the perfect hangout complete with wall art, fridge storage, or drinks and treats, seating, ambient lighting, equip it for music or movies to watch and listen to inside, and generally create a warm, welcoming, and safe space for your teen to hang out with or without friends.
There are so many options when considering a garage conversion. If you don't need the additional space for storing a car, then you have endless possibilities for maximizing the use of the space and even boosting the value of your home.
