Garages are designed as storage spaces for vehicles and other items, but sometimes they aren’t used much at all. If you have recently purchased a property that has a garage, but it has been left in disrepair for years, it could be worth investing in renovating it. Not only can this space be used as additional storage for you, but you might even decide to turn it into a home office, a game room, or another purpose that suits you. If you think you would like to renovate a dilapidated garage on your property, here are some key considerations to keep in mind.
Work Out Your Budget
As with any home improvement project, you do need to make sure you are setting a reasonable budget that won’t hurt your financial position. While this kind of project might not be as expensive as other renovation work, it can still get costly quickly if you’re not careful. You will need to factor in the costs of materials and labor, as well as set aside part of your budget as an emergency fund to ensure you are not spending more than you are comfortable with.
Have an Inspection
Once you have an idea of the budget you want to work with, the next step is to get the garage inspected to understand the extent of the work that needs to be done. There may be more structural issues than initially thought, and this is why it’s necessary to have a full inspection before any work begins. This way, you can decide if the project will be within your budget or if it might be better to demolish the garage or return to your renovations at a later date.
Insulate the Garage
You should also look at improving the insulation in this garage, whether you are planning to use it for storage or something else. Either way, the better the insulation, the better protected the interior of the garage will be from issues with dampness, which can also lead to mold and other problems. If you are planning to use the new garage as an office or entertainment space, you will also want it to remain at a comfortable temperature.
Improved Flooring
You might not think much about the garage floor if this will just be used as storage space, but putting a better floor down can be beneficial nonetheless. Having a more heavy-duty floor in your garage is ideal for those who like to work on their cars or are planning to use this space as a workshop area for other hobbies. Look at these options for garage flooring for inspiration.
New Windows and Doors
It’s also a good idea to replace the old windows and garage doors, especially if they aren’t double-glazed or are damaged. This will not only make your new garage appear much smarter, but it could help to improve security and insulation, too.
If you want to renovate a run-down garage on your property, consider the points above to help you get started on your project.