Planning Your Dream Garage
What does a dream garage look like? One family may want
it fitted for the car, others dream for a really nice
workshop, a laundry room, a gym or a rehearsal studio for their
own musical band. Someone else may only want it to expand their
living space and improve their lifestyle.
How much of a budget do you have to work with? Even if you want
only to remodel, rebuild or only reorganize a small area of your
garage you really need a budget. You should have in mind a
specific target and a realistic and finite budget for it.
The first step is to evaluate your needs regarding the
space and your objectives. Even in a small garage, you can find
plenty of space to use for your work area and other purposes.
Making the decision regarding whether to do the project
yourself or to hire a contractor depends on several factors,
including your skills and the magnitude of the project.
You can buy the furnishings yourself according to your
needs and your available space. Cabinets, shelves, pegs and
hooks are a must have in order to turn your garage into usable
space. If you have a greater project in mind, it may pay to consult an
experienced contractor who specializes in garages.
If you are planning to convert your garage into a living area
you’d better be a professional or you’ll be risking decreasing
the safety and value of your own home.
If you opt for a contractor, and this is the choice that we
often recommend regardless of the project’s magnitude or your skills,
get one whose work you’ve seen and if you have the chance,
get some recommendations. It is always better to see with your
own eyes the recent work of the contractor so you can make an informed decision.
Costs and construction times vary with the scope and the
size of the project. Assuming no structural issues,
finishing and enclosing a garage and turning it into useable room
would take a week to two weeks.
The costs depend on the materials that you decide to use,
but keep in mind that expensive
does not necessary mean quality and that cheap does not
mean bad quality every time. It pays to investigate materials
costs from different suppliers to be sure you're getting what
you've paid for.
A remodeled garage can be a place to spend many happy hours for a long
time to come if you plan it right according to your families needs and
your dreams.
Basement remodel
