Do you have a dirty little secret hiding in your garage?
You’re not alone!
Around 1 in 4 Americans admit that their garage is so full and cluttered, it can’t even accommodate a car.
If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market in the next few years, think about the message your garage would send to potential buyers.
Does it look like functional storage space or simply an unorganized catch-all for the random things that don’t otherwise have a place? If your answer is the latter, we’re here to help.
Keep reading for the best garage updates you can do to help increase your home’s value and appeal to more buyers.
Replace the Door
Curb appeal plays an important part in attracting buyers and increasing your home’s value. And, since your garage door is likely one of the first things someone notices when seeing your home, it’s a good idea to replace it.
Consider the overall style of your home’s exterior and make sure your new garage door complements it for a cohesive look.
Not only will a new garage door help improve the look of your home, but it can make the space more functional too.
For example, if you have an old, manual garage door, replacing it with an automatic alternative will make the space easier to use and more attractive to buyers.
Add a Storage Solution
An estimated 85% of buyers want a garage for storage space. By adding in a storage solution like shelving and cabinetry, you instantly make your home more competitive on the market.
Not only will it show potential buyers that there is space for them to store their stuff in an organized way, but it will also make it easier for you to keep your garage clean and ready for showings.
There are countless garage storage systems available, but wire shelving tends to be a popular option worth exploring.
Upgrade the Floors
Garage floors are often overlooked, but they shouldn’t be! Many homeowners want their garage to feel like an extension of their home, and a flooring upgrade is a great way to achieve that feeling.
Here at Garage Force, our polyurea floor coating is stronger than epoxy, leaving you with a beautiful finish that’s resistant to water and UV damage.
It’s easy to keep clean and gives the space a higher-end look, making it a garage update that buyers will love.
Add Insulation
When thinking through garage update ideas, it’s important to consider your climate. If you live in a place with either hot or cold weather extremes, adding insulation to your garage can be very valuable.
To start, you can add insulation to the walls and the ceiling, to better control the temperature extremes in the space.
Then, you can add weather stripping around the door, to help prevent drafts.
And don’t forget about the importance of venting an attached garage, so you don’t have to worry about carbon monoxide seeping into your home and putting your family in danger.
Update the Lighting
Think about your current garage space. Is the lighting in there what came with the home? Is it too dim or is it harsh and bright? Just as you would any other space in your home, consider updating the lighting in your garage.
Inside the garage, use energy-efficient LED bulbs that will give you plenty of lighting when you come home late at night or when you need to work on your car.
Outside the garage, you might want to install motion-sensor lights as an attractive security feature. Sometimes a simple update like this is exactly what buyers want!
Design Functional Spots
If you have a two-car garage or more, this is a great opportunity to show versatility in the space. You can set up a workshop space, with tool storage, a stool or chair, and a table that’s perfect for working on hobbies or just getting out of the main house.
Or, designate a corner as a fun hangout spot with a couple of cozy chairs and a small bar.
If you can show buyers that the garage can be used for more than cars and storage, it makes your home more valuable to them.
Install Additional Electrical Outlets
There’s nothing worse than going out to work in the garage, only to realize that you don’t have easy access to plug in your tools. Work with an electrician to install additional electrical outlets to make your garage more accessible.
Make sure they install GFCI outlets, which are waterproof. Ideally, you’ll have two outlets on every wall in the garage.
When the electrician is onsite, it’s also a good idea to have them look over the garage and make sure there aren’t any electrical hazards present.
Paint the Walls
When you picture a garage, you probably imagine the generic, unfinished drywall that comes standard.
Never underestimate the power of a little paint. One way to make your home stand out and increase its value is to paint the garage walls to brighten up the space and help it feel more polished.
Make sure you choose a neutral color that will appeal to different styles and tastes. White is always a great option, but you can choose any light neutral that matches the rest of your home’s style.
Get Started on Your Garage Updates Today
Now that you know more about some of the most impactful garage updates to help increase your home’s value, it’s time to get started.
While you’re going through your list to prioritize the most important updates, don’t forget about working with the Garage Force team to help give you a beautiful new garage floor.
Find your nearest location today and contact us to learn more about our unique garage floor coating system and how it can impact your home’s value.