Extra space that boosts home’s value
RecommendationsIt used to be that garages served a single purpose — a place to store a vehicle, to protect it from the elements and from being stolen.
These days, of course, garages are considered extra rooms, with many being used for storage and as workshops — especially with many being attached to homes.
That’s why keeping a garage organized is important, says Cory Tanner of Specialized Garage Inc., a Calgary firm that specializes in garage fittings.
“We try to make that space usable and enjoyable by finishing it and creating simple, clean storage,” he says.
“And we do a lot of workbenches. A lot of our clients are not out there to do woodworking, but they need a place to put their tools or bang things together for a school or household project.”
Keeping your goods secure and protected from the elements is a key part of keeping an organized garage, adds Travis Revitt, sales manager at Ultimate Garage Inc., another Calgary company.
“It’s important to get everything off the floor — away from moisture. Also, it makes for less clutter,” he says.
An organized garage, Revitt says, finds a balance between shelving and drawers.
“Some are looking for more a locker style than a workbench,” he says.
Safety is also a consideration, say both Revitt and Tanner. Garage cabinets can be locked, ensuring chemicals and fertilizers are out of reach of children and pets.
Yet installing an unused kitchen cabinet in the garage just doesn’t cut it, says Tanner.
“The problem is those cabinets are not designed for the garage, and are not really designed to store heavy tools,” he says. “Our cabinets are designed to be strong enough to sit off the floor … and get the weight in there and the big, bulky items.”
When renovating a garage, also don’t forget the floor — it’s not just an extension of the driveway.
“We use a floor coating that gives it amazing curb appeal — it’s an industrial polymer floor coating that’s stain- and water-resistant,” says Tanner.
“If the floor isn’t protected, salt and water will continue to deteriorate the concrete. If you leave it long enough, you may have to replace your pad eventually.”
Revitt adds maintaining the garage floor is also good for minimizing dust. Plus, it makes the floor easier to keep clean.
Other things to consider for the interior include the walls. “We have a product called slot wall that we use overtop of the insulation in place of drywall,” says Revitt.
“It provides a finished look, while being functional at the same time.
“When you think about it, your garage is the biggest room in the whole house, so you might as well utilize the space as efficiently as possible.”
Tanner says often his job involves helping customers reduce garage clutter.
“People have 20 years of buildup in the garage, and they never look at it,” he says.
Keeping an attractive, organized garage is important, not just for your own use, but if you plan to sell your home down the line.
“I think it’s important — even if people say they don’t need one, when they see a nice-looking house with a nice garage on it, they’ll fall in love it even more if it looks good,” says Brenda Parai, realtor with Century 21 The Professionals.
Parai says going with the cheapest option isn’t always the best.
“There are some great garage-door companies that offer different windows and styles,” she says.
If your home doesn’t have a garage, adding a standard two-car garage could add as much as $20,000-$25,000 to a home’s value, says Parai.
“The preference is to have a front, attached garage,” she adds, noting some homeowners have gone so far as to transform garages into “men’s dens.”
For example, she’s heard of owners wanting to turn part of their garage into a place to showcase prized automobiles.
If you plan on adding a garage to your property, make sure it conforms to city bylaws, says City of Calgary land use bylaw co-ordinator Laurie Kimber.
Exactly what is allowed varies between communities.
In some municipalities, garages must be reached via back lanes while other towns allow garages with street front access.
If your home is located close to a body of water — especially the sea — there are issues about how far down you can dig for a garage, and how close you can build to the water. If you’re too close, you could end up with water seeping into your below-grade garage.
You might or might not be allowed to add a suite above a detached garage, depending on the lot’s size and location.
Most builders will make sure projects fall within city bylaws. There are many reasons not to go along with builders who suggest you could save money by not bothering with building permits. Often listening to such suggestions can end up costing way more than you’d bargained for.
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