Six Ways to Give Your Garage a Makeover

A garage is often much more than a handy place to store your car; it can provide valuable storage space, a place for DIY or even an extra entertainment area. However, it’s easy for our garages to become neglected and they often become the go-to area for any junk or overflow items that won’t fit in the main house.

If your garage has been overlooked recently, then it’s definitely worth taking the time to give it a spring clean and refresh. Giving your garage a makeover ensures it’s more organised and easy to use, and it can even increase the overall value of your property. If you’ve been thinking it’s about time your garage had a fresh new look, read on for six easy ways to give the space a makeover.

Upgrade your garage door

A rusty or dented garage door doesn’t just look unsightly, it can also pose a security risk. Similarly, if you’ve noticed that your garage door keeps jamming or is stiff to open and close, then chances are that it’s time for an upgrade.

Upgrade to an electronic garage door for the easiest access at the touch of a button and to save you getting out of the car in bad weather! If that’s out of your price range, swap old heavy wooden doors or dented metal for a lightweight aluminium design. These garage doors are available in a wide range of finishes and colours to complement the existing colour scheme of your home.

You can also choose a garage door to suit the amount of space you have. For example, a roller door is a smart choice if you want the maximum amount of usable space in your driveway and garage. Up and over garage doors are an option that’s affordable and simple to use, but you’ll need to make sure there’s enough room for them to fully open out.

New floors

Many garage floors suffer a lot of wear and tear, and they’re made of concrete, which is porous and prone to staining. If you’re looking for a new garage floor, an epoxy coating is a type of resin that’s resistant to water, oil, grease and chips, so your garage floor will stay looking fresh for years to come.

You can apply an epoxy coating yourself if you feel up to some DIY; just follow the steps below:

●     Fix any potholes or cracks in your current concrete floor to create a smooth surface.

●     Sweep the surface to remove any dust and debris, then mop, rinse and wait to dry.

●     Stir the paint mix according to the instructions and apply the first coat, working from the outside edge in. Leave to dry for at least 24 hours.

●     Apply a second coat and leave to dry for another 24 hours.

●     Add the top coat and wait around 72 hours before using your garage. The floor is now sealed and will resist stains, chips and cracks!

Smart storage

Is your garage cluttered, messy and disorganised? No judgement here, it’s easy for a garage to become the go-to place for bikes, sports equipment, old tools and anything else that doesn’t have a designated space in the main house. All this plus a vehicle means that it won’t take long for your garage to become overcrowded but there are plenty of smart storage solutions available.  

The right storage can really make the most of your garage space and you can say goodbye to wasted afternoons looking for the one tool you need.

Magnetic tool strips

It might seem easier to shove all tools in a drawer or large box but there is a much simpler way to organise things. Adding magnetic strips to walls is an affordable and easy way to keep your tools organised and easily accessible. It’s also much easier to find what you need when everything is on display and you’ll save space too. Magnetic panels (like those used to store kitchen knives) can be purchased from most hardware stores and there are heavy duty options for your larger tools and equipment.

Ceiling storage

Floor space is precious when it comes to your garage, so free up as much room as possible by adding ceiling storage. Ceiling hooks are an easy way to store bikes (and they’re much more affordable than bike racks). Fix hooks to the ceiling and hang bikes vertically to save floor space and to stop you tripping over them!

Overhead shelves are another great option, especially for bulky items or equipment that’s rarely used. Some shelving units are incredibly sturdy and can hold up to 600 pounds in weight, so they’re perfect for storing large boxes of clothing, Christmas decorations, tools or sports equipment. If you need the equipment on a semi-regular basis, consider adding a hoist pulley system for easy access.

Fold down workbench

Love DIY but don’t have room for a permanent workbench? Save space with a fold down workbench in your garage instead. Fold-away work benches provide the perfect surface for DIY projects and some even include storage on the underside for tools. Mount the workbench onto the wall (but make sure there’s adequate room for it to fold out first!).

You can purchase fold-away work benches from hardware or DIY stores, or you can have a go at making your own if you’re looking for a new project.

New lighting

A dingy, dark garage isn't very appealing and it will be far more difficult to locate items or do DIY work. Motion sensor lights are a good choice and they can help you save money on your electricity bills. You can also swap existing bulbs for LED lights (if you don’t have them already) for the brightest, most effective lighting.

Experts recommend installing a minimum of one eight foot fixture per vehicle space (ideally with four foot bulbs). Look for bulbs with around 4,000 lumens (roughly 40 watts) for each car space. You may need to include additional lighting if you’re using the garage for a work space; look for clamp on lights to add to the edge of a table or add wall lights to tool storage areas.

Add insulation

If your garage is attached to your home, it’s worth adding some extra insulation, especially if you live in a climate with extreme temperatures. Garages are prone to becoming very cold in winter too, so insulation makes sense if you plan on using the space as a workstation or entertainment area.

Insulation can be added to walls, floors, garage doors and the roof, depending on your requirements and budget. Underfloor insulation is essential if you want to use your garage as an extra living space, but otherwise you can probably get away with some basic insulation in the walls and around the door. Garage door insulation is easy and affordable, but it can make a great deal of difference. Add specialist insulation strips to the sides and at the bottom to seal in heat and reduce draughts.

Secure, custom-built garage doors - From the experts at Thoroughbred Industrial Doors

If you’re looking to upgrade your garage with a new garage door in Royston or Mildenhall, get in touch with the team at Thoroughbred Industrial Doors. We’re proud to offer a range of garage doors built to your exact specifications, including electric and roller garage doors. All of our doors come equipped with the latest modern locking technology for your peace of mind and we offer a wide range of colours and styles to choose from.

We’ll design and install your garage door hassle-free, but it doesn’t stop there, we’re also on hand to offer maintenance and repairs to keep your door as safe and secure as possible. For more information about our garage doors or to discuss your requirements, give us a call today or contact us via the website.