Although your garage may just be a place for storage, it makes a big impact on your home’s value. When it comes to allocating money to home improvement projects, though, the garage does not always make the priority list. Stretch your pennies with the following garage upgrade projects:
- Accessorize It. From a curb appeal standpoint, your garage door takes up a lot of visual real estate, so it should always look its best. Replacing the garage door is not a cheap project, as new doors can cost a few thousand dollars; but you can get an updated look for your garage door by simply installing new hardware. You can even add a simulated window with molding.Depending on the style, garage door hardware and window accents range from $20 to $200.
- Quiet Down. If the sound of your garage door opening is louder than a trash truck barreling down the street, it is probably time to change the rollers. They cost less than $20 at most home improvement stores. Prevent your new rollers from squeaking by spraying garage door lubricant where the pin meets the wheel. Be careful not to spray on the track, as this can cause the door to slip. Do this once or twice a year to help keep your garage door rollers in working order.
- Insulate. If your garage is attached to the house, adding insulation will help lower your home energy costs year round. It can also act as a sound barrier, blocking out any tinkering noises in the garage from the rest of the house. You can purchase a garage door insulation kit from your local home improvement store for about $60.
- Don’t Ignore the Floor. Just because your feet go on it does not mean the garage floor should be ignored. To ensure you have a long-lasting, durable, slip-resistant surface, seal your garage floor with a polyurea or epoxy coating. A garage floor coating kit costs about $200 if you want to tackle the project yourself. To really punch up the look of your garage, though, hire a professional. Whether you want to proudly display the logo of your favorite sports team or choose a bold color or pattern to make a statement, Simpsonville Painters can upgrade your garage floor.
- Organize It. It is very easy to let your garage storage pile up with no rhyme or reason. Follow the old adage “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” Built-in cabinets and modular storage go a long way. Take advantage of vertical space by installing wall-mounted peg boards and wire grids for hanging bikes, sporting equipment, and beach chairs so they can be accessed easily but are out of the way. Shelving systems can also be mounted to the ceiling so you can store items you don’t need to get to frequently, such as Christmas decorations. Create a gardening station with shelves and baskets to hold tools, a rack for rakes and shovels, and a small table so you can easily transplant your plants into new pots. If your garage is a workshop, install a magnetic tool holder strip within arm’s reach of your workbench. You can typically find affordable shelving and other storage equipment for under $20.
These budget-friendly projects will ensure your garage looks better and functions for your family.