Whether you decide to reorganize your garage so you can make better use of the space or you’d simply like to give it a fresh, new look, investing in your garage will add value to your house – as long as you make the right improvements.
However, what may seem like an ideal garage improvement for you may not be something that would catch the eye of a potential buyer.
In this guide, we will talk about the 6 best ways to improve your garage, especially if you’re interested in selling your property and want to increase its value.
1. Insulation and ventilation
Insulation is a crucial factor when it comes to the entire house – not just your garage. However, good insulation is a priority in a functional garage, as it can protect the car from extreme heat or cold, depending on the area and the season.
Magnesium oxide wallboards seem to be the most optimal choice for garage wall sheathing, as they protect the walls against moisture, extreme weather, as well as mildew and mold that often appear in humid garages.
These lightweight boards are suitable for indoor and outdoor installation while also being fireproof, water resistant, and environmentally safe – which is always a plus.
You also want to ensure that the garage has a proper ventilation system, as you certainly want to avoid carbon monoxide finding its way into other rooms in the house.
If you’re unsure if the ventilation is working correctly, you can check the carbon monoxide levels by installing a carbon monoxide detector. This will also assure your potential buyers that the home you’re selling is safe and free of toxic fumes.
2. De-clutter the garage
Now, here’s a garage improvement method that will usually cost nothing, but the impression it makes on potential buyers could significantly increase your home’s value.
Many of us are guilty of transforming our garages into messy, cluttered, poorly organized storage spaces. Even if it seems that you’ll never be able to organize the clutter that’s been piling up for years, the truth is that it may be easier than you think.
The first step is letting go of the hoarder philosophy. Saving unnecessary things “just in case” is rarely ever a good decision in the long run. If you haven’t reached for it in years, do you need it at the end of the day?
You will need some heavy-duty storage zip lock bags, cardboard boxes, as well as plastic bins to organize your stuff and ensure that it isn’t taking up too much space. Labeling the bags, boxes, and bins is a crucial part of this process.
The only investment when it comes to organizing and storing your things in the garage would be heavy-duty wire shelves. Not only will these shelves help you keep everything in order, but they will also contribute to the overall look of the space.
3. Invest in a better garage door
A faulty garage door beats the purpose of good insulation. If you genuinely want to improve your garage and increase the value of your house, investing in a new garage door is the best decision you can make.
Even if the garage door can close all the way, you should still consider whether it is hard to open or close. If the buyer has to use force to open or close the door, this is certainly not a factor in your favor.
Automatic garage doors are, without a doubt, the smartest choice, but as long as you replace the malfunctioning one, the model isn’t as important. However, it wouldn’t hurt for the new garage door to match the aesthetics of your home.
4. Keep your garage – a garage
Many people tend to transform their garage space into a storage room, a spare bedroom, or an art studio – and there is nothing wrong with organizing your home the way you see fit.
However, a potential buyer may see a lack of garage space and decide that your home is not a good investment – as they don’t have enough room to park their car and store their essentials.
If you’re putting up your house on the market, you may want to declutter the garage and make it a garage again. A prospective buyer will certainly appreciate how each room in the house has its specific purpose.
5. Clean the garage thoroughly
After you’ve decluttered the garage, stored all the stuff on the shelves, or moved them to the attic or a storage room, you will need to clean the space thoroughly.
Even an organized, clutter-free space can seem messy and neglected if the walls are stained, the windows are dusty, and spider webs hang off the ceiling.
And suppose you decide to take your cleaning one step further and eliminate the persistent stains and built-up dirt on the floor. In that case, you may consider hiring cleaning professionals or renting an industrial-grade, heavy-duty vacuum cleaner to ensure the floors are impeccable.
Don’t forget to dust and clean all the shelves and the garage door on both sides. Speaking of both sides, you also want to keep the driveway area neat, as this is where the first impression is made.
6. Invest in good lighting
Even if your garage gets plenty of natural light (which is always a plus), you want to install good lighting for the nighttime.
This goes for the garage space and the driveway, as you want this area to be safe and well-prepared for a prospective buyer.
The lighting is a critical security factor, but it also contributes to the overall aesthetics of your home.
About the Author
Meet Bridgett, your friendly neighborhood green building guru! With more years of experience than she’d like to admit, Bridgett is your go-to expert for all things eco-friendly construction. She’s on a mission to make your home the envy of every tree hugger in town (and maybe even the squirrels 🐿️). Let’s build a greener, funnier, and all-around better world together – one enlightened eco-conscious choice at a time!