If you’re lucky enough to have a garage as part of your property then you’ll know how useful that extra space can be. Whether you use your garage to keep your car safe and secure, as an extra storage area or as a work or entertainment space, it’s important to keep it in good condition. Garages can often be overlooked compared to the rest of our homes, but with just a few upgrades it can be a valuable addition to your property.
If you have concerns about the security of your garage or simply think the interior could do with a makeover, see below for some smart ways to upgrade your garage today.
Add insulation
If you want to use your garage all year round for something more than a storage space, then adding insulation helps make it a warm and comfortable place to be. The right insulation can stabilise the temperature in your garage by as much as 30 degrees cooler in the summer and 30 degrees warmer in winter.
Insulation can also reduce your energy bills as less heat can escape from the main house through gaps in the garage, but it might not be necessary if you’re not planning on using electric heaters or other means to warm your garage. There are several different types of insulation for your garage walls, floor and ceiling, but you’ll need a different type of insulation for the interior of the door than the one used for the rest of the garage.
Fibreglass insulation
This is the most common type of insulation for both garages and homes and it’s sold in pre-cut sections which fit between wall studs and ceiling joists. If the floors or ceiling of your garage are open (not covered by plywood or drywall), then choose encapsulated fibreglass for a neater look.
Cellulose insulation
This loose-fill insulation is mostly made up of recycled newspapers that have been specially treated with a fire retardant. It’s blown into wall and ceiling cavities using a specially designed machine that also aerates the insulation and helps it to expand. It’s best to install this type of insulation while your garage is still unfinished, but if the walls are already sealed you can cut strategic holes to blow the insulation into.
Foam insulation
Foam insulation comes in two forms; rigid and spray foam, and rigid foam is one of the most popular types of insulation for garage doors. Rigid foam is good value for money and very convenient as the sheets can be cut to fit almost any size. Many people choose rigid foam if their garage walls are on the thinner side and it also makes an effective floor insulation if laid underneath plywood or another flooring material.
Refurbish the floor
It’s easy to overlook the floor of your garage, especially if it’s often covered by a vehicle, but upgrading your garage flooring can give the whole space a refresh. The majority of garages have simple concrete floors, but these are subject to a lot of wear and tear from oil spills, chemicals or general moisture seeping into the garage.
Adding a floor coating or covering will not only improve the look of your garage but also protect the floor from stains and general wear. There are many different options to choose from, including floor paints, stains or sealants. Coatings are an affordable option if you apply them yourself, but the floor will need to be properly prepped to make sure it’s smooth and moisture-free.
Coverings come in the form of interlocking tiles or rollout mats and both are very easy and quick to lay down. They also require less prep than floor coatings and can often be laid straight down after a quick sweep of your garage floor. The downside is that coverings are more expensive than coatings but they’re a highly effective way of making your garage floor look better than new.
Upgrade your garage doors
The garage door is often one of the first things people see at the front of your home and a high-quality door is also essential when it comes to keeping the contents of your garage safe and secure. If your door has seen better days and is rusting, bent out of shape or having problems with the opening and closing mechanism then it’s time for an upgrade.
If you’re looking for something more modern and highly convenient, consider upgrading to an automated garage doors. These allow you to open and close your garage door with the touch of a button, saving you the labour of opening the door manually or stepping out of the car in bad weather. Many systems can now be controlled remotely from your smartphone too, so if you’ve forgotten to close or lock your garage door you can do so from your workplace or home.
Smart storage
The right storage can instantly transform your garage and turn it into a tidy, organised space. There are many smart ways to store and organise items in your garage, from wall storage units to overhead ceiling storage that leaves the floor and wall space free.
If you have a lot of tools or use your garage for DIY projects then choose a pegboard storage wall to hang and display tools neatly and enable you to find what you need quickly and easily. If you’re short on space you could also add a fold-down workbench that can be folded up out of the way when you need more room. If your garage is on the larger side then you could add cabinets with cupboards and drawers to store tools or garden items. Fitted cabinets are more stable than hanging shelves or boards and can be locked if you want extra security.
If you and your family do a lot of sports or outdoor activities you could also install a coat rack to hang wet raincoats or sports tops and a shoe rack for any muddy boots. This saves people tramping mud or dirt into the house and provides one organised area for your outdoor clothing.
Lighting solutions
Illuminate your garage effectively while minimising energy consumption. Transition from traditional overhead strip lighting to eco-friendly LED alternatives for a softer and cost-effective glow. Enhance visibility by integrating additional wall or ceiling lights over workstations and storage areas. In 2023, consider eco-conscious choices like installing windows or skylights to usher in natural light.
If you’ve decided you want to use your garage for more than a simple place to store your car then you’ll need efficient lighting to make the most of the space, especially if you’re planning on using it as a home office or DIY workspace. Poor lighting can also make it extremely difficult to find the items you need and with many people using their garage as an extra storage space, fumbling in the dark to find what you need isn’t exactly ideal.
The majority of garages use overhead strip lighting, but this can have the tendency to look rather harsh and sterile. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, and you can swap fluorescent bulbs for LED lighting for a softer look that will also save you money on electricity bills. You could also add additional wall or ceiling lights over work areas or storage racks to ensure you have all the light you need. If you have the budget and time then you might want to consider adding a window or skylight to let some natural light and warmth enter your garage.
Adding new garage doors is one of the quickest and most effective ways to instantly upgrade your garage, so if you’re looking for high-quality door solutions from a professional garage door company, get in touch with Kay Garage Doors. We offer a full range of different styles, including automatic doors, sectional garage doors, up and over, and roll-up models. We’re also proud to stock a full range of spare garage door parts and we have all the installation, garage door repair and maintenance services you need.
If you’re looking for a professional, reliable and high-quality automated garage doors that offers garage doors repairs, maintenance or installation, call Kay Garage Doors at 01786 474 709 | 08000 430 397. Visit us at Unit 1, Phoenix Estate Springbank Road Stirling, FK7 7SG.
