How Can a Garage Upgrade Raise My Home’s Property Value?

Believe it or not, upgrading your garage can definitely boost the overall value of your property, if you do it right. Prospective buyers like to see a garage that is finished, neat, and organized. It may not be what seals the deal, but it is certainly a point in your favor. On the other hand, a garage that is filthy, cluttered, and unfinished will often prove a real turn off. Here are some garage renovations that could have a positive effect on your home’s market value:

Finishing Your Garage

A finished garage is one with the rafters concealed, good lighting, insulated walls, high-quality windows, and paint and trim that makes the space a clean, bright extension of your home rather than a dingy afterthought. The thing to remember here is that finishing a garage can be expensive, depending on the state of the existing garage, and it is not necessarily something you should consider right before putting your house on the market. A good-looking, finished garage is a selling point, but it is not necessarily a dealmaker, unless your buyer happens to be a car enthusiast who spends a lot of time in the garage.

Fix the Floor

Whether as part of finishing the entire garage or as a stand-alone upgrade, making sure the garage floor is in good shape will certainly help increase the value of the property. There are several ways of making the floor look better. Begin with any repairs that are needed, such as filling cracks and pits and ensuring the surface is smooth and even. Remember, any underlying issues, such as moisture, need to be addressed, or the damage to the floor will occur again.

Once the floor is repaired and in good shape, you can put on the finishing touches, such as:

• Concrete Floor Paint. Even if the garage floor is stained, you can quickly spruce it up with a coat of concrete floor paint. This type of paint can be either latex or oil-based, and it will have a non-slip satin finish that will hold up under hard use. These paints are also resistant to road salt, solvents, and other materials.
• Floor Epoxy. This is applied with a roller and creates a very durable finish that will last for years. It should not be confused with epoxy paint, which is a mixture of latex paint with a bit of epoxy to harden the finish.
• Floor Tiles. You can find tiles in various plastic materials, rubber, and even wood composite. They are strong, long-lasting, interlocking, and tend to come with edging and threshold accessories.
• Floor Mats. Putting down plastic or rubber mats is probably the easiest way to cover a stained or slightly cracked garage floor. Make sure that the mats you choose are heavy duty and easy to clean.

Upgrading the Garage Door

One way to really increase the curb appeal of your home is to replace your garage door. Updating the look of the house and increasing the market value, however, is only one reason. A new garage door could also decrease your heating and cooling costs, increase the overall security of your home, and reduce the amount of time you have to spend maintaining it.

Install Cabinets, Shelves, and Other Organizers

Remember, an organized garage looks good to potential buyers. With that said, the ability to organize, in the form of shelving, cabinets, hooks, and a countertop for projects, looks even better. Prospective buyers will appreciate being able to organize the garage upon moving in and having enough space to work on projects.

Install Climate Control

Working out in the garage need not be a seasonal activity. Even if you insulate your garage, it will get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Installing air conditioning and heating will give the garage an even, comfortable temperature year-round. If the garage is attached to the house, it is a simple matter of extending the ductwork into the garage. There are also options for freestanding garages, including units that provide both heating and cooling.

Consult the Experts

At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., our DuPage County garage professionals can help you through the process of renovating your garage, from planning through execution, with your unique needs always first and foremost. Contact us at 630-852-8485 for a free estimate.