• Login
    • Register

Central Oregon BuzzCentral Oregon Buzz

Thesa Chambers, Principal Broker

Contact Us Today At (541) 771-7064
thesa@centraloregonbuzz.com

70 SW Century Dr #110 Bend, OR 97702

  • Menu
  • Home
  • Search
  • Buyers
    • Buyer’s Info
  • Sellers
    • Seller’s Info
    • Sold & Active Listings
  • Communities
    • La Pine
    • Three Rivers South
    • Bend
  • Resort Communities
    • Caldera Springs
    • Sunriver
  • My Listings
  • Blog
  • About
    • Connect with Thesa
    • Connect with me.

Expand Your Space with a Garage Makeover

Expand Your Space with a Garage MakeoverFor most of us, the garage is simply a place to park the car, store suitcases and holiday decorations, or stow those miscellaneous tools we need now and again. With a little careful planning, however, your garage can become a fantastic workspace, play space or man cave that extends the useful area of your home. Try one of these ideas in your garage and reap the benefits of more usable square-footage.

Preparation

Since many garages are unfinished, the first item of business is to add wiring, ventilation, insulation, and a covering for the walls. For a DIYer, here are some tips for getting that done. If you need to hire someone, make sure your contractor has experience in finishing garage spaces. You will want plenty of power outlets on separate breakers for your work tools, ventilation for fumes from paints and chemicals and extra light to make those dark corners visible. Consider adding skylights to increase daylight while keeping utility bills down.

Add a garage door threshold seal to keep rain, snow, dust and small animals out of your space. If your garage space constantly needs sweeping or drying out, you’ll get much less use of it. This simple addition will improve both usability and protection: When water gets under the door, boxes are ruined, tools rust and using power tools is dangerous.

The Basics: Organized Work Space

If you need all of the space to park vehicles, you’ll have to be strategic in designing work and storage areas. Most garages have higher ceilings, so consider going up with your storage. Store bicycles from the ceiling with a lift system. Suitcases, holiday decorations and seasonal clothing stack nicely on a motorized storage platform that easily lifts up out of your way. Tool storage systems, from the basic to the elaborate, can both simplify and expand your tool space. Install cabinets on the walls rather than setting on the floor so that your garage floor is easy to spray out.

Transformation: The Man Cave

For a total transformation, your garage space needs climate control. If your home’s heating and air conditioning system can handle the load, have your contractor extend your vent system into your garage space. If not, consider adding baseboard heat, ceiling fans, and a window or through the wall air-conditioning unit so that your space has year-round accessibility.

Break the space up into zones so that you have a storage area, a work area for crafts and repairs, and an entertainment space with an area rug, a couple of recliners or a sofa, and a big screen TV for game night. You can add a small kitchenette or wet bar, and refrigerator for drinks, snacks and ease of cleanup.

Remember this …

When transforming your garage space into living area, consider the following:

  • If you make the living space permanent, you’ll most likely need a permit. Many municipalities do not allow a complete remodel of garage space into living space.
  • Turning your garage into a permanent room may reduce resale value. Even though your garage makeover is adding living space, lack of a garage in comparison to nearby homes may make it less desirable. We can help you figure that out, so give us a call before you renovate.

 

Compliments of Virtual Results

Posted in: General

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Post navigation

« Selling Your Central Oregon Home
Vacation Homes & Second Homes »

About Thesa

As your real estate agent, I understand the value of providing the best possible service to every buyer and seller. Listening carefully to fully identify not only your desires but also your needs. Then work diligently to ensure that both are accommodated to the best of my ability. We will stay abreast on changing market conditions, trends, developments and research all factors that could affect the purchase or sale of your property.  My success and your happiness greatly depend upon the quality of the relationship we achieve.  Through personal redefinition of the professional standards set by most agents, I hope set myself apart from the rest and become the first person that you think of for all of your real estate needs.

Search Homes

  • Basic Search
  • Search By Address
  • Search By MLS#
  • Map Search
  • Create an Account
  • Log Into Your Account
  • Connect with Thesa
  • Request a Home Value

Contact Thesa

Thesa Chambers, Principal Broker West + Main Homes
thesa@centraloregonbuzz.com
(541) 771-7064
© 2023 · Equity Framework
The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the MLS. Listing broker has attempted to offer accurate data, but is not guaranteed accurate. All information presented is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Listings Sitemap · Log in