The Family Garage---What's In Yours?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Sep 2006 06:39 PM

The garage... nowadays it's a place for much more than just vehicles. For example, for my uncle, it is a home away from home (no, he doesn't set up residence there during fights with my aunt). His garage makes male visitors drool. Not only does it house the family vehicles, but it is also home to a workshop that rivals Ty Pennington's... okay, Bob Vila's. For my neighbor, the garage is a storage unit, not for the family vehicles (those sit in the drive way), but rather, for every single item that doesn't have a designated area inside his home. It looks like the site of a permanent garage sale... only not as organized. For my parents, the garage is simply a place to store items with wheels--cars, bikes, strollers, wagons, etc.

All of the aforementioned people say they would love to remodel their garages (save for my uncle, though he contends that his garage is still a work in progress) and I'm sure they are not alone. But, like any home improvement project, money is a factor. According to the National Association of Home Builders, last year, the average cost of converting a garage into living space was: $6,343. So how does that total break down? Studies show most people use their garages for storage, so the hot trends are things that maximize space, such as storage and shelving. Another hot trend: good lighting, especially if the garage is a hobby area.

If size is a factor and you are not looking to add on to your existing space, consider making the most of what you already have-like the walls. Line the walls of the garage with a material you can use to hang tools and equipment. Consider plywood, slat-board or a specially designed organizing system. It's a simple and affordable project that allows you the flexibility to rearrange everything at will.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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