Gardening
4 Mistakes When You Convert Your Garage
More and more homeowners are considering transforming their garage. Indeed, the garage is rapidly growing out of its former function. Nowadays, homeowners prefer to turn their garages into a craft studio, a private gym, or even a home office. However, getting your garage conversion wrong could have dramatic consequences. Below, we’ve listed the top 4 mistakes that turn garage conversion from paradise into hell.
#1. Not sticking to a schedule
It might be tempting to get on with the work quickly. Understandably, when you’ve got a plan, you want to make it happen as soon as possible. However, you need to schedule some much-needed breaks into your busy renovation project. Working long hours will not get the garage done any faster. It’s the opposite. It’s likely to tire you out. You’ll be more likely to make mistakes as you get less attentive and more stressed out. Therefore, you want to schedule time for yourself too. There’s no need to start early and end up late at night. You’ve still got to live in your home, so make sure that the garage renovation doesn’t take over your day-to-day life.
#2. Ignoring existing damage
It might sound silly, but DIY enthusiasts are more likely to ignore former water damage in the garage than in any other part of the house. Typically, the garage is an underused area that can be more vulnerable to the elements. The garage and the basement are the two areas that are more likely to be flooded on a rainy day, for instance. So, it’s easy to assume that all you need to do is wait until the last of the moisture dries. In reality, you want to check your structure for damage and remove any lingering moisture and mold risks before you proceed with the conversion. Just because the wet patches are long dry, it doesn’t mean they didn’t affect your space dramatically.
#3. Forgetting insulation and finishing
Do you need to insulate and finish your garage? If you intend to use it for new purposes, insulation is a must-have. Homeowners who convert their garages into a home gym or a creative workshop are keen to avoid insulation and finishing. They assume that they will not need it. Insulation, however, serves a double purpose. It will prevent your garage from losing heat in winter. But it will also ensure that you can easily regulate temperature after using the space. For instance, a personal gym without finishing could generate heat as you train. The last thing you want is for the garage to stay hot or go moist long after your workout!
#4. Where does the stuff in the garage go?
Just because we don’t make the most of our garages, it doesn’t mean we don’t use them. As you prepare to convert the space, your priority is to find new storage solutions for its content. Seasonal items such as the inflatable summer pool, for example, will need to be kept in a safe space. Similarly, if you usually park your vehicle in the garage, you need to consider new parking spots equally safe.
The pandemic has transformed our relationship with the home. Homeowners are keen to repurpose unused spaces and define new functions. The garage is one of the top conversion priorities. An unused garage can become an exciting gym, for instance. But, you want to take the time to avoid costly mistakes during the project, such as rushing through tasks of ignoring essential finishing touches.
- Things You Should Know About a Boiler Installation - February 17, 2023
- How to install drain pipes under a kitchen sink - February 1, 2023
- How to Create a Relaxing Oasis with Your Bathroom Renovation - January 18, 2023
