The home garage is where you park your car, store your stuff, and, for some, it is a retreat; a place to workout or relax. Home garages have become a staple of new home construction, but if your home is one of the few on the block without one, you should definitely consider the investment. If you have the space to build a decent garage, and the budget to pull it off, your investment of time and money could yield a big return.
Adding a garage to your home is a great investment, both in the short-term and long-term.
Potential Return on Investment
For the most part, any type of renovation or addition can boost your home’s value to some degree, and the addition of a garage is no exception. Depending on your home’s location, having a garage may be expected, so not having one could seriously affect the value of your home. The good news is that adding a basic garage can cost as little as $10,000. Sounds expensive, but as renovations go it is fairly inexpensive, and the appraisal value of your property after adding one can go up by as much as $30,000. So the potential for a good return on the investment is definitely there.
Planning Your Garage Renovation
If you’re looking for just a basic, park-your-car-and-store-your-lawnmower type of garage, then a budget of $10,000 or less will suffice. Extras can add up quickly, sending the budget skyrocketing toward $30,000 or $40,000. However, it depends on what you want from your garage, as well as what comparative garages around you have to offer. Automatic garage door openers are pretty standard now, so installing one is a good idea. Storage is also important in a garage, so built-in cabinets, shelving and drawers may require the skills of professional garage designers and contractors.
Professional designers can help you design your new garage and bring it to life.
Seeking professional guidance and design expertise from the beginning will help you not only plan out a garage build, but also stay within budget without sacrificing your vision for the new space. Garage remodeling companies such as Garage Envy of Southern California specialize in garage makeovers, but consulting them as you build a new garage will allow you to put together the space you want, incorporating the storage options and details that will make the garage a true asset to the home.
Making an Impression
The garage is a useful space, ideal for storage of nearly anything. Very quickly, though, that storage solution can become cluttered, and a cluttered garage leaves a bad impression with prospective buyers. For many people purchasing a home, a look in the garage gives them their first glimpse into the organizational and maintenance habits of the homeowner. In fact, over 90% of homebuyers are more likely to buy a home if the garage is well maintained. Planning for this in the beginning, including installing cabinets, drawers, and other concealed storage solutions, will put you ahead of the game.
Whether your garage is used for storage or recreation or both, make sure it is easy to organize and keep clean.
Make it Usable
Whether you design a garage that is strictly for your vehicle and storage of stuff, or a customized additional living space in the form of a home office, man cave or fitness room, the key is to make sure the garage is a usable space. Your future prospective buyers may not choose to use the space for what you chose to use it for, but its usability will be a great selling point.
Adding a garage to your home does more than simply boost the assessed value of your home. It also boosts the home’s “curb appeal” to prospective buyers, making it a more attractive and usable purchase. Finally, when you add a garage to your home, do it for yourself. A garage adds useful storage space, play space, and workspace to your home that you can enjoy for years to come.
For more information about Garage Envy’s remodeling services and what we can do for you, contact us.
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