Just a guess, but do you pay your garage much attention? Sure, you pull up to it everyday and park the car inside, but that doesn’t mean it gets the respect it deserves. On the whole, garages get just enough tender loving care to survive but not to prosper. For the most part, homeowners don’t care because they have bigger fish to fry. For example, a bathroom renovation, the roof might have a leak or the garden might look like a jungle. In summer, or at any time of year, these issues need addressing as soon as possible. Unfortunately, so does the garage as it plays a bigger role in your life than you could ever imagine.
If you are yet to be convinced, don’t worry because this post is about to shake the foundations of your world. Below are the six reasons why homeowners shouldn’t neglect their garages any longer.
The majority of homeowners don’t know this, but a burglary takes place every 18 seconds in the USA. That means nearly 5,000 home invasions occur every day, which equates to 35,000 a week and up to 140,000 a month. Now, no one wants to make you feel uncomfortable in your own home, but it is important to take these stats seriously. Let’s face it; no one intends to become a statistic. One way to make your home more secure is to strengthen the security of the garage. Thieves target garages because they are weak and connect to the main body of the property. As a result, they are easy pickings. A reinforced door is an excellent way to keep unwanted felons out, as is an alarm system which links to the garage.
#2: Curb Appeal
Apart from burglars, the general public will ‘case’ your home, too. The reason is simple: people are nosy and like to judge properties as they walk past. Okay, so you might not be the competitive type, but you still want your house to pop. After all, no one wants to be the talk of the town because their garage isn’t up to scratch. Anyway, the transformation is easy as long as you invest in designer garage doors and a tin of paint. The outside of a garage is purely cosmetic, so it makes sense that a makeover would work. Usually, new features make a garage pop and add a sense of excitement that wasn’t there before. If you are worried about the security element, don’t be as most door manufacturers take it into account these days.
#3: Extra Space
Sadly, lots of homes don’t come with the required space for a modern family. What tends to happen is that the property that was once perfect becomes obsolete as your needs change. Of course, when this happens, homeowners throw up a ‘for sale’ sign and start the buying process all over again. However, you don’t want to do this prematurely as moving out is an expensive and stressful venture. Plus, if you have a garage, there is bound to be extra space that you are not using. All you have to do is renovate the area to turn it into a new bedroom or knock through to extend the kitchen. Sure, you might need planning permission before you can begin, but it isn’t hard to obtain.
#4: Hobbies
Everyone needs a hobby. Seriously, people who don’t have one tend to have shorter lifespans according to new studies. It turns out that not having something to focus on outside of work leads to higher stress levels and the early onset of aging. Of course, it is possible to take part in a hobby without staying inside. The gym, for example, is an excellent way to relieve stress and maintain your health and well-being. However, not everyone has the time to make it to the gym, especially if you are busy. The result is that you put it off, don’t go, and get into a bad routine. With a home gym in the garage, there is no excuse not to workout to your schedule. A home gym is just one example, yet there are lots more which make transforming the garage very appealing. And, as you already know, it isn’t difficult to renovate the garage.
#5: Storage
No need to deny it because every homeowner with a garage uses it to store your old junk. Again, modern homes don’t always have the space that families need, so any port in a storm will do. If you are thinking why does the garage need to look the part for this, the answer won’t be blindingly obvious. But, when you think about it a little more, it becomes more apparent. Although you might not need the tools or belongings now, it doesn’t mean you won’t require them in the future. And, if they are not properly stored they will be useless, which negates the whole point. An old, neglected garage isn’t going to stand the test of time, and that means it won’t be a very good host. By giving it a makeover, it has a better chance of warding off the elements like water damage and mold. Anyway, a cluttered space uses unnecessary space, so the garage needs to be organized if you want an effective storage solution.
#6: Adds Value
There are scenarios when moving is inevitable. When they rear their head, you want to get the most money for the property as possible. A word of warning: it won’t happen if the outside of your house is a mess. Buyers make judgments as soon as they pull up on the drive, and you don’t want your ugly garage scaring them away. Plus, a functional garage adds value as it has potential, such as adding a new bedroom. If you want to get a great deal, you need to take care of every element and that includes the garage.
So, take a look around – does the garage need attending to?
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