Today I saw a photo of a garage that had been transformed into a piece of art. It put my garage to shame and I immediately felt a stab of jealousy. Just like any other part of our home, it’s understandable to be inspired by beauty. We’ve all heard that first impressions are the most important with real estate, but it turns out there is something to be said for the lasting impression too.
There are several reasons to consider giving your garage some wow factor. For instance, you may be in need of some extra space to stash belongings. A clean looking cabinet and shelving system can help maximize the room you have for storage and of course give your garage a tidy look.
Another reason to fix up your garage is for hobby purposes. If you’re going to be spending any amount of time in your garage, it makes sense to want to make it a little nicer. For some people, it’s their place to tool around. Others enjoy watching sports and making it a “man-cave.” And of course there are always car buffs who want to store cars, restore cars, and idolize their cars in this space.
Yet another motive behind updating a garage is to give it a clean appearance. Those unsightly cracks and stains are certainly not welcoming. By redoing the floor, you can give your garage an image that matches the rest of the home.
It’s pretty safe to say that you won’t find a garage remodel on many lists of things to improve to add value to your home. But it is a question that is often asked about since people generally want to know if they will recoup their investment on home remodeling projects. So can you expect a return? Let’s look at the benefits. You’ve created more usable, functional space when you finish out a garage. You may not technically be able to count it as living space but the increased usage of the space can’t be underrated. Whether it’s a place to store boxes, a place to retreat, or a place to show off, pride of ownership really does show from a garage that’s been done up. Home values tend to appreciate more (and be appreciated more) when they are upgraded.
Of course, as with any remodel project, it is possible to overdo it. Value is in the eye of the beholder so improvements may not always be as worthwhile for one person as they are for another. Still, improving the function of the garage space cannot be overlooked. So overall, even though the garage may be one of the last places in a house you will see, it completes the masterpiece of the overall presentation of the home. When a home has been planned down to the very last detail it will create a lasting impression.
By Holly Schwartz
Holly Schwartz is a realtor with Villa Real Estate who lives in Eastside Costa Mesa and has been featured on HGTV’s House Hunters. She can be reached at HSchwartz@VillaRealEstate.com.
