Something like garage door opener repairs are bound to be necessary sometimes, especially after time has passed and you have the same garage door. You may also notice your garage door stopping halfway or the overhead door remote not working. Whatever the case, it’s crucial that you call the right person to come and fix it. This should enable you to keep using your garage as you’re used to, and make it both safe and efficient. Don’t ignore other issues, such as realizing that the floor cracked at some point in time, leaving unsightly marks that may also be dangerous.
Since the garage door is one of your home’s potential entries, it’s a good idea that you work on any gate and garage door repairs as soon as you possibly can. In addition to helping you keep your home safe, working on these repairs fast should ensure that you don’t spend a lot of time and money on them. The longer you leave them unattended, the worse they’ll get, and they also pose a serious safety risk to you and your family as they’re operated on a daily basis. Finally, don’t hesitate to make a replacement if the damage happens to be too severe to save.
The days, many modern houses have their own garages. According to reports, up to 63% of occupied housing units have garages. If you have one, you can have many reasons for wanting to renovate a garage.
For one, it can add extra living space to your home. This can increase the value of your property. You can use a renovated garage as a home office, playroom, or workshop.
A well-renovated garage can also add extra storage space to your home and make it more organized. This can also be a great way to improve the appearance of your home and increase its curb appeal. Lastly, renovating your garage with your home’s security in mind can also give you peace of mind.
However, before you start your garage renovation project, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. In this article, we will discuss four must-knows before you renovate your garage.
1. Know the Purpose of Your Garage Renovation
Before investing in a garage renovation, be sure to determine the purpose of your project. Ask yourself why you want to renovate your garage and what you hope to achieve. This will make it easier to narrow down your options and make better decisions along the way.
Are you renovating to add extra living space or storage space? Do you want to improve the appearance of your home? Or are you renovating for security purposes? Once you know the purpose of your garage renovation, it will be easier to move forward with your plans.
Let’s say your goal is to add extra living space. In this case, you’ll need to consider the type of flooring, walls, and ceiling you’ll need to install. You might also need to add windows and doors to your garage for natural light and ventilation. Knowing your purpose for renovation can make it easier to plan, budget, and finish your project.
2. Plan Before You Start Renovating
When planning, consider the size of your garage and the scope of your plans. This will help you determine the amount of time and money you’ll need to complete your renovation. Doing so will also allow you to gauge if you need professional help with the renovation or not.
If you’re planning to add extra living space, you’ll need to factor in the cost of materials, labor, permits, and more. On the other hand, if you’re simply looking to increase storage space, you might get away with a less costly and time-consuming renovation.
For a more extensive garage renovation, you will need to factor in the time required to complete the project. Doing so will help you set a realistic timeline for your renovation. It can also help you avoid delays and unexpected costs like extending your rental agreement for a storage unit.
Whether planning a major garage renovation or a simple improvement, set aside a contingency fund to cover any unexpected costs. This will help ensure that your project stays on track and within budget.
3. Choose the Right Contractors
Depending on the scope of your garage renovation, there will be different types of contractors that you will need to work with. If planning a major overhaul, you’ll need to find an architect or designer, a general contractor, and subcontractors. If you’re simply looking to add storage space or make cosmetic improvements, you might be able to get away with hiring a handyman or a carpenter. For more specific renovation jobs, find reliable professionals with years of experience working on your type of project.
Let’s say you found out that your old garage door has a broken spring. In this case, it helps to ask for recommendations and do your research to find a reliable company that can repair garage door springs. Experts don’t recommend fixing the issue yourself since it can be dangerous.
When looking for the right contractor, choose one that offers garage door repairs, replacement, and installation services. This way, you won’t have to look elsewhere if you require other garage door services. Search for at least three contractors, ask for estimates, and do quick research to check the services they offer, customer reviews, and guarantees.
4. Get the Necessary Permits
Depending on the type and scope of your garage renovation, you might need to obtain a permit before starting your project. Building permits are required for major renovations, such as adding extra living space or making structural changes.
For cosmetic improvements, you might not need a permit. But it’s always best to check with your local building department first to be sure. This will help you avoid delays and fines later on.
Don’t forget to consult with your local homeowner’s association. Some HOAs have rules and regulations regarding home renovations. Be sure to get approval from your HOA before starting your project to avoid any issues.
A garage renovation can be a big undertaking. But with proper planning, you can ensure that your project goes smoothly without any hitches. By following these tips, you can be sure that your garage renovation will be a success.
