Need more space? Look in another place!

Is your home stretching it's seams to breaking point? Then why not think about giving your garage a makeover. 

While a garage figures high on the wish list of many home-owners, it's often the area we invest in least, but kitting out the garage with practical storage solutions takes the stress of stretched interiors, making your home seems larger and easier to live in! A wise investment in time and money that has a direct impact on home comfort.

But first things first: it's very important to check the “bones” of the building for damaging damp.
If you find water penetration, call in an expert to find out where it's coming from, but once you've identified the problem, check out the DIY solutions on the hardware shelves. They allow you to patch your own leaky roof and waterproof walls and floors at a fraction of the price a bringing in a professional. Look out the RustOleum brand, they have a complete range of waterproofing products that are custom made to be used by home-owners and give top grade, and long lasting results. I'm a big fan.

Then heat it up! Think about adding electric space heaters to create a warmer environment. It may tempt you to get started on those long planned DIY projects, as well as keeping future dampness at bay. And remembering that heat rises, you'll get double the benefit if you have rooms above your garage, and it doesn't have to break the bank.

Fixed or mobile heaters start at under $60, but choosing one with timer and temperature settings, and the capacity for quick heat will take you up to $100 or more: Worth the stretch. Comfort is key to how often you use the space for anything other than parking!

Next on the list? Floors: The latest epoxy flooring kits make transforming stained and dirty concrete floors kids play. Allow around $ and a long weekend to create a non slip, easy clean finish fit for the family saloon. And walls: Who said colour was just for interiors? Create a cool environment and paint with attitude! No need to be neutral here. Go bold and think outside you usual decorative comfort zone by creating a look that might not work inside your home.

Storage, storage & more storage! 
Free floor space with wall hanging solutions for larger tools and bikes. Your local hardware store should stock a varied choice from under  $10 a piece. And make walls work harder with shelving. Starting at under $30 a section, free standing plastic shelving can be a lower cost alternative to metal shelving or built in solutions, but shop around and carry wall and ceiling measurements with you. And remember, whatever shelving you buy, take the time to fix it to the wall to prevent future accidents!

Most major hardware stores, and superstores offer a wide range of solutions to stock your shelves: boxes, baskets, crates and drawer units in a choice of materials. Pick what's most suited to your needs, then take the plunge and invest! Luckily, plastic and cardboard storage is relatively inexpensive, so you can splurge without guilt and get your garage in shape in no time for small bucks.

If space is still a problem, with Snow-Do's, ski's and winter tires taking up valuable space, then maybe a small storage unit is the answer? National storage companies are geared up for smaller needs and don't charge for visiting your unit. Prices are surprisingly affordable from $30 a month and will free space for things you use on a more regular basis. Check out our site partner Public Storage for great deals and a professional approach to keeping your belongings safe and sound.

Making the space work for you: Do your DIY projects warrant a tool box or a tool cabinet? A wood-working wall? or a smaller bench? Add a work surface and all of a sudden your garage can double as a project room.

The moral of the story here is that space is always a luxury, and the more you can organize the space you have the better. If you think carefully about all the areas in your home, you can often create additional useable space that eases off other rooms. And you never know, you may be tempted to take up a new hobby!

Happy DIY-ing, and happy "hobby-ing"! Julie