While a detached garage is not usually included in the official ‘square footage’ of your home, renovating your garage is one of the best ways to maximise functional space and add value to your home.
In a garage renovation, there are many things to consider – some practical, some aesthetic. Will you be using your garage to store cars and if so, how many? This seems like a simple question but it’s important. Many people go for a dual-purpose space, with one car park and one bay used for something else. If you are storing cars, then carpet is out and insulation will be all the more important. If one half is devoted to a workshop, then you will need to consider the year-round temperature, as well as sound proofing if you plan to have a stereo or other loud activities.
Another key question is access. Internal access is very handy and offers security benefits, but it will change the nature of your consent if it is a separate building. There are consent issues if you plan to install things like cooking fittings so make sure you’re familiar with your local council’s regulations.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want an electric or a manual garage door – in a roller, sectional or one-piece set up. Most people go for an electric door for security reasons and so they don’t have to get out of the car when the weather is bad. A roller door is a convenient option if space around your garage is a concern, especially if other vehicles may be parking in front of it. These are all little costs you will need to keep track of.
Many people choose to set up their laundry in the garage to get clutter and chemicals out of the house. Condensation issues can loom large in laundries, and garages usually provide plenty of space and airflow. Installing a retractable clothesline in the garage can also be helpful, especially if you’re trying to save costs by limiting the use of your drier during the winter.
Of course if you’re intending to use your garage for anything much other than car storage, including house contents overflow, you’ll need to consider lining and insulation. James Hardie have a range of interior wall linings that are functional and fabulous.
Villaboard Lining is a smooth, high-performance board that is particularly suited to high-impact areas like garages. Villaboard Lining can be painted, tiled or wallpapered to achieve nearly any look you like. People often err too much on the side of utility in garages, forgetting about aesthetics.
Pre-finished Horizon Lining from James Hardie offers cost benefits because it can be fixed straight onto stud, and looks because it’s available in a range of eight contemporary colours.
