There’s nothing worse than being stifled when you need to make an easy fix. When it comes to car repairs, one of the most frequent hurdles people face is a poorly organized garage. When you can’t find space to work, it’s time to make a change. After all, freeing up space in your garage will allow you to do much more than just work on your car.
Even though you probably think of it as a simple room, your garage has the potential to be a very functional space. Even some small improvements can go a long way. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you take the plunge and set up your garage workspace.
Clear Out the Clutter
The No. 1 issue people face with their garage is that it’s just full of junk. This isn’t just annoying — it can be a very real safety hazard. You don’t have to be one of those people. Getting organized is easy, and it doesn’t take long.
Start by getting good at throwing things out or recycling them. If you’re hesitant to do this, you’ll always have a cluttered garage. When you’ve got the items you want to save set aside, designate areas for different types of materials. This will allow you to place harmful chemicals out of the reach of small children, for example, on a high shelf. Another popular trick is to use a plastic garbage can to house lawn tools.
Deal With Your Door
An old, worn-out garage door can be a health risk to small children and animals. If your garage has seen better days, you have the option to upgrade to a new one or renovate your existing door. Should you choose the second option, be sure to check the override on the garage, install an optical sensor if you haven’t already got one and test the torsion springs in case they are worn. If they’re cracked or broken, you’ll need to learn how to measure them before you get them replaced.
Garage doors are also important to allow you to work on car projects because they provide valuable ventilation. Need to get a lot of airflow into the garage? Roll up the door — it’s that simple.
Treat Yourself to Some Upgrades
You don’t have to stop at the simple things, though. A garage can be so much more than just a working space. You can get creative with storage options, adding overhead bins, pegboards and extra shelving — and what guy doesn’t want a handy workbench to use for smaller projects?
To really get noticed, lay a coat of epoxy flooring down and procure some barstools for the bench. Not only does the epoxy look good, but it also seals out dirt and grime. As for the barstools, they instantly transform your garage into a place where you can hang out as well as work. They are, of course, happily complemented by a mini-fridge.
Pretty soon, all your buddies will be comparing you to Tim the tool man Taylor. Now you just need a full bathroom in the garage. Good luck with that.