Is your garage ready for an upgrade?
That could be a lighting and fixtures update, an “attic” or rafter storage set up, cabinet and organizing wall features, fresh countertops to pursue hobbies or a brand new flooring treatment, these choices upgrade the functional to impressive well-appointed garage spaces.
Jeramiah Hill, owner of Garage Experts based in Bechtelsville, Berks County, said flooring treatments and cabinetry are popular requests from customers and prospective clients, and cabinets and flooring treatments are solid garage investments, too.
“The finished look is what they’re going for and they want the up-to-date look,” Hill explained.
The most significant trend in garage floor treatments continues to be epoxy.
Epoxy and polyaspartic (another durable flooring treatment) is a liquid resin available from Garage Experts in more than 100 different colors and carries a lifetime guarantee for garage floors and basements, Hill said.
A resin-based material, epoxy products are placed on top of a concrete floor or “substrate.” Cracks are filled and the concrete is prepped to receive the epoxy coating, Hill said.
While the epoxy dries to a durable hard finish it retains its glossy sheen.
Hill said homeowners with an attached garage will likely come into the house through the garage, rather than using the front door.
When guests and visitors stop by, they’re also coming into the home through the garage.
“When people come through the garage door…you’re seeing that polished floor and cabinets,” Hill said.
From pantry units to overhead and under counter cabinets, countertops, wall pegboard organizers or slat boards for gardening tools and rakes, clients can customize their space with flexible units according to their needs.
While attached garages are part of the home’s footprint, Hill said detached garages are prime areas for substantial upgrade decision-making.
“With detached garages we’re seeing cabinets, flooring and a more extensive makeover,” Hill said.
An attractive, well equipped garage space can make a great first impression on prospective home buyers.
Leigh Nunno, a Realtor and associate broker at Keller Williams Real Estate said new home buyers see garage walls finished with drywall as an upgrade over those that are not.
“From painting the floor and walls, to epoxy, moveable shelving systems that line walls,” any upgrades or improvements make a difference, she said.
Some buyers are looking for ceiling or rafter storage in the garage while others may be interested in the ability to create additional living space.
Always check with local municipal authorities before committing to converting outbuildings or garages into living space.
“We’ve had clients who use an attached garage as a mudroom, with racks and hooks to hang scarves or places to stow shoes and gym or other bags,” she said.
Jaimie Meehan, also a Realtor at Keller Williams Real Estate said garages often land on a new home buyer’s “must have” list.
“When we are prequalifying buyers and as we continue to talk with them, we realize when they are talking about a garage they’re really looking for more storage for the bikes, lawn mower or outside tools,” Meehan explained.
“We absolutely find buyers are looking for a one or two car attached or detached garage and/or some kind of exterior building” on the property, she said.
Whether you want to add a bedroom or need space for a workshop, artist or pottery studio, or a place to tinker with a car or do routine mechanical repairs, suitable garage spaces are always a bonus, Meehan said.
She said many male buyers see a bank barn or detached garage and “their eyes light up. In Bucks County we have a lot of car enthusiasts who are looking to store a motorcycle or classic car,” she said.
Adding climate control – either with an HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) unit or a split or mini split system means hobbies can be pursued in comfort year-round.
“I think that goes to the value of the space. Does it have electric or rudimentary amenities so [prospective home buyers] can see themselves using the space,” she said.
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