Different Ideas on Garages

• Many garages are used solely for storage, but they can serve a variety of purposes.Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
  
  Many homeowners do not give much thought to their garages. They are merely places to park the car or change the oil, but not much else. However, your garage can serve as an extension of your home, which can be very useful if you have a smaller house. Consider any activities or hobbies that you do not have room to complete in your home, and think of creative ways to turn your garage into a space to meet these needs. You may be surprised by the possibilities.
  
  

Storage Space

• For many homeowners, the garage is an ideal storage location. In addition to providing parking space for a car, it can be used to store lawn care tools, patio furniture, holiday decorations, camping equipment and other items that there may not be room for in your home. Adding a movable shelving unit or a cabinet system is a good way to keep your garage organized and maximize the space that you have available for storage.
  
  

Living Space

• While your garage may seem like a utilitarian space, you may want to consider converting it to an extra bedroom or apartment for a relative that needs a home. You can also rent the space out, if allowed by your municipality's building codes. In most cases, such an apartment or room works best when it is built on top of an existing garage. Because most garages are not warm enough during the winter to serve as a living space, an insulation and heating system must be installed. Electricity and plumbing must typically be added as well. When designing the addition, it is best to mimic the architectural details of the existing garage so that the structure does not overpower the design of your home.
  
  

Home Office

• If you are an individual who works from home, it can sometimes be difficult to concentrate when you are surrounded by the distractions of your house, family and friends. Using your garage as a home office is an ideal solution because it allows you to work from home in a space dedicated solely to your business. As with adding an apartment, converting your garage to a home office may require adding insulation and heating for the winter months, as well as additional electrical outlets and computer lines. If you have clients or customers who need to meet with you, it may be a good idea to add another entrance to the garage as well, so that they do not have to walk through your home to reach your office.
  
  

Home Gym

• Many individuals have difficulty finding time in their schedules to get to the gym on a regular basis. Working out from home is often much more convenient, but a treadmill or stair climber in the middle of your living room can be an eyesore. Consider turning your garage into a home gym. Arrange your treadmill, stationary bike, weights and other exercise equipment in the middle of the space, and add speakers for your MP3 player so you can play upbeat music to keep yourself motivated.
  
  

Game Room

• Your garage may be the ideal spot to house some of your favorite games that take up too much room in your house. Consider adding a pool or ping-pong table for friends and family to enjoy. A dart board and pinball or video game machines can be fun as well. You may also set up a poker or card table, and keep board games on hand for a game night.