Like basements and attics, garages can transform into extra bonus rooms. From at-home studios to additional storage space, garages take on numerous roles. One of the most popular and time-tested uses of garages is as a workshop. The large open space and easy access to the outdoors make garages a perfect space for woodwork projects, mechanical tune-ups, and DIYs. Before you jump into transitioning your garage from a basic carport to creating a workshop, here are some things to consider to make the most of the space.
Decide on a Purpose
Workshop spaces within themselves offer a lot of versatility. So much can happen in a workshop. Preplanning your main uses for the workshop helps you map out floor plans, space, and embellishments for the garage. If you plan to paint your car by yourself in the workshop, you’ll need extra room to fit the car, but also plenty of space for tools and workbenches. Heavy equipment requires plenty of electrical ports and safety zones around them. Woodwork and DIY workshops need added workspaces and storage for large materials. Many of the workshop’s major room layout and design depends on their intended purpose.
Prepare the Space for Functionality
Certain tools and tasks require additional functional attributes, from electrical ports and ventilation to sinks and fire safety. Adding the extra conventional upgrades ensures your space is well equipped for future projects and minimizes the need for you to leave and enter the garage multiple times for certain needs. Implementing various garage heating and cooling options also preps the space for functionality, creating a comfortable atmosphere to work in without worrying about freezing when it gets cold or melting from stagnant heat.
Design an Inviting Atmosphere
Although practicality plays an important part in designing a garage workshop, creating an inviting atmosphere enhances your experience and makes the space more enjoyable. Whether you are tuning your car, building furniture, or putting together a bike, certain projects take time to complete. An inviting atmosphere makes those long hours more bearable and keeps you comfortable throughout the process. Adding wall paint, implementing décor pieces, installing a mini-fridge, and incorporating entertainment like a stereo speaker system and TVs make your workshop a more enticing place to relish for hours on end.
Implement Plenty of Storage Solutions
Sometimes, garage workshops still need to house your bits and bobs, like bikes, spare tires, and seasonal storage supplies that can’t really get stored in the house. Between the usual garage storage to the tools and materials needed for the workshops, garage workshops fill up with a lot of stuff. Implementing numerous storage solutions keeps your space tidy, organized, and hazard-free. On top of certain power tools and heavy materials, clutter adds more potential hazards to a workshop. Storage provides items with a designated home, removing them from the open space and creating a spacious safety zone.
Invest in Basic Equipment
The last step to transforming your garage into a workshop is equipping the necessary tools. There are numerous basic workshop starter kits. Common basic tools include:
- Hammer
- Nails and screws
- Screwdriver
- Power drill and drill bits
- Tape measure
- Leveler
- Table saw
- Washers and bolts
- Sander
Don’t forget to pair your basic tools with safety gear like coats, protective eyewear, first aid kits, and gloves.
Akin to decorating your home office, complete your workshop with any personalized décor and assimilate your new space with the rest of your home. Creating a workshop turns your garage into a bonus space with versatile uses that can foster many hobbies and skills. It also provides you with another space to retreat to for some good old alone time.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
