subject: What's In A Garage? [print this page] A Garage. Typically a four walled structure used to house cars.
But when does a garage stop becoming a garage and just becomes an outdoor room full of old junk that you don't want or, more likely, were meant to sort out but just put it in the garage until you found time to do it and never actually did.
The chances are if you live in a house you will have a concrete garage with it. These are the best kind of garages, sturdy and ideal for filling up with things that just don't fit in your house either spatially or cosmetically. A garage can be built out of anything of course, but the concrete kind is the best as it's dry and safe enough to keep your belongings in.
The primary purpose of a garage is to keep your car in, not to be confused with a "carport" which usually consists of a roof with two walls or less, offering more ventilation but less protection.
Although originally designed to be a building for your car, modern living styles have seen concrete garages become more commonly adapted and used as an extension of the home. Popular adaptions are usually:
-Home Offices: For those who want a separate working area away from the hussle and bussle of the household.
-Home gyms: For those sporty types that don't have the time or inclination to travel to a communal gym.
-Kids Playroom: To move the hussle and bussle of the household into a separate room where they can make as much noise as they like!
-A Hobby room: Where you can work on your favourite pastime in peace.
A useful first step to converting your garage would be to have a clear out of all the junk and having a garage sale in your front yard. Not only does this raise potentially important funds for your conversion project but it also forces you to clear out the rubbish that you've harboured in your garage for years!
Once you've got the space you can start realising your dream and prepare the space for its eventual use. Make it more habitable by making sure it's waterproof and putting some comfortable flooring or carpet down, put in some basic electrical sockets (if required) and then you are pretty much there! After that, it is up to you what you do with the new room, whether it's a desk, gym equipment, or the kid's toys!
Congratulations, you've just made your home bigger and more useful! Now go and enjoy it!
