Whether a garage is in need of repairs, or it is just hard to get a vehicle into, a makeover can change its appearance and return it to its intended use.

The garage door can make the use of a garage an enjoyable or a miserable experience. If the door is not insulated and does not operate properly replacing it with a new one is a good investment.

No matter what type of climate the garage is located in an insulated door will make it more comfortable. This cost is very reasonable for the benefits it creates. Insulated garage doors come in a multitude of styles and brands, eliminating the problem of matching a home’s exterior.

An automatic remote opener will make a garage door safer and more enjoyable to use and should be installed along with the new door. The cost is not high, and installation is less expensive if installed at the same time instead of later. Not having to get out to open the door is more than a convenience, it can also be a health and safety issue.

Leaving a car running while getting out to open a garage door can be a cause of accidents. Having to turn the car off and restart every time you enter the garage can lead to extra wear on the starter motor and expensive repairs.

If the interior walls are not finished and insulated they should be completed as the new door is installed. Any new electrical outlets or plumbing fixtures can be added as the walls are finished.

A sink is a good addition to a garage that is used for working on cars or other hobbies. With people spending more time in their garages a complete half bath is not an uncommon addition to garage makeovers.

A small workbench with an overhead light and extra electrical outlets can be very useful and should be considered into the plans for a garage makeover.

A garage door opener usually comes with an inside light, but this is also a good time to add more interior lighting. Outside spotlights or decorative lighting by the door are also good improvements. Outside lighting is great for unloading groceries at night and creates a good visual impact on the area in front of a garage.

Over a period of time a garage can become nearly inaccessible and cluttered with items that serve no purpose in the garage. Many garages become a storage room and eventually become overcrowded and even hazardous. There are many types of shelving and storage units that can be installed professionally or by the homeowner to overcome this condition.

Hangers are also available for the walls and ceilings making it possible to store many items and not take up a lot of valuable space. Storage containers and shelves can be installed for items that are not used as often but still need to be kept close at hand.

Consideration should be considered for creating an outside storage space for flammable items like rags and cleaning fluids. Metal containers and weatherproof outside storage units are available for these type items, as they should never be stored inside a garage.

With the steep pitched roof style of many homes, an attic storage area, or even a room over the garage may be a possibility. If there is not enough room inside, stairs can be constructed on the outside, or if the space is only going to be used for storage an attic pull down stairway can be added.

A free standing garage can be covered with new siding and trim to match the existing home. It may also be feasible to construct a covered walkway from the house to the garage.

The area in front of the garage is often overlooked. A wide paved parking area outside the garage is a great spot for washing and cleaning an automobile. An electrical outlet outside, or a vacuum cleaner hookup, are nice additions.

A garage is more than just a place to store your car. It can have a positive or negative impact on a home’s curb appeal. A little sprucing up, and a few upgrades done over a period of time, can create a garage makeover that is pleasing to look at and a pleasure to use.