4 Essentials After Having a Detached Garage Built

Written by Posted On Tuesday, 13 November 2018 03:02

Detached garages are a great option for a car enthusiast, but they’re often lacking a lot of essentials that can make a garage a welcoming space. Of course, every garage is different, and a homeowner can pay to have the entire garage outfitted from the start.

But for those of us that have just started on our first garage, the following essentials will make the space easier to work in and far more comfortable.

1. Flooring Options

Garages are often placed on a foundation, leaving the concrete underneath it as the flooring. If you want something that is nicer, you can opt to have the following flooring:

  • Modular tiles, which are a go-to option for unique designs.
  • Epoxy finishing, which is great for being more “forgiving” if objects are dropped.
  • Acid staining is a popular choice and will provide a high-end look to the floor.

Anti-fatigue mats are another option, especially in front of a workbench, and you’ll find these mats from Craftsman.

2. Heating and Cooling

Try working in the garage in the sweltering summer heat or frigid winter temperatures, and you'll quickly realize that your garage needs a heating and cooling system. This is a costly expense, but it is one that’s ideal for anyone with a garage that plans on fixing their vehicle, utilizing the space often or even for remodeling a vehicle.

There are a lot of DIY options, and this may be a ductless mini split heater and cooler, or a fan that helps you escape the summer heat.

You'll want to be very careful when using a kerosene heater or the like because they can pose fire hazards. Proper ventilation or a ductless system will work best.

3. Ample Lighting Solutions

You’re most likely going to have electric running to your garage, but if you don’t, you’ll should have an electrician come out to hookup electric for you. Once complete, you’ll need to have proper lighting for your work area.

Ceiling-mounted lighting works best, and units that drop down to hang over your work bench are ideal.

Portable work lights are also recommended, allowing you to place the light in the proper position to be able to see under your automobile or in a new area to help you see what you’re working on. Four-foot bulb fixtures are a great option, and they’ll be able to be installed quickly.

4. Finishing the Interior

Some detached garages come completely finished, and others have just the beams in place. You'll be able to work in the garage, but it’s not going to be properly insulated. This isn’t much if a problem since the unit isn’t attached to the home.

But if you plan on heating the space, you may want to finish the interior, adding insulation and sheetrock.

You'll find that sheet rock doesn’t just add to the interior appeal, but you’ll also be able to customize the space more, adding shelves, hooks and a place to hang your tools. Don't forget a nice toolbox, potentially on wheels, so that you can keep your tools near you at all times.

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James Stevenson

Hi, My name is James and I've been involved in the property and real estate industry for 10 years now. I hope people will like to read about my thoughts and experiences in the industry and please contact me if you want to discuss my articles further!

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