A garage can add a lot of value to your home. However, not all garages are created equal.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re building a new one or enhancing a preexisting space; knowing how to increase home value with your garage takes consideration and care.
How does a garage add value to your home?
Put simply, a garage adds function and versatility to a home, naturally increasing its overall value. The quality of the garage, along with installations like garage doors and insulation, can work to enhance the overall quality of the property.
How much does a garage add to home value?
Garages can add a range of value to your home with some estimating the increase being anywhere between 5 and 20%. Again, this varies depending on the quality of the extension and how functional the space is.
This article will offer some insights into how to add value to your home with your garage, touching on essential considerations to take into account throughout.
General ways to increase home value with a garage
If you’re planning on keeping your garage as a garage, there are a range of techniques you can use to increase its value, and in turn, the value of your home. The primary focus should be on practicality and functionality, which can be achieved through installations and enhancements such as:
- Installing new doors, such as an automatic garage door or more
- Insulating the walls, ceilings and doors to increase the energy efficiency of the garage (a key temperature transfer space in the home)
- Adding more windows (properly glazed) for increased natural light in the space
- Increasing the security of the garage with new locking technology
- Damp-proofing the property and dealing with any lingering damp or mould
- Ensuring all the electrical fittings are safe and fully functional
- Guaranteeing there’s plenty of ventilation and airflow in the garage
- Setting up the space for full fire safety with extinguisher spots, exits, alarms or other safety features
- Increased accessibility (linking back to automatic doors and other easy-entry features)
It’s worth remembering that there is something of a ceiling on the value you can add to your home if you already have a garage and plan on keeping it as a vehicle port.
Using a garage conversion to add value to your home
If you’re scratching your head on how to increase home value with a garage, the solution might be committing to a full-blown conversion. Yes, a garage adds value to your home but the number one thing that generally boosts property value is increasing habitable space. This might mean living space or something else that solves a problem for a new owner.
Some classic options for a garage conversion that can add value include:
Additional bedroom
If you put enough work in, you can transform the garage into a spare bedroom or even a small apartment space. This requires plenty of attention to housing standards, along with all the creature comforts. The room can then either be used for a habitant or as a lodging room to create income going forward.
Home office/recreation space
Lots of people work from home now, so a well-insulated, comfortable and prepared home office space can add significant value for homeowners. On the flipside, you could also use the space to create a rec room or extra living space.
Utility space
Some people don’t need another place to sit around in but could still use a bit of extra space, which is why you could use a garage conversion to create areas like:
- Laundry room
- Walk-in pantry
- Storage space (complete with shelving)
Whatever you choose to do, work with effective professionals and operate well within building regulations. As long as you cover all the technical ground and put effort into considerate enhancements, you should be able to significantly boost your home’s value.
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