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For many homeowners and car enthusiasts, the garage is one of the most important parts of the house. Not only does it usually hold expensive vehicles and tools, but it can also provide a space to get creative. It's important to make sure this area is exactly how you want so you can work on your hobbies comfortably.
One of the first things you'll need to do is make sure the garage is safe. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and ensure you have several lockable cabinets so you can protect children and pets from toxic chemicals and sharp tools.
CHECK YOUR GARAGE DOORS
Your garage door is one of the key parts of the garage, so it needs to be taken care of. Making sure it's properly oiled and has no obstructions is imperative, especially if you raise and lower the door several times a day. Not only will this help the door work efficiently for years to come, it will also prevent safety hazards from forming.
CAMOUFLAGE THE FLOOR
ENSURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH ROOM
If you work on your vehicles frequently, then you'll need to make sure you have enough space to move around without obstruction. A good rule of thumb is to have between 13 and 15 feet of room per car. If you have a basement, consider installing a drain system in the floor of the garage that will allow you to get rid of excess fluids without making a mess.
FIND THE RIGHT STORAGE SOLUTIONS
No matter what you keep in your garage, it's imperative to have the right storage solutions to make sure everything stays safe and dry. Look for wire shelving that will hold large tubs - in which you can keep seasonal items like a Christmas tree or holiday decorations - and hang pegboards to organize tools. Cabinets will keep lawn care items safely up off the floor or will give you a place to keep craft supplies.
If necessary, rent a self-storage unit and move some of your larger items into that space. Of course, moving all of that stuff on your own can be difficult, which is why you might want to hire professional movers. Fortunately, you can get instant quotes using online resources, which will give a rough estimate of how much you'll need to pay to shift your belongings from your garage to the storage unit for safekeeping.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE POWER
If you're planning on using a lot of tools that plug in - or if you'll need to set up some fans to cool things down - make sure you have enough electrical outlets around the garage. If you don't have easy access to any, consider hiring an electrician to install a few more. Don't try to do this yourself! Electrical projects are better left to the pros.