Is there still work to do on your house? If you’re trying to finish inside and outside of your house, an unfinished garage could be a major stumbling block.
One of the most commonly neglected aspects of a house’s improvement plan is the garage. It should come as no surprise that kitchen and bathroom makeovers, along with new flooring and even better curb appeal, are always well-liked.
However, even a partially finished garage still requires maintenance. An unfinished house isn’t helping us out at all during this pandemic, we’ve learned. There is a lot of unrealized potential in converting your unfinished garage into whatever you want it to be in terms of home improvements.
What Is A Finished Garage?
A finished garage is a garage that has been completed with walls, a ceiling, flooring, and often additional features such as insulation, electrical and lighting fixtures, heating or cooling systems, and possibly even finished living spaces such as a home office, workshop, or recreational room.
A finished garage is designed to be used for multiple purposes beyond just storage for vehicles and may serve as an extension of the living spaces in a home.
The purpose and use of a finished garage may vary from household to household but the key characteristic is that it has been fully completed and made suitable for various activities.
How Does A Finished Garage Add Value To Your Home?
A finished garage can add value to a home in several ways:
1. Increased Square Footage:
Increased square footage is one of the ways a finished garage can add value to a home. By finishing the garage and making it suitable for use as additional living space, the total square footage of the home is increased.
This can be appealing to potential buyers who are looking for additional space, as it increases the overall size of the home without the need for expensive additions or renovations.
The increased square footage can also add to the perceived value of the home, as larger homes are often associated with higher value in the real estate market.
2. Increased Functionality:
Increased functionality is another way that a finished garage can add value to a home. A finished garage can serve a variety of purposes beyond just storage for vehicles, such as a home office, workshop, recreational room, or additional storage space.
This added functionality can make the home more attractive to potential buyers, as they can see the space being used for more than just parking vehicles.
For example, a finished garage that has been converted into a home office can be a valuable addition for someone who works from home, as it provides a dedicated space for work separate from the main living areas of the home.
Similarly, a finished garage that has been converted into a recreational room can be appealing to families who are looking for additional space to entertain guests or engage in leisure activities.
Overall, the increased functionality that a finished garage can provide can make the home more attractive to potential buyers, as it increases the overall utility and livability of the space.
3. Increased Curb Appeal:
Increased curb appeal is another way that a finished garage can add value to a home. A well-finished garage can improve the overall aesthetic of a home, making it more visually appealing to potential buyers and enhancing the street appeal of the property.
For example, a finished garage that has been painted to match the main house and has attractive garage doors can greatly improve the overall appearance of a home.
Similarly, a finished garage that has been landscaped with attractive plants or has attractive outdoor lighting can add to the overall curb appeal of a property.
It’s important to note that the extent to which a finished garage can add to the curb appeal of a home will depend on the quality of the finishes and the overall design of the space. However, in general, a finished garage can be a valuable addition that can enhance the overall appearance of a home and increase its appeal to potential buyers.
4. Improved Energy Efficiency:
Improved energy efficiency is another way that a finished garage can add value to a home. By adding insulation, heating, and cooling to a finished garage, the energy efficiency of the home can be improved, making it more comfortable to use year-round and potentially reducing energy costs.
For example, adding insulation to the walls, ceiling, and floor of a finished garage can help to regulate the temperature of the space and reduce the transfer of heat or cold from the garage to the rest of the home.
Similarly, installing heating and cooling systems can help to maintain a comfortable temperature in the garage, even during extreme weather conditions.
Improved energy efficiency can be a valuable selling point for a home, as many potential buyers are looking for homes that are energy-efficient and cost-effective to maintain. By improving the energy efficiency of the home, a finished garage can add to the overall appeal of the property and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
5. Higher Resale Value:
Higher resale value is one of the main ways that a finished garage can add value to a home. By improving the overall functionality, appearance, and energy efficiency of the home, a finished garage can increase the resale value of the property and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
For example, a home with a finished garage that has been well-maintained and updated can fetch a higher price on the real estate market compared to a similar home without a finished garage.
Additionally, a finished garage that has been converted into a valuable living space, such as a home office or recreational room, can increase the perceived value of the home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
It’s important to note that the extent to which a finished garage will add value to a home will depend on various factors, such as the quality of the finishes, the functionality of the space, and the location of the home.
However, in general, a well-finished garage can be a valuable addition to a home that can increase its resale value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
It’s important to note that not all finished garages are created equal and the value they add to a home will depend on factors such as the quality of the finishes, the functionality of the space, and the location of the home. However, in general, a finished garage can be a valuable addition to a home that can increase its overall value and appeal.
How Much Does It Cost To Finish The Garage?
The cost to finish a garage can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the garage, the quality of the materials used, and the scope of the work involved. Some of the key factors that can impact the cost of finishing a garage include:
1. Size Of The Garage:
The larger the garage, the more expensive it will be to finish. This is because more materials and labour will be required to complete the project.
2. Quality Of Materials:
The cost of finishing a garage can be influenced by the quality of the materials used. For example, using high-end materials, such as premium flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures, can increase the cost of the project.
3. Scope Of Work:
The cost of finishing a garage can also be influenced by the scope of the work involved. For example, installing insulation, heating, and cooling systems, or converting the space into a home office or recreational room can add to the cost of the project.
5. Labor Costs:
The cost of finishing a garage can also be impacted by labour costs. Hiring a professional contractor to complete the work can increase the cost of the project, but may result in a higher-quality finished product.
In general, the cost of finishing a garage can range from several thousand dollars for a basic finish to tens of thousands of dollars for a high-end finish, with the average cost of finishing a garage falling somewhere in the middle.
It’s important to obtain multiple quotes and carefully consider your budget and the features you want to include in your finished garage before starting the project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finishing a garage can add significant value to a home by improving its functionality, appearance, energy efficiency, and resale value. Whether you’re looking to create additional living space, enhance the energy efficiency of your home, or increase its curb appeal, finishing a garage can be a valuable investment.
The cost of finishing a garage can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the garage, the quality of materials used, and the scope of the work involved. However, in general, the cost of finishing a garage can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, with the average cost falling somewhere in the middle.
To maximize the value of your investment, it’s important to carefully consider your budget and the features you want to include in your finished garage. Hiring a professional contractor to complete the work can ensure that the finished garage meets your expectations and adds value to your home.
If you want to learn more about this topic, read this article as well about does a finished garage add value.