Article originally published in Quintessential Barrington July/August Edition
BARRINGTON OFFERS country and suburban style living with many amenities. The wetlands, forest preserves, parks, and horse trails provide outdoor recreational opportunities. It is well known that residents here not only take advantage of the many amenities, but also take pride in their property. Outdoor activities and property upkeep come with bicycles, toys, sports equipment, tools, seasonal decorations, and other items that end up in the garage.
Eighty percent of homeowners use the garage as the main entrance to their home. For some, the overall effect of a well-kept home can be spoiled by opening the door to a cluttered garage. Even more problematic, when clutter overtakes the space, vehicles are often relegated to the driveway. This further detracts from the overall beauty of the neighborhood and exposes vehicles to the ravages of Chicago’s weather.
To make Barrington garages as inviting as the homes they are attached to, the following are some steps that will transform an ugly garage into an attractive and functional part of the home.
EVALUATE
It is human nature to hold onto things that might come in handy, someday. However, children will outgrow toys, older and broken items get replaced, and some things that were once indispensable are now unneeded. Sometimes just taking a hard look at the contents of any space will suggest what should go and what should stay.
ORGANIZE
Home organizing experts advise making three piles—give away, throw away, and keep. Calling a local charity and scheduling a pickup is a good first step. It may be necessary to find a temporary place to store items that are to be kept. FLOORING Cracked, stained, and dusty garage floors are not only unsightly, but also unhealthy. An epoxy floor coating will fill cracks, seal out dust, and make the floor easy to clean. Consulting a certified installer will ensure that the right formulation is used.
WALL SPACE
To make the most of the garage space, the area that will surround vehicles should be evaluated, as should the items that will be stored. Researching the many storage solutions available today will reveal the right combination of shelving, hooks, cabinets, and work benches to make the most of the available space.
SPACE ABOVE
Ceiling-mounted shelves can be stationary or come with mechanisms to raise and lower them as needed.
MORE PARKING
For homeowners with more vehicles than parking space, four post vehicle lifts provide the perfect solution for increasing parking space without having to resort to any permanent changes to the garage. Car stackers double the parking space instantly.
ENTERTAINING
Once the garage is clean and organized, it might be time to pull the vehicles out of the garage for a party or family get-together. Adding a refrigerator and trash compactor designed for use in a garage can add to the entertaining space in any home.
Using the right products and accessories, homeowners can transform their garages into a versatile, functional, and attractive part of their homes, making it a joy to open the garage door.
As seen in Quintessential Barrington | QBarrington.com