Unless you have been living under a rock for the past decade, you are probably aware that garage transformations are a big thing right now. People are transforming their garages into “man caves”, “she sheds”, gyms, play areas and much, much more.
So, if you’re nuts for scrapbooking, why not transform your unused garage into a workshop for your hobby?
It’s easy: All it needs is a little bit of TLC. Follow our handy list and your workshop will be ready in no time!
Garage transformation to do list
1. Check the electricals
You’re no doubt going to be using electrical devices while working on your scrapbooks, so you need to make sure you have enough outlets and that they work. If your garage is lacking outlets, has poorly placed outlets or broken outlets, you’ll need to call an electrician to come in and remedy the situation. Whatever you do, don’t try to carry out electrical work yourself. And be careful, you should never plug too many devices into one outlet as this could overload the socket, and you also want to limit using extension cords as much as possible. If you do need to use an extension cord, make sure it’s not placed under a mat unless it’s grounded, and make sure it does not exceed 5‑feet.
2. Check the lighting
This is another aspect you might need an electrician to help with. Spend some time in your garage to evaluate your lighting needs, if you have adequate overhead lighting you might just need to place some table lamps on your work station, if you don’t have enough lighting, your electrician can place some lines for you. Lighting is a very important aspect of any workplace as poor lighting can lead to excruciating and enduring headaches. If you have a lot of windows, you might want to consider installing blinds or curtains to reduce the glare.
3. Make sure you can work at a comfortable temperature
If you have a well-insulated garage and an insulated, weather-stripped garage door, you’re already on the right track. Poor insulation and a lack of weather-stripping will make a garage feel damp and cold in the winter, and hot and humid in the summer, so yes, it’s an essential item on the list! You may or may not need to heat your garage depending on the climate where you live, but don’t forget: Heating a non- or poorly-insulated garage is a waste of time!
Don’t forget about properly ventilating the space too, especially if you use aerosol products. Your needs will vary depending on the products you use and the frequency you use them. Some people will simply be able to open a window, others may need a fan system installing.
4. Install storage
The first thing you need to do is measure the space. Once you know how much space you have you can better evaluate the types of storage you can install. This really depends on your tastes, some people like open shelving, some people like drawers… You’ve probably got a lot of supplies, why not display those you use most often on pegboards? This will keep them within reach for easy access.
5. Find the perfect worktop
Scrapbooking is the kind of hobby that requires a lot of workspace, so try and find a large table/desk, aim for something around 3-ft2. We also recommend keeping as many of your supplies as possible of your worktop to maximize space. Try and find something with a smooth surface so you will be able to clean it easily.
6. Find the perfect chair
A good chair should be at the top of your wish list. Properly supporting your body when you’re sitting for long periods of time is of the utmost importance. Chairs can be expensive, but they are a worthwhile investment for your health. Try and find one that swivels, has wheels, can be raised and lowered, and that has a multi-position backrest so you can find the perfect fit for you.
7. Decorate!
Now you’ve got all the main items the only thing left to do is decorate your space how you want it. Don’t forget about flooring, if you cannot afford to install tiled or laminate flooring now, why not paint the original concrete or simply lay down an area rug?
Now that you’ve transformed your garage’s interior, it’s time to think about its exterior
If you think your garage door could use a good tune‑up or if you’re ready to buy a new one, contact us at 978-342-3344. As garage door experts, we know the industry better than anyone else, we’ll be more than happy to advise you about your garage door and to explain our entire range of doors and accessories. If you like, we can even arrange to come out to your home, or we can send you a quotation via email.
If you are thinking about investing in a new garage door, play around with our Design Centre to see which style would fit the best with your home, or simply look through our image gallery for inspiration.
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