Thinking About Upgrading Your Garage? 7 Signs It Needs an Overhaul
Is your garage due for an upgrade? At Sussel Garages, we’ve been building custom garages for over 100 years. In that time, we’ve developed a deep understanding of what a safe, functional garage looks like and, more importantly, the amount of value it can add to your home.
To help you better determine whether it’s time to start building your new garage plan, below, we discuss seven of the most common signs that a garage needs a complete overhaul.
1) Structural Deterioration
Structural deterioration is an issue every garage owner should keep an eye out for. Not only can structural problems with your garage detract from the value of your home, but they can also put your safety and belongings at risk.
So how do you know if your garage is quietly deteriorating? Look for the following signs:
● Cracks in the concrete slab
● Slab delamination, which can be indicated by a dull sound when you strike the concrete
● Concrete spalling
● Roof leaks and water damage
● Rotting wood
● Windows and doors that stick
● Sloping floor
It’s important to note that the above list is far from comprehensive. If you’re worried your garage may have structural problems, it’s important to consult with a reputable garage builder who can address those issues as promptly as possible.
2) Lack of Parking Space
Whether you lack parking space because your garage functions as a storage area or your decades-old structure is simply too small for your vehicles, it’s time to consider a new garage. Plenty of parking space allows you to better protect your vehicles and add to the overall value of your home. Should you decide to sell your house in the future, you’ll be able to command a higher asking price as a result of your investment in a custom garage.
3) Inadequate Storage Space
Did you know nearly a quarter of two-car garage owners don’t actually park in their garages? Or that nearly a third of them can only park one vehicle in the space due to overwhelming clutter? If your existing garage doesn’t have enough room to store your extra belongings as well as your vehicles, it’s time to consider an overhaul.
At Sussel, our custom garage plans can provide you with ample space for whatever you need to store, and if necessary, your plan can also include attic storage space. We work closely with you to determine your storage needs and how your new garage can best meet them, so you have adequate space to protect your possessions.
4) Poor Garage Security
If you own an older garage, security can be an issue, especially if its structural components are beginning to deteriorate. Since most homeowners tend to store pricey equipment and tools in the garage, protecting those belongings should be of utmost concern.
If you’re worried your existing garage isn’t as secure as it should be, it’s time to get in touch with a garage builder to discuss your options for safeguarding the space.
5) Higher Electricity Bills
If you detect signs of deterioration in your garage or your garage door is older, you may notice that you have higher than normal electricity bills. There are two ways your garage is contributing to these bills.
One way is that older garage door mechanisms are less energy efficient than the newer models. Each time you open and close your garage door, you spend more energy than if you upgraded to a newer one.
The second way is through the deterioration of your garage. If there are cracks, outdated insulation, or other leaky areas, it may be causing your HVAC system to work harder than necessary. Adding new insulation and upgrading your garage can impact how much you’re paying each month.
6) It’s Too Dark Inside
Proper lighting is important for a variety of reasons. Without proper lighting, your garage can be unsafe. Trip and slip hazards are less noticeable if the lighting isn’t bright enough.
If you use your garage as a hobby or work area, you may be wasting energy by bringing in additional light fixtures just so you can see. You can add the right light fixtures and bulbs by remodeling to make your garage a better work area.
7) You’re Planning to Sell
If you’re planning on selling your home, you can increase the value of your home by upgrading your garage. You can maximize your home’s worth by making the garage a stand-out feature of your home. You’ll be able to attract more buyers who may bid higher than the asking price.
Even just upgrading your garage door has almost a 94% return on investment. Upgrading your garage door has the added benefit of increasing your home’s curb appeal. Get the most money out of your home by turning your aging garage into a space that potential buyers will love.
Sussel Garages: Your Trusted Twin Cities Garage Builders
If you’re thinking about replacing your existing garage with a new custom garage that better meets your safety and functionality needs, get in touch with our team at Sussel Garages today. For over 100 years, we’ve proudly served the building needs of Twin Cities homeowners and we’re ready to bring your vision to life, too.
To get started, feel free to request your free estimate or give us a call today at 651-645-0331 (St. Paul) or 612-379-0949 (Minneapolis).