Category Archives: Kaya Wittenburg

5 Crucial Factors to Keep in Mind When Building a Yard Retaining Wall

A yard retaining wall is an advantageous and at times necessary addition to many gardens. It is not only a practical solution that can help to add value to your property, it can also make your garden more aesthetically pleasing and nice to spend time in, as well.

Building a retaining wall in your yard doesn’t have to be difficult or overly complex, but there are some things you should consider before you begin.

Read on to find out the five things you must consider before starting work on a yard retaining wall.

1. Permission

Before you start any major works on your lawn and the exterior of your home, it is a good idea to inform both any neighbors you have and the relevant authorities. This is because a retaining wall can potentially redirect water flow to your neighbor’s yard, or otherwise affect the landscape. In many places, it is required by law to inform authorities when building structures above a certain height, so it is always good practice to let them know your plans.

2. Foundation

A wall is only as good as its foundation. If you fail to provide a wall with a strong and sturdy base, chances are it won’t last very long. For a wall no higher than four feet, a three-inch trench is usually sufficient, while anything larger will require something more substantial.

3. Stability

When deciding where and how to build your retaining wall, be sure to choose very carefully. The best place to build a wall is somewhere the ground underneath will be as flat as possible. You can use different methods, but a carpenter’s level is the easiest way to ensure that the chosen surface is completely flat, otherwise, you run the risk of erecting a lopsided or unstable wall.

4. Materials and Design

A big part of building a yard retaining wall are the materials and design you choose. There are a number of different options available, and you’ll want something that is strong and safe but will also fit in with the design of your garden.

Wood, poured concrete, and natural stones are all viable options. Meanwhile, you can choose to opt for either one tall wall or multiple tiered ones. Then there are different additions that can be applied at the end, for a finishing flourish.

5. Drainage

Proper drainage is essential for longevity in a retaining wall. If groundwater saturates the soil the wall is placed on, then it can cause the soil to swell, causing damage to the wall. If you fail to make provisions for proper drainage when it’s being built, then you may soon find your wall buckles, breaks, and is rendered completely useless. 

Getting the help of professionals—such as Fitzgerald Concrete Construction—can be a good idea if you’re not sure what your best option is in this regard.

Build Your Yard Retaining Wall Today

Don’t let the preparation and protocols scare you away from embarking on this DIY endeavor. The truth is, with a little bit of research, hard work, and careful consideration, almost anyone can build their own yard retaining wall.

If you’ve found this article useful, please check out the rest of our home improvement content.

3 Aspects to Look for When Purchasing a Home

Everyone tells you to buy a home as if it’s some grocery checklist. The truth of the matter is that it’s a huge decision that affects every member of your family. If the apartment you have now is a walk away from your children’s school, it might not be a good idea to uproot, for example.

If you still believe that purchasing a home is right for you, getting on the phone to the right realtor will be your first step. After that, follow the rest of the instructions on this list to find a house that will suit the needs of your entire family.

1. Location, Location, Location 

One of the biggest things to consider when purchasing a home is the location. You want to find a place that’s near your family’s regular points of interest. You might want to move close to where your kids go to school or have a neighborhood watch that will strive to keep your family safe. 

This tip isn’t only important from a practical point. Maybe you have someone in your home that works out a lot. They’ll probably want to live close to a gym. 

If you want somewhere historical and urban, you can go here to get more info on areas such as Norwalk in Connecticut. 

2. Consider Home Features 

This is your dream home. You don’t want to skimp on the useful features. If you’d like a few extra bedrooms to house your guests when they come over, go ahead and get it.

Does your partner enjoy fishing? You can buy a home that’s near a large lake. If you have a big bookworm in the family, they may appreciate having a place to put their reading material.

Maybe you want an extra study room for the kids. Whatever your needs are, sit down and talk about them as a family. Have each member add something to the list that they want.

From there, go down the list to find a home that matches the criteria. You might not be able to get a place that satisfies your family’s every whimsy, but it will meet some of their needs. That’s all that’s important. 

3. Don’t Buy for Today 

The biggest mistake that you can make is buying a home for today. As time passes, you will start to grow. You need a place that’s going to grow with you. 

For example, if you know that someday you and your partner want to have a huge family, go ahead and buy a house that has some extra rooms. 

Rules for Purchasing a Home That You’ll Love

Purchasing a home isn’t a decision that you and your family should make lightly. There’s a lot to consider such as the location in which the house is located. 

You also have to think about what your present and future needs are. If you buy a place that won’t allow you to grow, it’s not worth the mortgage you take out on it. 

Need a little help finding the perfect house for your family? Check out the homes section of our site to start the browsing process today. 

Selling a Home Fast in Chicago: 10 Essential Tips

The average time it takes to sell a home in Chicago has dropped. It’s 35 days shorter than it was last year. It’s a seller’s market.

Do you want to sell your Chicago home? Read on to learn about selling a home fast. Here are 10 essential tips.

1. Choose the Right Time

Sometimes selling a home is about timing. Spring is a traditionally good time to sell. Better weather and pent-up demand after the holidays mean buyers are more plentiful.

Fall can be a good time too. Chicago’s winter weather hasn’t started to be a limiting factor and vacations are out of the way. It’s important to avoid the late fall as interest might dry up as the holiday season approaches.

Sometimes, you don’t have a choice about when to sell. Perhaps your sale is the result of an urgent relocation for work, relationship breakdown, or debt problem.

There are still more ways to sell a home fast.

2. Letting Go

Prepare yourself emotionally to sell your home. You may need to let go of feelings you may have for your home. You have to think of this as a financial or business decision.

You may need to make some tough decisions. One of those decisions might be to stay in the house until it has sold. An unoccupied house is less likely to sell quickly so no matter how you feel about it, you might have to stay in the house.

You may need to make changes to the house that would not be in line with your taste. These changes may make the house more marketable. Once you decide to sell, you need to make the house attractive to other people.

3. Decide on a Price

What is the right price for your house? Whatever expectations you have for the selling price, you have to find a buyer who is willing to meet your expectations or change them.

Buyers will check your asking price. They’ll check the price of similar homes for sale in the area. They’ll ask realtors for their opinion.

These are exactly the same things you should do to assess what your expectations should be. Remember to include a discount for any major work that needs doing to your home. Also, you may need to take a reduction for a quick sale.

4. Consider a Cash Buyer

If you want to make a quick sale, consider cash buyers. Businesses who advertise “we buy houses“, may be able to buy your house more quickly than anybody else. If they can meet your price expectations and your need for speed, they could be just what you need.

5. Consider an Agent

If you want to sell your home quickly, seek expert help. An agent can provide you with advice and services that are hard to replicate on your own. If speed is important, this help can be invaluable.

Check the agent’s track record, reputation, and credentials. Always check their fees before you commit to working with them. If you want to sell quickly, work with them to secure a sale.

6. Prepare Your Home

Check the appearance of your home from the street. The so-called, curb appeal of your home is the first impression it gives to a viewer as they arrive and approach your front door.

A well-kept yard, tidy lawn, and attractive porch can help induce positive thoughts. Garbage spilled on the step, peeling paint on the door, and an uncared-for garden are off-putting.

On the inside, it may be time to tone down the decoration. Your taste may be exciting and creative. When you are selling, a bland, neutral color scheme is more likely to help viewers imagine their own decorative ideas in place.

7. Resolve Major Issues

Does your home have any major maintenance issues? If you can resolve them, do so. If time does not permit, you would be wise not to hide them but be upfront about them.

You can either reduce the asking price and tell people why the price is so good or offer a discount later.

8. Be Responsive

When you’re selling a home, you must be responsive to potential buyers. This means being flexible about arranging viewings. It means making every effort to prepare for viewings even if this is inconvenient to you.

9. Get Great Photos

Many buyers start their research on the internet. They view potential homes by looking at photographs before they ever set foot inside a home.

Given that this is the case, many homes are rejected by buyers on the basis of a photo. It’s important to make sure that the photos of your home are the best they can be. That way you are more likely to have people take the next step to view your home in person.

10. Encourage Serious Buyers

Selling a home can be hard work and may take a lot of your time. If you want to sell it quickly, it can be even more demanding. The last thing you need is time wasters.

People can express an interest in viewing your home or even engage you in a discussion about prices even though they are unable to go through with a purchase. They may do this in the hope that they can delay things until their circumstances change. They may also make false offers and lower the offer later.

Ask all prospective buyers for proof of funds before allowing them to view the property. A pre-approval letter from a lender means that the buyer can go through with a purchase after agreeing on a price.

Selling a Home Fast

Follow this guide to selling a home fast and you’re more likely to get viewings. With more viewings and by attracting the right type of buyer, you’re more likely to sell at a price you’re happy with. You’re also more likely to sell fast.

Browse our website for more tips on selling your home.

f7ff14b748fd846dcefa3602ca56fa06

8 Ways to Appeal to International Real Estate Clients

Why settle for buyers in your area when you could attract high-paying international real estate clients? Catering to international buyers can be highly profitable for your real estate business.

Agents who work with international clients often make around 50 percent more than agents who work only with domestic real estate clients. If you’re interested in tapping into this niche and highly profitable market, keep reading to learn how.

1. Make Connections

Before you can attract international real estate clients, you need to connect with them first. How can you connect with this niche market of clients? Connect with people who have a similar clientele base. International real estate clients are often well-off and enjoy the finer things in life.

Get in touch with luxury car dealers and jewelry designers who handle the same type of clients you want to work with. When it comes to closing a deal, make sure you’re ready with recommendations for interior designers, attornies, bankers, title insurers, or other professionals.

2. Know and Understand Your Customer

When you receive a referral, it’s important that before meeting with your client, you do your research. Learn as much as possible about your client, their country of origin, their business, or any other important aspects of their life.

Knowing their property requirements sometimes involves understanding their hobbies or culture. Knowing your client and their needs and lifestyle is the heart of every connection.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the luxury and international real estate market is competitive. Other agents are competing aggressively, pursuing high-net-worth foreign buyers. If your clients are flying in from out of town or abroad, keep them by your side until they sign an offer.

3. Be Their Guide and Expert

International home buyers need your advice. Be their guide and expert that helps them with the complex process of purchasing in the U.S. This is where your connections come in. Be prepared with a lineup of anyone your client may need when closing the transaction.

Your international real estate clients want to know that they can rely on you to handle all aspects of the transaction. These foreign buyers are often limited on time, so they want someone who is an expert and can do it all.

Build a reputation for stellar service and being an expert in your field as well as what’s happening internationally. Foreign buyers not only compare between cities but often between countries as well.

4. Speak Their Language

One of the best ways to show respect for your buyer when it comes to international real estate marketing is by speaking their language. If you don’t speak their language, make sure search engines can translate your website. Another thing you can consider is hiring a translator or sale agents that speak more than one language.

If you can speak their language, start by adding a video in their language to your website to instantly impress foreign clients. When it comes to advertising in your potential buyer’s home country or foreign-language newspapers, be sure it’s in their language.

5. Post Online

An attractive website allows you to connect with buyers all over the world. Don’t skimp on the photos and videos of the property because, in any language, a picture is worth a thousand words. Especially when most of these buyers are in another country, they want to be able to see as much of the property as possible before flying out to see it in person.

International buyers may also not have as much time to view properties in person, so there’s a chance they may send an agent to view it for them. Entice them with professional photos and videos if you want to lure interest from abroad.

Another important tip is making sure you have an email where international real estate clients can contact you. A Telegram or WhatsApp account is another great way to make it easier for international clients to get a hold of you.

6. Going Global? Go Mobile

Nowadays, international real estate clients are more likely to use their phones over a desktop computer or laptop. It is vital that your website is responsive for mobile viewing.

Nothing will make potential buyers exit out of your page faster than photos that take ages to load or an overall unresponsive design.

7. Avoid Abbreviations

When marketing to international real estate clients, it’s best to leave out the acronyms and abbreviations. Spell out terms such as bathroom, bedroom, etc.

It’s also important to note that most of the world runs on the metric system instead of the imperial. When you sell property internationally, have your listing information in both square feet and square meters to cut down on any confusion.

8. First Impressions are Key

When the time finally comes for showing your client properties, make sure the homes make a great first positive impact. The front face of the property will be the first thing your clients see, so be sure it wows. Before your client views the property, take a step back and view the home as if you were seeing it for the first time.

Maybe you’ll notice an entry door replacement would do the house justice, or even a little landscaping TLC. Whatever the necessary home improvements may be, take care of them ASAP because the little details can make or break a potential deal.

Appealing to International Real Estate Clients

In a recent one year span, foreign buyers have invested over $41 billion in the U.S. housing market. Why settle for buyers in your area when you could attract high-paying international real estate clients?

If you want a piece of this multi-billion dollar pie, follow our tips on how to appeal to international real estate clients. If you found this post helpful, check out our blog for more!

abd89e3c07deb63b1eb60be3c0be4619

5 Things to Know Before Building a Custom Home

Around 1.20 million people build new homes each year. Aside from getting to customize and design everything, building a new home is also an incredibly rewarding process. You get to see your entire home develop and grow before your eyes. 

However, as anyone who’s built a custom home before can tell you, there’s much more that goes into the process than you might think. This requires you to know what you’re doing.

But what if it’s your first time working with a custom home builder? What do you need to know before beginning the process?

Keep reading to learn about five things you’ll want to be clear on before you start building your dream home. 

1. It’s All in the Details

It goes without saying that having a plan is essential when building a home. However, aside from paying attention to things like the floor plan, make sure to factor in the details as well.

Which directions will your rooms look out on? How many outlets will you have around your home? 

These things may seem small but can make or break your new home. 

2. Be Flexible With Your Budget

Another must-have is a solid budget. However, understand that prices often vary a bit.

Everything from fencing to window coverings can push you over the contractor’s budget. Make sure you have enough funds left over to pay for these additional expenses. 

3. Choose the Right Custom Home Builder

The right home builder will make the process stress-free and manageable, while the wrong one will do the opposite. Do your research, read reviews, and if possible, get a referral from someone you trust. 

Before settling with any company, you should have Googled “home builder near me” more times than you can count. 

4. Make Communication a Priority 

Once you settle on a company, make sure that the relationship you have with them is one that prioritizes communication. They should always keep you in the loop, even when it comes to the little things. 

You’re paying a lot of money to build a home, so you have the right to be picky. The company you work with should understand that and respect your wishes and demands.  

5. Don’t Cut Corners but Do Try and Save Money

Speaking of money, you’re going to be spending a lot of it, as mentioned. While you shouldn’t skimp out on the essentials as you’ll just end up paying more later, doing a lot of research might help you shave down some of the costs.

Make sure to get more than one quote for everything that you’re putting into your house to ensure that you’re getting the best rate. 

Build a Custom Home the Right Way

Building custom-built homes can be stressful and a lot of work, which is why it’s so important to go into the process with a plan. Make sure to follow the tips laid out in this guide, and you can be certain that the finished custom home will be your forever house. 

Do you now have a better understanding of what to keep in mind before you start working with custom home builders? If you do, make sure to check out some of our other posts for more home-related guides and tips. 

f6fa261c15457de814d58d1a9d506865

5 Famous Celebrities Who Live in Utah

Utah is a wonderful place to live. And it’s becoming more and more popular. In fact, it was one of the fastest growing states in 2019, due in large part to an increase in people moving to the state.

Utah is known for many things: mountain skiing, red rocks, tech companies, and large Mormon population. One thing it’s not known for is being a popular home for celebrities.

But that is changing. 

In this article, we’ve round up four of the most famous celebrities who live in Utah. Keep reading to learn who they are.

Post Malone

First and foremost, let’s start with Post Malone. This famous millennial rapper, singer, and producer owns a home right here in the Beehive State.

And it’s not a small place. In fact, he owns a 12,000 sq. ft. estate that sits on almost seven acres in the Salt Lake City suburb of Cottonwood Heights.

With five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and an entire guest house with 30 beds for friends, it’s truly a remarkable place. 

So what brought him here? He loves the stunning beauty of the state. Once, after doing a show near the Great Salt Lake, he fell in love with the area. 

He’s also said that he enjoys the more laid-back, quiet atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

Robert Redford

Another famous celebrity to plant roots in Utah is Robert Redford. It’s no secret that he has completely fallen in love with Utah over the years.

In fact, he first purchased land here in the 1960s after visiting and being blown away by Mount Timpanogos. He has said that it reminded him of the Swiss Alps.

Since then, he’s created the Sundance empire, including full-service lodging, high-end restaurants, a complete ski resort, and of course the annual film festival.

This beloved actor and director has made Utah his home, making special efforts towards environmental conservation and promotion of the arts.

Katherine Heigl

You know this celebrity from her roles in Grey’s Anatomy, 27 Dresses, and Life As We Know It. These days, she’s taken a break from the busy California lifestyle and settled on a ranch in rural Utah.

Located outside of Park City, she’s created quite the space for herself, her husband, and children on more than 25 acres. And they enjoy many of the perks of ranch living, raising chickens, donkeys, goats, and horses.

Ty Burrell

Last but not least on the list of celebrities who live in utah, we can’t forget about Ty Burrell, aka Phil Dunphy from ABC’s Modern Family. This Emmy-winning actor has been quite outspoken about his love for the state.

He currently owns a home in Salt Lake City, as well as two bars that are located downtown. 

Interested in purchasing a Utah home? Contact the experts at www.sgutah.com today.

Celebrities Who Live in Utah

There you have it: 4 of the most famous celebrities who live in Utah. While you may not immediately think of Utah as a haven for the rich and famous, it’s quickly growing in popularity.

Want to learn more? Check out our blog for other interesting articles today.

 

c46fcce6fad8f8c6da1ff344639a988d

Reinforce This: What Is Reinforced Concrete Used For?

How much do you know about reinforced concrete? While you may have heard the term, you’d likely be surprised to learn how essential this building material is to our daily lives.

What is reinforced concrete? It’s concrete that has had steel bars placed inside it, giving it more strength and durability to support heavy loads.

There are plenty of advantages to building with reinforced concrete as well—it can withstand plenty of stress, it’s fire and weather-resistant, and it’s lightweight.

So, what is reinforced concrete used for? Keep reading to find out!

What Is Reinforced Concrete Used for Most Often? Buildings

We often see reinforced concrete used in buildings. Because of its strength, reinforced concrete is ideal for any sort of building, from residential homes to skyscrapers.

It can also span wide areas, giving architects more design opportunities without having to use columns. Plus, since it’s durable and fireproof, it means our buildings are lasting longer than ever.

In buildings, reinforced concrete is often used in the roof slabs, foundations, and beams. Chances are, the building you’re reading this in is made from reinforced concrete!

Bridges

Due to its strength and versatility, reinforced concrete also makes a fantastic building material for bridges. Engineers can use it to span across wide distances, perfect for use over water or major highway systems.

Because it’s affordable, it’s also popular for government use on public works projects. It can support heavy amounts of weight, so it’s a practical material to use also for roads and even airport runways.

The material also has an elegance about it, creating sleek, eye-catching bridges.

Stadiums

Ever cheered on your favorite team from inside their gigantic stadium? If so, you probably have reinforced concrete to thank for your day out! 

The material is a popular choice for huge stadiums, such as those used by major league teams. Thanks to the versatility of the concrete, we can build large stadiums that can easily support the weight of large crowds.

Dams

Dams are complex structures that need to be able to support huge volumes of water, often with limited anchors to the ground below. Engineers and architects know that reinforced concrete is the best material to build dams that can last for decades to come.

Is Reinforced Concrete Right for Your Next Building Project?

Hopefully, now you know the answer to your question, ‘What is reinforced concrete used for?. With so many uses, it’s an important material that allows us to build tall, wide, and across vast distances. 

If you’re planning a new building project, take the time to learn more about reinforced concrete—it might be just the material you need for your new big task.

Talk to your construction crew and find out more about whether or not you can benefit from reinforced concrete—chances are, you can!

Was this article helpful? If so, please read on for more information and tips.

5 Clever Moving Tips You Never Knew You Needed

Approximately 10% of the population move home every year in the US. That’s tens of millions of people who up-sticks and transport their lives around the country! Are you soon to be one of them?

Well, we’ve put together a brief guide that’s sure to help with the logistics. Sound good? Keep reading for 5 clever moving tips you never knew you needed.

1. Get Prepared Early

Buying a house is an exciting time. But moving all of your worldly possessions from one place to another is also a lot of work! You’ve got to sort through everything, pack it all into boxes, fit it into a truck, and ferry it across the country.

Preparation’s the key to success. Start early, create a plan of action, and purchase the packing materials you’ll need (boxes, tape, bubblewrap…) in advance. Oh, and remember to book the professional moving company ASAP to ensure you don’t miss out on their support.

2. Get Multiple Quotes

On the subject of moving companies, try to avoid the temptation of opting for the first one you come across. Do your research, find a few possible options, read their reviews, and get quotes from each of them. This should ensure you get the best deal and save some money on the move.

Want to save some extra cash? Be flexible with your dates. You’ll benefit from much lower quotes if you can move home outside of peak times (think weekends and holidays).

3. Purge Your Possessions

Want our top piece of moving advice? Try to get rid of as many possessions as possible before you move! Now’s the ideal time to go through your closet, clear out the garage, and dispose of everything old and unwanted in the attic.

It doesn’t matter whether you sell, toss, or give it all away. Moving house will be ten times easier if only have to pack and transport the things you want.

4. Be Strategic

Packing your remaining possessions can still be a mission though! Approaching things in a strategic way will make everything far more efficient. Here are a few ideas on how to do it:

  • Go room by room and clearly label every box that you pack,
  • Color code boxes with stickers for the rooms they belong to,
  • Pack loose items in suitcases; kitchen items in pots and pans, and
  • Leave your clothes in the drawers and on hangers, wrapping them in plastic wrap or placing them in garbage bags.

5. Remember the Essentials Box

An essentials box contains everything you might want straight away when you arrive at your new home. For instance, it may have tea and coffee, plates and bowls, bed linen, and so on. Having these set aside will save you the hassle of trying to find such ‘essentials’ upon arrival.

Just remember to clearly mark this box for what it is! The last thing you want is for it (and the previous contents within) to get lost among the mass of other boxes.

Don’t Forget These Moving Tips

Moving house is a common occurrence in America. But that doesn’t make it easy- especially when you’ve never done it before.

With any luck, though, the moving tips in this post will make your life a little simpler. Keep this packing advice in mind and your upcoming big move should proceed smoothly from start to finish. Would you like to read more articles like this one?

Browse the blog for more property-related insights now.

What Do Home Inspectors Do? Your Questions, Answered

Have you found your dream house and are looking forward to moving into it? Well before you can, you have to get a home inspector to make sure that the building is safe to live in. They can tell you before you move in of any major changes that should happen before you settle to do.

We’ll answer the question, what do home inspectors do, and why it is important to have one on hand.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is the process of an inspector coming out to your house to ensure that your house is up to code. This means checking to see how old equipment is, any cosmetic features that may be posing a threat, or general maintenance that they would recommend.

A home inspection is required for any home buyer, as you don’t want to be surprised a month into living at the house and suddenly the AC fails. If you didn’t catch these beforehand, you’ll have to front the expense. But by catching them ahead of time, you can negotiate the maintenance for a lower buying point.

When Do Home Inspections Happen?

Home inspections happen after you have put down a good faith escrow fund. This means you and the seller have come to an agreement on the current price and are looking to get the ball rolling.

A home inspection typically occurs within a few days of signing the contract. You pay out of pocket for the inspector, which can range anywhere from $200 to $600, depending on the services they provide and the house itself.

For those looking for a home inspector in Texas, be sure to discover a great option by clicking on the link.

What Do Home Inspectors Look for?

Home inspectors are going to look at all major maintenance and utilities throughout the house. A general home inspector checklist will include checking your pipes, electrical system, AC unit, and any type of structural issue.

They also check for water damage and any infestation that may be lurking throughout the house.

Getting Your House Prepared

To get your potential house prepared for a home inspection, be sure to lock up pets and tidy the house. It will make it easier for the inspector to move around and find the damage that they are looking for.

Keep in mind that a home inspector has your best interest in mind, so if their list comes back decently large, don’t be angry with them. Typically they’ll let you know what needs to be addressed ASAP and you can go from there with the minor issues.

What do Home Inspectors do? They Ensure Your Safety

So, what do home inspectors do? They ensure the safety of your family so that you know everything that is going to happen. They address the issues that can often go unnoticed by the majority of people.

If you want to learn more about making the most out of your home, be sure to check out our blog. If you know someone that has just bought a home, share this article with them so they’re prepared for a house inspection.

5 Garage Renovations Your Home Needs in 2021

You may not be utilizing your garage to its highest potential. The garage in your home is a great place for storage or extra square footage for living space. But most people focus on other rooms in the house without giving any thought to the garage.

The garage offers a unique option to create a space that marries function and style. If you’re looking to get the most out of your garage, there’s no better time to start than now. Here are five garage renovations to refresh your space.

1. New Flooring

If you’re going to do any renovation, you should start with a good base. Your garage floors could probably use an upgrade. The concrete may be cracked or stained, but those imperfections are easy to fix.

Opt for new poured concrete floors or getting the concrete resurfaced. Or you can try an epoxy floor, that won’t stain with oil and grease. Remember that the right base is essential for the best renovation.

2. Upgraded Garage Door

Just like other parts of your garage, the garage doors may be lower on your list of renovations. But to really transform your space, you should upgrade or repair your garage door. This is especially true if you have a front-facing garage.

If your garage door isn’t working, before you replace it, check to see if you need to replace the garage door springs or other smaller parts. If your garage door is worn out, you can opt for a new one.

3. Insulate the Space

One of the best garage repairs, if you want your garage to be a more usable space, is to insulate the area. Whether you’re using the garage to work on cars or as extended living space, you’ll want to be able to regulate the temperature.

This is also a great renovation to complete because it might be a sneaky place you’re losing money on heating and cooling bills.

4. Add Lighting

Garages can be dark and dingy places, which makes people not want to spend time there. Combat this feeling by adding lighting to brighten the space up.

Utilize both natural lighting with windows and artificial lighting to get the most out of your garage. You can also add motion-activated lights that turn on whenever anyone enters the garage.

5. New Wall Color

Similar to flooring, most people don’t think about painting the insides of their garages. But a new wall color can do so much to transform the space. Painting the walls will make your garage feel like a planned area rather than an afterthought.

Since garages can feel cave-like, lighter, brighter colors will open the room up. With the space feeling finished you’ll want to spend time here whether you’re watching the big game or building something new.

Garage Renovations to Transform Your Space

Don’t allow your garage to be an afterthought in your home. It may be easy to use it as storage by throwing holiday decorations and winter sweaters in the corner. But your garage could be so much more than what it is now.

These five garage renovations can turn the space from a cluttered mess to an organized haven or an extra living area. Your garage is just as much a part of your home as any other room. Make sure you’re treating it that way.

Did this article inspire your next home project? Share this with a friend and check out more home articles.