Making Your Workspace Work

However, now that spring has sprung, it’s time to get that garage back in shape after a long, cold, and icy winter. Every man has a vision of garage perfection. However, in many cases, the clutter of life tends to overwhelm what could be a man-tastic zone of productive and organized workspace. That’s why we’re going to show you some simple DIY methods to reinvent your garage into the room of your dreams. And, don’t worry. For those of you who are simply more concerned about the sleeping quarters for your toys, sports car, and tools, we we’ve got solutions for you as well.

HANDYMAN

Handymen, your first step is to assess your needs. There are several typical uses for the garage, with the fundamental purpose being the storage of your vehicle. In many cases, men want to incorporate several additional uses for this space. Storage of power tools, gardening equipment, perhaps even the home gym?

In all cases, it starts with cleaning, organizing, and purging any unnecessary and unwanted clutter items. The first step is a tried and tested method – the garage sale. Put up some signs in your neighborhood, and sell any of the items that you feel comfortable parting with. Any revenue generated will be a great way to subsidize your new-look garage.

Once you have de-cluttered, it is time to get things off of the floor. The best way to do this is with a series of wall-mounted storage solutions or shelves. Create “zones” when you are planning your space and your storage. It’s almost like you are setting up your own little hardware store at home. We suggest that you have a gardening section, an automotive section, a section dedicated to your tools, a recreational section, etcetera.

Tools Section

This area requires a system for organization, order, storage, and workspace. That being said, keeping this area neat will make all of your home improvement projects exponentially more effective and fun. Slat boards and peg boards are perfect for this. They are both fairly easy to install, and each peg hole can be adapted to receive a bounty of hooks, hangers, and interesting peg system accessories. This is a fantastic way to have all of your hand tools neatly displayed and stored for easy use, access, and tidy up.

Automotive Section

When organizing your automotive tools, fluids, accessories, and maintenance materials, it is often helpful to have shelves, drawers, and even flat work surfaces. If you are working with a modest budget, we suggest that you look to local salvage suppliers for used kitchen cabinetry. Although this can sometimes look a little bit dated, this can provide you with excellent storage solutions and workspace. Visit your local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store (habitat.ca). This retail outlet takes donations of used and unwanted building materials. In most cases, this merchandise is in great shape, and is looking for a good home to serve a new owner. The price can be very attractive, letting you put real dollars elsewhere.

CANDYMAN

So, just as you finish putting all of this sweat equity into your garage, you see that flashy neighbor speed along your street in his convertible. He passes by your open garage door, waving as he passes, and discretely pushes the button on his electronic garage door opener. The door silently and swiftly opens up to reveal a spotless garage, trimmed from top to bottom with all of the latest high-tech gear. A perfectly spotless, high-gloss painted floor, super-slick matching diamond-plate cabinets, portable car lift, a built in air compressor and power washer station – all the bells and whistles. As he pulls in and hits the button to close the garage door, you wonder, where does he get the inspiration for creating such an awesome garage?

Candyman, we are talking about you (and we are speaking with a note of envy in our voice, of course). The ultimate garage is limited only by your imagination. This is an area of the home where budget can run wild in attempts to make your dream garage fulfill the wants and needs of your indulgences. A fine automobile like a sports car deserves to sleep in a suitable suite. Your baby necessitates a spa-like environment for care, maintenance, storage, and admiration.

Consider hiring a specialist to come in and analyze the space that you have. This garage designer will be able to source the ultimate equipment that you may require for your super garage. Some key areas to consider are finishes (floor, walls, ceilings), specialty storage (hunting gear, motorsports equipment like ATVs or motorcycles), specialty lighting for either display or for task-specific activities, and, finally, security. In a garage like this, there are many very valuable items and having them stored with security can be of paramount importance.

There are companies like GarageMahals, operating out of Scottsdale, Arizona, who cater to many international clients and specialize in “Luxury Garage Environments” (garagemahals.com). Creating an environment like this will become an extension of your home, and not just a utility space, but a place that will become the central hub of hanging out.