Finding new ways to update your home can feel like a challenge. Your garage is an often-overlooked area that can be used for far more than storing your vehicle, sports equipment or household items. Here are three creative garage renovation ideas that will beautify your home, expand your living space and increase your home’s resale value.

Earn Income by Turning Your Garage into an Airbnb

If you live near a major city or attraction, you may have an opportunity to rent out your living space to travelers. Look no further than your garage for the perfect place to welcome guests. The first step to making this upgrade is to create a design plan for your space. You’ll need to make sure the garage has heat and electricity, as well as interior comforts such as furniture and an entertainment system. This is also an opportunity to include plumbing to offer a small bathroom in the garage if you would prefer to not share your home with guests.

In addition to renting, if you have plans to sell your house, making both cosmetic and practical updates are a good investment. As you continue making home improvements to the interior, don’t forget to consider external renovations also. You may want to consider upgrading to an insulated garage door as your first exterior upgrade. This is a home design idea that adds value to your home and is a must if you are planning on converting your garage into a livable space.

Be sure to weigh the costs between making current home improvements and the expected cost of your next home. Securing a mortgage preapproval is a great way to solidify what your budget for a new home could be. Replacing your garage door is an incredible upgrade, with a return on investment of over 93%, according to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine. This means that replacing the garage will almost completely pay for itself when it is time to sell, in addition to the benefit of making your home look more attractive to buyers or renters. Maximizing the livable space in your home is a great investment, whether you plan to recoup the costs through renting, or decide to sell your home.

Convert Your Garage into a Home Fitness Studio

In our busy lives and schedules, it can be difficult to find time to exercise. Additionally, with restrictions making going out more difficult over the past few years, many people have fallen out of the habit of going to the gym. Turning your garage into a home gym is a great way to improve your health and fitness, all from the comfort of your home. You also have the benefit of being able to customize the space, including only the machines and equipment you enjoy working out with. Having a home gym at your disposal also takes away the annoyance of dealing with others while working out. There is nothing more frustrating than paying each month for a gym membership, only to find the equipment or machines you came to use are already occupied.

If you’re spending a lot of time in your garage once it has been converted, safety would be the top priority for your garage and the entrance. Though we often think of garage doors as protecting and securing property, having a faulty garage door can be harmful to your personal safety, especially if one is surrounded by gym equipment. Choosing a weather-resistant steel garage door creates a safer environment when using your garage for recreation. Plus, safety is key to enjoying and making the most of your recreational space.