Upgrading your garage can be daunting — but it doesn’t have to be.By repairing your garage in stages, you will see results and improvements.
If you’re like us, your garage is your sanctuary.This is where we do our projects and where we make cars and motorcycles.Honestly, sometimes this is where we hang out.But if you’re like us, this place hasn’t changed much, let alone improved, in a while.If you’re constantly fantasizing about fixing your garage on the time and budget, we’ve put together a list of killer garage upgrades you should consider.
Upgrading your garage with new gear and technology is all about practicality and comfort.Whether it’s throwing away a few cold ones with your neighbors, or just enjoying a few minutes of sweet silence away from your family, your garage is your haven.It’s been a long time since you turned this bastion of peace and tranquility into a space you can be proud of.
Let’s face it: That battered, rickety workbench is a mess; your radio, TV, and Wi-Fi reception is a joke; rolling toolboxes don’t even roll anymore; those fluorescent tubes are ’95.Time to start using the program.
Not many of us can afford a full garage makeover all at once.So what’s the best way to do the upgrade?Rather than seeing it as a huge, expensive ordeal, think of it as an ongoing project with several smaller, achievable, and more affordable projects that can be done all at once.Each step improves an aspect of your workspace, bringing you closer to your end goal.
Try to avoid the “buckshot” approach of random upgrades; there’s a new toolbox here, better lighting there, which seems like an affordable, efficient approach, but you’re never going to get that sort of thing until it’s all done A sense of achievement and progress.This could take years.
Instead, we’ve divided your garage upgrade project into a few different categories that can be implemented in stages.You don’t have to do it in order; pick a stage and knock it out.As every aspect of the upgrade is completed, you’ll gradually gain a sense of accomplishment until one day, you walk into the garage and realize…it’s done.[Note: In the interest of space, we’re staying away from tool upgrades here – this is a whole “another article” in itself.
However, we recommend starting here.Upgrade your security before buying a bunch of cool new stuff for your garage.There is no more frustrating feeling than having a new tool or toy stolen before you have a chance to use or enjoy it.Well, there’s another frustrating feeling: knowing you could have done something to protect it better, but you didn’t.
Your first step should be to get new locks on all doors and windows.Sliding latches for overhead doors ($11 at Amazon), plus simple sliding window locks, are an ideal and inexpensive place to start.
A great way to deter thieves and keep your garage and property safe is to install smart outdoor lighting with high-definition cameras that can be controlled and viewed remotely.Ring is a great outdoor light and camera setup that’s easy to use and syncs with its popular smart doorbells as well as your garage security system.
For complete high-tech security, check out Chamberlain’s myQ system.Wirelessly lock and unlock doors, lift overhead doors, get open door alerts, and even access remote security cameras to safely see what’s going on outside.Best of all, when you order groceries, products, gifts, and anything else, you can allow delivery drivers into the garage so your purchases can stay dry, safe and secure.You can purchase Chamberlain myQ smart garage cameras, keypads, door sensors and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth hubs individually or as a bundle.But no matter which sync method you choose, you’ll definitely want an integrated smart garage door opener as well.
What’s more, when you purchase the Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage system, you can seamlessly sync it to your Ring alarms and doorbells to keep your entire house safe.
Now that your garage is safe, it’s safe to take it lightly into the 21st century.The best way to have a clear and strong Wi-Fi connection in your garage is through a mesh system that effectively casts a “network” of secure Wi-Fi coverage across your entire property.There are many different types, but our favorite mesh Wi-Fi system is Amazon’s eero due to its ease of use and Alexa connectivity.
We use eero at home and have never had any issues with connectivity, speed or interruptions.More than once.The hub is simply connected to our provider’s router, and two eero 6 extenders are placed in the home to create a virtual Wi-Fi overlay network in each room.eero integrates seamlessly with our smart home products, and it’s very easy to set up and customize using the app.And it’s far safer than using your service provider’s routers and aftermarket extenders.Put another eero extender in the garage and you’ll extend your Wi-Fi network to the workshop – possibly covering your driveway and yard, depending on your property layout.
Now that you’re all connected there, you can safely use not only the myQ system above, but also a Smart TV and/or a garage-ready stereo.Whether it’s playing background music at work or just watching a game with your neighbors, the Wi-Fi coverage in your garage will ensure you don’t miss a thing.
If you don’t want to have a TV or stereo in your garage, that’s fine too.So another benefit of garage Wi-Fi: If you work from home, you now have another option for your mobile office!(For us, there’s nothing cooler than a Zoom meeting in the garage.) But if you’re going to do that, you’re going to need a new garage desk/work space.
Now that your garage is secure and connected, it’s time to focus on making it a comfortable and efficient space for all your projects.That means: furniture and floors; bench space and shelving/storage: heat, air, insulation, and fans; and maybe even a refrigerator so you don’t have to wash it off and run into the house every time you want to drink.
The most important upgrade you can add to any garage is improved lighting.If you’re still flogging fluorescent tubes, it’s time to upgrade to LED shop lights.They provide cleaner, brighter, more efficient light, and many of today’s devices offer features like extra power outlets, and some even feature high-definition cameras for added security.
If you’re like us (and if you’ve gotten this far, you probably are), your workbench is a cluttered clutter of current, past, and future projects and gadgets of all kinds.(If you’re really like us, the damn thing rocks.) This sturdy 34 x 60-inch stainless steel workbench moves up and down from 27 1/2 to 36 inches in one-inch increments.Whether you prefer to sit or stand, you can work, hammer, adjust, weld in comfort—whatever you want.It’s not cheap, but it comes with a limited lifetime warranty that should last for years, if not decades.
Next, use diamond plate steel lockers to provide secure storage for valuable tools and parts.This black and silver scheme looks killer next to a workbench, and it’s easy to build your own system to suit your needs.
If you don’t like the entire matching cabinet and just need a new tool storage solution, choose a lockable seven-drawer rolling cabinet.It’s more useful than a simple three-drawer cabinet for storing everything from hand tools to power tools.Step up your feet with a premium workshop floor mat, expand your workspace and you’re all set.
A setup like this deserves a store stool that allows you to sit comfortably and easily go wherever you need it.This padded shop stool from CoVibrant features an adjustable height, padded backrest and lockable metal casters that allow you to roll from desk to workbench without touching the ground.This is definitely a step up from that old kitchen chair you’ve been using.
Another product you’ll be happy to have when you need it is a garage refrigerator.Of course, some people stick to the tried-and-true method of putting their old kitchen refrigerator outside and then upgrading the refrigerator at home.We cannot object to this approach.But if you’re looking for a garage-specific refrigerator that doesn’t take up too much space, try this NewAir Beverage Cooler and Mini Fridge.It’s relatively affordable (much less expensive than a full-size refrigerator) and has plenty of room for a lot of food and drinks.The shelves are adjustable for most configurations, and the compressor keeps your refreshment at the perfect 37 degrees.
Now that your workspace is set up, what about that big, cold concrete slab of your garage floor?You definitely need to override it.Not only do garage floor tiles protect the floor and make those chilly mornings and overnights under the hood easy, they also provide better grip – and if you choose a cool diamond checkerboard floor design, the look can be Really transform your garage space.Failing that, you can always get a roll of vinyl floor covering or even a simple garage floor mat from Armor All.Either way, you have to cover that slab.
Another way to control the temperature in your garage is with an industrial heater.Of course, space heaters are great for targeted heating.But a high-powered industrial heater will warm your entire space all winter long.When the weather warms up, our friends at Good Housekeeping have tons of great advice on portable air conditioners for most spaces and uses.They tested dozens and found the Whynter Elite ARC-122DS Portable Air Conditioner to be the best choice for heating large rooms.We’re guessing it’ll keep most garages cool.
No matter what temperature you choose to keep your garage at, industrial ceiling fans not only allow air to flow to all corners of the garage, but they can also blow toxic fumes from exhaust, paint, adhesives, and more from the floor.
However, it should be noted that if your garage is not properly sealed, all this heat and cold air you are generating is for naught.Metal garage doors in particular have a way of dissipating heat.Complete your workshop with a garage door insulation kit and keep the heat and cool where it belongs.
If floor space in your garage is at a premium, get your stuff off the ground with this clever ceiling storage lift.Using a crank or even a power drill, you can raise or lower the 4 x 4 foot storage rack (300 lbs max capacity) to 9 feet off the ground – no ladders or lifts required!Depending on your ceiling clearance, they might even fit above your rolling overhead garage door.
To be clear, we haven’t tried this lift ourselves yet.If it works as advertised, it really is a genius garage storage solution.But hey, Amazon returns are usually stress-free, so it’s worth checking out.if it works?Oops, we’re going to buy two.FlexiMounts offers a variety of garage storage solutions, and if its lift racks aren’t for you, its hanging shelves from ceiling beams are gorgeous.
All of these great things need to be useful and efficient in your new garage upgrade, and there’s no more useful piece of equipment in any garage than an air compressor.Whether you’re using power tools, using a lift, or just looking for quicker and easier removal of dust and debris, a garage air compressor can provide you with all the air you need.There are many on the market, but we love this Craftsman unit because it doesn’t take up much floor space and can be rolled anywhere you need it.
You also have to get the power to where you need it, but no matter how hard you try to keep them neat, extension cords can get tangled and messy.This commercial-grade retractable extension cord from ReelWorks extends up to 40 feet and mounts to the wall without getting in your way, so it’s ready to go next time you need it.Mount it near the door and you can use it all over the garage as well as in the driveway.Plus, it has a three-tap connector so you can run up to three active devices at a time.Now that’s convenient.
Now that your garage is comfortable, it’s time to fill it up with new gear and gadgets to help you complete your projects more efficiently.For car enthusiasts, we can’t think of a more useful piece of equipment than a hydraulic jack.While floor jacks are essential, we recommend equipping your work area with a lift ramp that allows you to lift the vehicle off the floor so you can get to where you need to enter.These lift ramps are designed to take the weight of trucks and SUVs (10,000 lbs), but have an extended length ideal for low-slung vehicles and sports cars that bottom out on standard car ramps.Even better, each has a 3-ton hydraulic jack for an extra 15 inches (approx.) of clearance.
Automatic tire and wheel balancers are a great option once you get your car off the ground.However, we will not delve into this category.Most of us don’t need (and probably can’t afford) professional-grade machines that cost over $1000 in our garage.Arguably, if you change your tires seasonally (i.e. more than twice a year), it may be worth the investment in the long run.
As long as you have all this great power and technology in your garage, get rid of that old manual cherry picker that takes up space and use a ceiling-mounted electric hoist.You may never need it – but if you do, you’ll be happy to have it.
Finally, protect all this new, er, sloppy parking lot with a laser-guided garage.Internal motion sensors turn it on automatically, then direct the driver to the ideal position to apply the brakes and place them in a parking space.We can think of a person who needs this device in a bad way…but we don’t name it.
When it comes time to tidy up your current garage palace, clean up spills, or just wash your car, today’s cleaning products and equipment are much better than ever.Wall-mounted wet/dry vacuums are a good place to start.Sure, you can use the Shop-Vac route, but they take up floor space and are bulky, and are often difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.Instead, opt for a wall-mounted wet/dry vacuum.
It comes with a 32ft long hose and all the accessories you need, and of course it can blow air too.This Bissell is like a rolling workshop vacuum, but without all the hassles.For what it’s worth, the mounting kit is optional.For a smaller, faster cleanup around the garage, try Dirt Devil Scorpion.This is a corded handheld vacuum, but more powerful than most battery-powered vacuums.
If you haven’t jumped on the pressure washer, what are you waiting for?Today’s pressure washers are quieter and more efficient than the bulky units of yesteryear.Some electric pressure washers are very quiet and super efficient, but in our opinion, more power is better.Because once you realize how useful this thing is, you’ll be using it all over the house.Maybe even on the house itself.
In the spirit of keeping your workshop clean and tidy, pull that pair of nails out of the wall and use a handy tool wall mount to get your stuff off the floor.Of course, in Suzy Housewife’s way, it seems obvious, maybe even cliché.But don’t knock it until you try it.Another item that shouldn’t be thrown away until you use it is a dry mop.Especially if you have floor tiles, this handy device is 10 times more efficient than a regular broom and a thousand times easier than wet mopping.
Upgrading your garage can be daunting — but it doesn’t have to be.If you must, start slowly and small.The truth is, we recommend doing it step by step, not all at once.Most of us can’t afford this approach, plus, you’ll see improvements happen with them.Just decide on a specific area or aspect to address and go from there.You may never hang out in your man cave again.
Post time: Jul-29-2022