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How to Turn Your Garahe into Your Filipino Home's Ultimate Living Space
In the relatively few Filipino homes that do have them, garages are more than just a spot to store the family automobiles. They are often a reflection of the creativity, frugality, and resourcefulness of the owners. This is evident in how most Filipino garages also double as living spaces, workshops, storage areas, or even secondary “dirty kitchens” where the family’s messiest and most memorable meals are prepared.
However, not all garages receive as much attention as the home’s other indoor living spaces. Fortunately, a neglected garage can be converted into the ultimate living space, so long as you use a little imagination and follow our tips below.
1. Declutter and Clean Up
Because many garages are seldom occupied for a long time, they often become a place to stick unneeded boxes and other things we don’t want in our homes. Whether you want to turn your garage into your small business’s new HQ or convert it into the ultimate man cave, the first step in transforming your garage is to get rid of all the unnecessary clutter. Before you begin changing your garage’s functions, you’ll want to clear as much of this stuff as you can so you can start with a clean slate.
Take a page out of Marie Kondo’s book and get rid of all the items that you no longer need or bring you joy. Sort the items that you want to keep and store them in standardized stackable containers. You can try selling off all your other items through an old-fashioned garage sale or through trusted online marketplaces that let you buy and sell online, like LookingFour.
While you’re selling off your items, you’ll also want to make sure that your garage won’t get cluttered again. Make use of the garage’s vertical spaces and invest in some shelves so that you can recover some floor space. Once your garage is reasonably clear, give it a thorough cleaning.
2. Furnishings
Personalize your now-spacious garage by adding some décor and accessories that not only reflect the space’s new functions but also show off your personality and style. New chairs and posters are a relatively affordable way to spruce up your newly cleared-out garage. If your garage is open or semi-open, you’ll want to make sure that the furnishings you acquire are reasonably resistant to the high humidity present in the Philippines. Of course, you can find affordable preloved furniture and décor right here on LookingFour.
Improve Ventilation
If you find your garage has a constant unpleasant smell or just feels uncomfortable to be in, chances are that it needs better ventilation. Improve your garage's ventilation by adding an exhaust fan or vents or by redesigning the walls and ceiling to prevent the buildup of moisture and unpleasant odors. Doing these will not only be good for livability, but it will also help preserve the longevity of any items you plan on storing in the garage.
4. Add Insulations
Your garage may benefit from modern insulation, particularly if you are converting it into an enclosed living space or it is a detached structure. The main benefit of insulation in the Philippines is to prevent the excessive buildup of heat during the hotter months. However, it can have secondary benefits as well. Proper insulation can also serve to reduce the transfer of sound in and out of your space. If you’re converting it into a studio or entertainment center, then improved insulation is worth considering, especially if you plan on adding videoke machine in your garage.
5. Flooring
Concrete, is by far, the most popular flooring choice for garages, as it is easy to clean and requires no special maintenance. However, concrete is far from your only choice. Vinyl and textured stone floorings are also viable options for garages, provided you can keep up with the maintenance. If your garage will no longer serve as a primary vehicle port, you can consider more conventional wood and tile flooring as well.
6. Consider New Lighting
By default, most garages have bright white lights in utilitarian fixtures. However, adding dimmer switches, a different set of warm lights, and custom light fixtures can quickly transform an otherwise basic garage into a great living space for friends and family to hang out and share cherished memories.
7. Update Your Garage’s Electrical Systems
If you’re already changing up your lights, you might as well have the rest of your garage’s electrical system checked. Your new electrical system should be able to keep up with the kinds of activities you want to do. For instance, if you’re going to be running a small business, you want to make sure that you not only have enough outlets but a sufficient amount of current to ensure the safe operation of whatever machinery you’ll be running. To avoid fire hazards, make sure to hire professional electricians to update your garage’s electrical system.
Improving or repurposing your garage is a great way to make the most of your home's available space. By following these tips, your garage will provide another level of comfort and functionality for you and your loved ones. With some planning and imagination, you can create a space that is not only fun and practical but also uniquely your own.
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