How Garage Storage Affects Your Home's Resale Value (And What To Do About It)
There are a lot of things that can affect the value of your home when selling it, including some that you might not know about.While simply having a garage can add value to your house, a storage system is one of the most-wanted garage features and can make a big impact as well. By installing storage solutions and keeping your garage free of clutter when selling, you'll impress potential buyers and will likely sell your home more quickly and for a better price.
With an ROI of 103% at resale according to CNBC, a garage door replacement is among the most beneficial home renovation projects. However, other changes and upgrades to your garage can also be beneficial and are also more affordable. Adding storage is a great way to update your garage without breaking the bank and will give buyers a much better first impression of your home.
While most home buyers expect to use a garage to store vehicles and other belongings, they likely don't expect that a well-thought-out storage system will be in place. Many garages lack adequate cabinetry, shelving, and storage racks and don't make it easy for homeowners to stay organized. By ensuring your garage has great storage features, buyers will be able to more easily imagine how to use the space to their advantage. Impressive garage storage will be noticed by anyone who tours your home during a showing and could become one of your home's top selling points.
How to revitalize your garage with improved storage
To improve your garage and sell your home for more money, take a close look at your available space and make a plan to reorganize your garage like a professional. Adding storage features such as shelves, cabinets, and racks to your walls is a great place to start, but don't stop there.
Make sure you're using vertical space as much as you can. Consider adding slatwall panels or pegboards or even adding storage space directly overhead. Some larger items, such as bicycles and kayaks, can be difficult to find a place for but can be well-suited for heavy-duty ceiling racks.
Remember that adding storage solutions to your garage is only the first step. You also need to make sure that you're using them, particularly when it's time to show your home to prospective buyers. Staging a home can be very helpful when selling, so get rid of clutter, clear floor space, and make the storage area in your garage look nice and tidy. You may even want to make use of self-storage to fully declutter this part of your house while you stage your home for buyers.
Other ways to prepare your garage for a sale
Adding storage solutions and organizing your garage can be helpful when selling, but there's more that you can do to prepare. Consider making some other minor or major garage renovations to make it even more attractive to home buyers. Both presentation and functionality matter in a garage. Depending on your goals, timeline, and local real estate market, it may not be wise to dive into a costly garage renovation when selling, but even a few small changes could make a difference.
One of the ways that you can boost your garage's appeal is to give it a makeover. Simply removing floor stains, repainting the walls, or adding some improved lighting can make a big impact on the appearance of your garage. You might also want to consider making some functional improvements. Making sure your garage doors work well should be a top priority, so consider repairing or replacing them if they're not functioning as they should.