The Simple Garage Upgrade That'll Instantly Add Value To Your Home

You put so much time and effort into your home's aesthetic. You take care of landscaping and mowing to give the facade curb appeal. Inside, you paint, hang pictures on the walls, and decorate with pillows and tchotchkes. But when you open the garage door each day, it's a stark empty canvas that gets put to the back of the to-do list. Meanwhile, there is an easy upgrade to add value to your home by simply putting lights in the garage.

If it sounds simple, it's because it is. Garages can serve more than just utilitarian purposes. With proper lighting, you can make the space more appealing and use it in ways that serve your lifestyle (think home gym or work shop for your woodworking hobby), not just for storing your car and holiday decorations. You can continue to have a functional space, while adding value and style with lights, beyond your garage door openers or harsh fluorescent overheads.

Apart from making your home more appealing to prospective buyers when it comes time to sell, proper lighting inside your garage is going to go a long way in creating a safer space for you. Obstacles like stray rake handles, paint cans, and even the side mirror on your car, pose tripping and bumping hazards in dimly lit garages. Adequate illumination helps you avoid potential accidents like these, no matter what purpose your garage serves. It's also a good idea to have proper lighting inside and out, to protect your garage from break-ins. If you do park your car in the garage, simply having your headlights on with a single overhead light may not be enough to prevent you from scraping against the wall or running over something laying on the floor. You can easily prevent possible damage to your car and create clear visibility with good lighting.

If you use your garage for purposes such as working out, carpentry, or arts and crafts, having proper lighting is integral for safety and precision. You need to clearly see what weight you're trying to lift, where the on/off switch on your saw is, and whether you're about to grab the right end of your glue gun. If you don't have clear visibility in these spaces, things that require precision, like woodworking and carpentry, are going to suffer in quality. Add light sources specific to these areas so you're not relying on the single overhead light in the middle of the garage ceiling for your hobbies and work.

There are a plethora of garage lighting ideas that work for any budget. But, since your garage is likely not a high priority, you may want to add value the simple and inexpensive way. You can start with battery-operated puck lighting that sticks to most surfaces in your garage, like the undersides of shelves or even the walls. Strategically placing them above work stations or near the door to access the inside of your home can create ambiance while providing you with adequate lighting that isn't overly bright. Even better, many battery-powered lighting options come with remotes or motion-sensor activation, making them simple to operate.

Plug-in lighting is another great option for a quick and simple upgrade without hiring an electrician. If you want to add style, wall sconces would look great near your door and can tie in with your interior aesthetic. Some even come with USB ports to charge your devices. If you want bright light, replacing those oversized fluorescent lights with linkable lights that screw right into the wall or ceiling, will upgrade your lighting needs with a streamlined appearance. They're great for over work areas as well, and can be mounted under work table cabinets.