If your garage is gathering dust, take a cue from Drew Scott of the Property Brothers. His functional and stylish home is proof that you should make the most of every corner of your property. Scott stresses the importance of making the most of the space outside of your home’s main interior area. “This will create additional bonus areas to enjoy with your family,” he tells viewers on his YouTube channel. If you’re ready to revamp the unused areas of your home, an empty garage is a great place to start. And as far as using the space goes, a home gym is a great option to consider.
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While it may seem like a big investment at first, a home gym can save you money in the long run. ROI varies from person to person, but if you use Home Guide’s home gym cost calculator, which estimates the cost of installing a basic home gym at $800 to $1,500, you can usually expect to recoup the cost of a gym membership within a couple of years. Although some areas can benefit from an enclosed garage, homeowners in other climates can leave their cars in the driveway. Drew explains, “That’s a bonus. Here in California, you don’t have to park cars.” An unused garage presents a world of profitable opportunities.
The most important elements of a garage gym
“That’s what a garage is for when you don’t have a separate gym,” Drew Scott points out. While his home gym focuses on functionality, it’s not completely devoid of style. His converted garage is decorated in a modern, neutral color palette. White walls with black accents draw focus to the high-end equipment. His diverse range of equipment rivals a commercial gym. He lists the most important pieces: “I’ve put everything you could want in a home gym here. I’ve got adjustable dumbbells up to 80 pounds, a full squat rack. I’ve got a lat pulldown. I’ve got these super technical cable machines, and then any other weight you can think of.” All of this is to say that you can put a lot of equipment in your garage.
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If you want to create the perfect home gym, there are a few design considerations to keep in mind. First, follow Scott’s example and choose a color scheme if you want to create a unified environment. Next, you should prioritize natural light. If your garage doesn’t have windows, consider adding or extending windows to create a brighter space. You should also make sure the floor is suitable for exercising. Concrete can be too high-impact for some exercises, so it’s preferable to cover your garage floor with foam tiles or cork flooring.
Other ways to make the most of your garage space
This isn’t the first time a Property Brother has turned a garage into an extra living space. Besides creating a home gym, you can transform your garage into a variety of other useful rooms. If you have the option to add insulation, you can convert your garage into a bedroom for guests. Another modern concept is setting up an airy home office for remote work. If you have young children, a spacious playroom can be a great way to keep your interior clutter-free while still providing a large area for play and distraction.
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Whether a garage conversion is right for your space depends primarily on your location. In mild weather, converting a garage can actually increase the value of your home. HomeAdvisor (via Realtor.com) estimates that the ROI of a garage conversion is a whopping 80%. However, they also point out that buyers in rural areas prefer homes with enclosed garages. If your home currently lacks a key selling point, such as a master suite or large living space, converting your garage can be a lucrative and practical investment.
