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Give your garage new life with these alternative uses

Published on 28 Aug 2023

If you’re looking at your garage with fresh eyes, you may realise just how much untapped potential space it has.

Under boxes of memories, old furniture, and tools you promised to use again, there's the chance to do more. Perhaps it's the budding artist in you craving a canvas, the entrepreneur after an office, or simply the desire for a quiet nook to call your own. As we evolve, our homes need to evolve with us to reflect our changing needs, interests, and life chapters. Tweaking or completely converting a garage for an alternative use can be the answer to the space you’ve always wanted.

Your property inspiration

If you’re one with the ocean, you’ll appreciate this glorious seven-bedroom house in Zinkwazi Beach. Clearly an angler and watersport enthusiast, the owner’s property features a spacious double garage and boat house for boats, jet skis, and even a tractor. These provide the perfect spaces for the owner to speed off for a beachside adventure and bring home the catch of the day. With two fish-cutting tables and braai facilities available, family and friends can gather for a flavour-filled feast.

Garage Alternative Uses

Turn your garage into your new favourite room

Beyond just storing vehicles, garages can offer some truly exciting uses for your home. Here are some alternatives:

Home office: With remote work on the rise, converting your garage can give you a quiet, separate space to take calls, type emails, and strategise in peace. Just be sure that your Wi-Fi extends to this area.

Private gym: Instead of driving out to the gym, you can create your own with some rubber tiles and equipment. Garages are ideally solid and won’t cause a fuss if you scuff the floors or scratch a wall.

Hobby room: Whether you're into painting, robotics, pottery, woodwork, or crafts, your garage can be transformed into a spacious studio. Here creativity can flow freely and your passions enjoyed to your heart’s content. For hobbies needing harsh chemicals, be sure your space is properly ventilated.

Home theatre: Darken the space, add some cosy seating, a projector, and a screen, and you've got a home theatre perfect for movie nights. If your garage is close to your neighbour's home, consider soundproofing to prevent any disturbances.

Music studio: Whether you’re a serious musician or your children are learning their first instrument, a converted garage can become a haven for music sessions or recordings.

Children's playroom: Convert your space into a play paradise with storage for toys, a playhouse, rubber floor mats or soft, durable carpets, and creative play zones. This set-up works best if you have easy access and your garage leads out to the backyard for playtime.

Guest room or rental space: By increasing your living areas, you can have another option for keeping guests comfortable or creating an extra revenue stream for your household.

Gardening shed: If you are blessed with a green thumb, your garage can be a year-round gardening hub with potting tables, storage for tools, and space for plants.

Relaxation studio: Create a tranquil oasis with soft lighting, mats, and calming decor for yoga and meditation sessions. Throw in some comfy chairs and sinks and you even have the start to your own private spa room.

Library or reading nook: If you have trouble finding a silent sanctuary, you can install bookshelves and bring in comfy chairs to turn your garage into a quiet reading retreat.

Game room: The perfect space to bring families and friends together, the game room can include all your favourites. Think pinball machines, a pool table, dartboards, and comfy seating for a fun recreation area. You can even include an indoor golf driving range, VR space, or a ten-pin bowling alley.

Bar or entertainment lounge: Expand your hosting opportunities by installing a bar counter, some high stools, a sound system, and ambient lighting for a hangout spot.

Photography studio: The controlled environment of a garage can make it an ideal space for setting up backdrops, lights, and camera equipment.

Home business operations: Did you know that companies like Google, Amazon, and Walt Disney had humble roots in garages? You can also use the space for your online retail inventory storage, small-scale production unit, side business or start-up.

Pet grooming station: Instead of creating a mudslide outside or having wet paw prints mess up your floors, why not repurpose your garage for a pet spa? With the right furniture and supplies, your garage can keep your fur babies clean and looking their best.

Your home should inspire you

With a creative touch, your garage can be reimagined into a new space that fits your needs. Truly, your home’s potential is only limited by your imagination. When it comes to finding such homes, ripe with opportunity and promise, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty stands as the gold standard. Browse our selection of exceptional properties and make contact with our team to set up a viewing.

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