| 1) Automatic Garage Door Closer | | | | showroom look you find in many dealerships. Epoxy |
| If you have an automatic garage door opener, then | | | | will cost you more than paint, and you'll also have to |
| why not an automatic garage door closer to go with | | | | do more preparation work, but the result will be |
| it? I've had mine for several years now, and it | | | | worth the extra cost and effort. You can also opt |
| continues to work flawlessly. The peace of mind | | | | for professional installation as most retailers offer the |
| alone is worth every single penny I spent. It's no | | | | service. Garage floor tiles and mats are also options |
| secret that a garage door left open overnight, or | | | | to consider. Tiles are typically 16 by 16 inches, and |
| while you're away during the day, is an open | | | | you can get them in a variety of colors. They |
| invitation to thieves of all sorts. With an automatic | | | | interlock with each other to hold everything together, |
| closer, you'll rest assured knowing your garage is | | | | and they'll make your floor look absolutely incredible. |
| secure. They're very easy to install with an existing | | | | Mats come in many different shapes and sizes to fit |
| opener, and typically, they can be programmed to | | | | your needs. They're basically designed to contain |
| close anywhere from two minutes to an hour after | | | | automotive fluids, and all the muck your vehicle drags |
| the door was opened. Additionally, they have a | | | | in with it. |
| separate override button in case you want your | | | | 4) Pegboard |
| garage door open for an extended period of time. | | | | Pegboard is nothing new to home garages. However, |
| Adding an automatic closer is one of the best things | | | | there are plenty of modern innovative shelves, |
| you can do for your garage. | | | | hooks, bins, and containers that fit into pegboard. |
| 2) Parking Guide | | | | You can find these items at any home improvement |
| It's not uncommon to find an assortment of parking | | | | center. You can use them for lawn and garden tools, |
| scratches and bruises in residential garages. One of | | | | household hardware, winter clothing, hand tools, etc. |
| the most popular remedies is the old tennis ball on a | | | | Pegboard is the most versatile type of organizer you |
| string hanging from the ceiling trick. This is a time | | | | can use. Basic pegboard is a little flimsy, but you can |
| tested remedy that works, but there are also | | | | make it stronger by adding more supports when you |
| modern solutions as well. Enter laser and proximity | | | | mount it. You can also paint it to fit the theme of |
| parking guides. Laser guides typically attach to the | | | | your garage. There are also other types of pegboard |
| ceiling on or near the garage door opener. When the | | | | such as plastic and metal, which are available in |
| door is opened, the laser is activated and lights up a | | | | different colors. Of course, they're a little more |
| beam. All you have to do is line up the beam to a | | | | expensive, but they're also stronger, so you can use |
| particular spot on your dashboard when your vehicle | | | | them to hold heavier items. No matter which type of |
| is already parked. Then, each time you pull in, let the | | | | pegboard you use, it'll help you control clutter which is |
| preset beam show you where to stop. You can get | | | | one of the most common problems in residential |
| just a single laser or a dual-laser depending on the | | | | garages. |
| needs of your garage. Proximity sensors, unlike | | | | 5) Light Switch |
| lasers, mount on the wall you approach when you | | | | Another way to modernize your garage is to |
| park in your garage. With these, you simply preset | | | | upgrade the light switch with one that's illuminated |
| the distance between your bumper and the sensor. | | | | when the lights are off. This eliminates fumbling |
| Then, as you approach, the sensor will tell you when | | | | around looking for the switch while leaning over, and |
| to stop. Some models even act like a stoplight, with | | | | holding the entry door open for enough light to find |
| a yellow caution lamp, followed by a red stop lamp. | | | | the switch. Even better, it's inexpensive and easy to |
| 3) Floor Covering | | | | do yourself. With basic knowledge of electricity, all |
| Garage floor coverings are not only practical, but | | | | you have to do is turn off the breaker that feeds |
| they really make a difference in the overall | | | | the switch and wire up the new switch the same |
| appearance of your garage. When talking about | | | | way. There are no additional wires to worry about. |
| coverings, there are many different types including | | | | The end result is a mild orange glow that's easy to |
| garage floor paint, epoxy, tiles, and mats. Paint is | | | | find in the dark. Another option is to add motion |
| certainly the least expensive method, but also the | | | | sensors to your garage lights so they come on as |
| highest maintenance method. Paint will protect and | | | | soon as you open the door. You can even get |
| make your garage look much better, but you will | | | | motion bases that screw into standard sockets. Once |
| have to add a new coat probably once a year. | | | | installed, all you have to do is screw in the light bulb |
| Epoxy is similar to paint, but it's thicker, and much | | | | as usual. This is a clever way to have motion |
| more durable. It'll give your garage floor that | | | | activated lighting without having to do any wiring. |