Guide to Garages and Garage Doors on the Web

Garages, like basements and attics, are square footage waiting to bloom! If you're not using it as parking for your car or other motorized vehicles, consider transforming it into a more usable space that will add value to your home. This transformation doesn't have to be a drastic one - it could simply be the addition of more shelving and storage for better overall organization or a work area with a work bench and storage for tools. A portion of it could become a mud room to keep wet winter clothing and shoes outside the house and, better yet, keep those dirty clothes from smelling up the house and put the laundry area in the garage. Another, albeit more costly option, would be to consider the addition of a guest apartment complete with bathroom and kitchenette - this could be added on top of the garage adding more square footage to your home. Even if you continue to use your garage to store your vehicles, you can still incorporate upgrades to the space to increase your home's value:

• Add an efficient storage and organization system.
• Add a compact work area or garden center – all you need is a short stretch of garage wall space.
• Paint the garage floor with an epoxy paint - consider different colors.
• Install polyvinyl mats on the garage floor - these mats are laid in place, not affixed to the concrete and they are waterproof, mildew-proof, and non-slip and come in a variety of patterns and colors.
• Install a new garage door - doesn't add space, but does add visual appeal!

How-Tos Tips and Techniques

• Building a Garage 1 - Introduction
  With the advent of garage kits, including pre-cut studs, assembled roof trusses and metal fasteners to the home building market, even a novice can do it. » More from DoItYourself.com
• Garage Door Systems, Springs and Openers
  Understanding your garage door system, its operating mechanism and maintenance needs will help you keep it safe and in lasting condition. » More from Bob Vila
• Garage Prep Steps
  Garage remodels and additions are fast becoming one of the most popular home improvement projects, primarily because there are so many possibilities for homeowners to choose from. » More from Service Magic
• 10 Garage Door Safety and Security Tips
  The Overhead Door Corporation has prepared this list of tips for keeping everyone and everything safe and secure. » More from About.com
• Replacing Garage Door Rollers and Hinges
  How to put a derailed roller back on the right track. » More from The Natural Handyman
• Garage Clutter Busters
  No room to park your car? These garage organization tips and tricks will help you clear, declutter and reclaim it. » More from DIY Network
• Customize Your Garage Door
  Give your home's facade a facelift with a designer door. » More home maintenance from Move.com
• Candice's Design Tips: Garage Transformations
  See what Candice says she could have done better. » More from HGTV

Video How-Tos

This Old House: How to Install a Garage Door Tom Silva shows how to assemble and hang a new garage door.	Bob Vila: Installing Custom-Style Insulated Cedar Faced Garage Doors Bob and Kevin take a look at new garage doors.
DIY Network: Broken Glass on Garage Door How to replace a garage door window.	HGTV: Garage Transformation A cluttered garage becomes an elegant but kid-friendly family room.

Projects and Repairs

• Danny Lipford: How to Build a Built-in Garage Workbench
• DIY Advice: Painting a Basement or Garage Floor
• DoItYourself.com: Garage Ceiling Insulation Guide
• This Old House: How to Epoxy-Coat a Garage Floor
• HGTV: Building a Tool Storage System
• About.com Home Repair: Remove Oil Stains from a Concrete Floor

Inspiration and Ideas

• Repair Home: Garage Samples and Prices
• Judges' Tips: Garage Transformations
• This Old House: From Garage to Comfy Rec Room
• DIY Network: Extraordinary Garage Makeovers
• BHG: 10 Ways to Upgrade Your Garage
• Move.com: Garage Gets a New Life

Finding Help

• Service Magic: Working with Garage Contractors and Find a Garage Contractor
• DoItYourself.com: Find a Contractor
• Mr. Handyman Garage Services
• Reliable Remodeler: Find Local Contractors
• Bob Vila: Hire a Contractor