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Garage Features Could Reduce Your Home Value

ByStan S.

HOME BUYERS – To get the best exclusive listings visit www.vreg.ca and go to “EXCLUSIVE DEALS”

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When making home upgrades, we often think about the impact we’ll have on resale value when we go to list the home. To that end, many homeowners assume that new features and updates automatically add value for the next buyer. But that’s not always the case—especially when it comes to your garage. 

“Believe it or not, your garage can make or break a potential buyer’s first impression,” says Matt Cook, a home inspection expert and director of business for HomeTeam Inspection Service. Learn the common garage features that experts say can actually detract from your home’s overall value in the eyes of potential buyers. 

1. The Garage’s Condition

Because the garage is often the first room in the house that a potential buyer sees, Cook says these spaces can make or break a first impression. “For instance, a garage that’s overflowing with clutter or lacking basic organization might make buyers think, ‘If they didn’t care about this space, what else might be neglected,’” he says. “Similarly, a dented or malfunctioning garage door can signal costly repairs ahead—and no one wants to deal with that right after moving in.” 

Try to look at your garage in its current state from the eyes of a potential buyer. Which features look good, and what is lacking? “Poor lighting or a lack of outlets can also make the garage feel less useful, while visible cracks or water damage on the floor might hint at deeper structural issues,” Cook points out. 

By caring for the garage you have and keeping it clean and in good repair, Cook says you can positively impact your home value. “On the flip side, a clean, well-lit garage with a solid floor and proper ventilation can give buyers confidence that the home has been cared for,” he says.

2. Major (or Unnecessary) Upgrades

If you’re looking to make upgrades to your garage, be sure to choose carefully. Renovations can be costly and time consuming and difficult to reverse, which can affect your resale value. Some common garage upgrades include adding storage, cabinetry, epoxy flooring, closets, new garage doors and fresh paint. 

Cook points out that going overboard with any of these major upgrades can turn off some buyers. “For instance, if you’ve turned your garage into a showroom for your luxury cars or installed specialty features that cater to a niche hobby, buyers might struggle to see how they could use the space for their own needs,” Cook says. “It’s all about balance—enhance the space, but keep it versatile.” 

The same can be said for strong design choices. “One of the most common mistakes I see when it comes to garages that can really detract from your home’s value is overcrowded or overly specific garage renovations,” says Aaron Tetzlaff, an agent with Coldwell Banker Warburg. “For most potential buyers, seeing red lacquered shelving with black and white checkerboard flooring is almost an instant turn off. Similarly, garages with mechanic’s pits, may be useful, but buyers with children and pets are often very concerned with safety.”

3. Garages That Are Too Full for Parking

Whatever you do, be careful not to impact the parking space in your garage or the perceived size. “Many older homes have garages that simply don’t fit today’s larger vehicles, which can leave buyers feeling frustrated,” Cook says. “If your garage is too small or awkwardly shaped, it can feel more like a storage shed than a functional space.” 

Cook adds that garages with tight turns, narrow doorways, or a lack of headroom can also make parking difficult. “A well-designed, spacious garage is a selling point, while one that feels cramped or inconvenient could leave buyers second-guessing,” Cook adds. 

4. Garage Conversions or Additions

If you’re looking to covert your garage to a living space, consider the pros and cons carefully. “Turning a garage into a home gym, office, or extra living space might seem like a great idea, but it’s not always a hit with buyers,” Cook cautions. “Many people still want a functional garage for parking or storage. While a conversion can appeal to a niche market, it might turn off buyers who need a traditional garage. If you’re considering a conversion, think about how easy it would be to revert the space back to its original purpose.”

Consider too, that many buyers will still expect a parking solution even with a garage conversion. “Buyers often get very frustrated and are left with a sour feeling when they see garage conversions for an additional bedroom or living space yet neglect to provide alternative parking arrangements,” Tetzlaff says. 

And if you’re looking to build a new garage or add onto an existing garage keep in mind that the overall size and layout matters greatly to new buyers. “A garage’s location and ease of use are more important than you might think,” Cook says. “Awkward entry points or tight spaces can turn off potential buyers, especially in urban areas where every square foot counts. If a garage doesn’t offer enough room for multiple vehicles or easy maneuvering, buyers might see it as a dealbreaker. The goal is to make the garage feel functional and convenient—not like an obstacle course.”

How to Decide If Upgrades Are Worth It

Ultimately, many experts agree you should make your home your own personal oasis, even if that means potentially alienating future buyers. That said, don’t solely make updates and investments because you think it will lead to better resale value. 

“Garages typically tend to be the least designed spaces in our homes. When thinking about making the most of your garage, I always advise to make whatever alterations you’re thinking of making – moveable or non-permanent,” Tetzlaff says. “When going to sell your home too, do not forget to go the extra mile and make sure that your garage is clean and tidy, and well lit.”

And if you’re looking for ways to add appeal to your home via the garage, there are tons of small updates you can make to add impact. 

“Start with basic maintenance: clean the floors, fix any cracks, and make sure the door and opener are in good working order,” Cook says. “A fresh coat of paint or some bright lighting can do wonders. Keep the space neat and organized and avoid overly personal upgrades that could limit its appeal. Remember, buyers are looking for a space they can imagine using, so make your garage feel like a blank canvas with potential.”

“There are a number of quick and relatively easy updates to a garage that will help you sell your home from planters to new lighting and a fresh coat of paint,” he says. “None of these things will matter much, though if your garage has a leaky roof, maybe broken window panes, too few parking stalls, or a general lack of maintenance. If you can focus on the basics first, you’ll be in a great position.”

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    7 Things in Your Garage You Should Never Throw Away

    ByStan S.

    If decluttering the garage is one of your house projects to tackle this season, there are a few things you should think twice about tossing. The garage often becomes a dumping ground for leftover building materials, old paint, and items that no longer work, but you don’t necessarily want to get rid of. These things can take up valuable storage room, so a seasonal garage declutter is always a good idea. As you take inventory of the space, consider this list of items you shouldn’t throw away. It includes items that need to be disposed of in a specific way because they are considered hazardous waste, as well as things you could need down the road and would regret getting rid of. 1. Leftover Paint If there are half-empty cans of leftover paint sitting on your garage shelves, avoid throwing them in the trash. Oil-based paints are flammable and can pose a serious environmental risk and fire hazard. Any cans of leftover oil-based paint, solvents, and thinners are considered hazardous waste and need to be disposed of safely. Check your town’s guidelines for hazardous waste disposal—some municipalities have a designated drop-off location for these items while others collect them periodically throughout the year. 2. Materials from Home Improvement Projects It’s tempting to throw out leftover materials once you’re done with a home improvement project, especially if they are cluttering your garage. Whether it’s extra quarter-rounds or leftover floorboards, avoid throwing building materials away as you may need them down the road if something needs to be replaced or repaired. This is especially important if the materials are not standard size and can’t easily be repurchased, if they have been discontinued, or if you had them custom made. 3. Gasoline Cans For maximum safety, gasoline cans should not be stored in a garage that is attached to your home given their flammability. If you have extra containers of gasoline in a detached garage that are old and taking up valuable storage space, don’t just throw them in the garbage can. Because gasoline can easily catch on fire inside your trash can or once it’s in the garbage truck, safe disposal is essential. Drop gasoline cans off at your local hazardous waste collection site, at a recycling center if they accept them, or your local fire station. x 4. Infrequently Used Tools The best solution for a cluttered garage isn’t always to toss everything that’s not used frequently, sometimes it’s just implementing a better organizational system. You may want to throw away tools and garden equipment you don’t use frequently, however chances are you will need to repurchase the tool once you need it again. Instead of throwing these items away, store them on a high shelf or other out-of-the-way location in the garage so they are not taking up prime real estate but remain accessible when needed. 5. Sentimental Items If you have boxes of sentimental items in the garage, don’t throw them out because you may regret it later. Instead, figure out the best way to store the meaningful items so they don’t take up excessive room and are safe from weather-related damage. If your garage is not temperature regulated, transfer sentimental things like photos, old letters, and textiles into plastic tubs or airtight storage bags instead of keeping them in cardboard boxes. This will help prevent moisture-related damage as well as keep pests and odors away. 6. Old Electronics The garage often becomes a dumping ground for old electronics that no longer work. Whether it’s a VCR you haven’t used in decades or a bag of old remote controls, these items waste valuable storage space, but shouldn’t be thrown in the garbage can. Because of their internal mechanisms and batteries that they use, electronics can be flammable and should be disposed of safely. Do a walkthrough of your garage and collect all unused electronics that need to be discarded, then check your local guidelines for safely getting rid of them at a recycling site or other collection center. 7.Light Bulbs Old and extra light bulbs seem to always end up in a box on a garage shelf, wasting storage space that could be used for other items. Before you go ahead and throw them away however, check to see what type of light bulbs they are. If they are fluorescent bulbs or any type of light bulb that contains mercury, they should not be thrown in the garbage can. Not only can they break and the shattered glass cause damage, the mercury content, however small, can be harmful to humans and the environment.

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    8 Expert Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During a Natural Disaster

    ByStan S.

    Whether you live in an area prone to tornadoes, wildfires, or earthquakes, having an emergency preparedness plan in place can make all the difference in keeping your family, including your pets, safe. We spoke with pet safety experts to learn exactly what you can—and should—do for different types of natural disasters and what you should keep on hand in case of emergency. Roxana Petzold is the pet services senior program manager at the American Red Cross. Susan Anderson is the senior director of disaster response at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). 1. Put Together an Emergency Kit Pack a bag to grab quickly if you have to evacuate or shelter. Include enough pet supplies for 7–10 days, including food, water, medications, and bowls. Add a photo of you and your pet in case you get separated. Check expiration dates and update the kit twice a year. 2. Create a Plan There are many circumstances you can’t control, but being prepared is one you can. Build a plan that outlines what you’ll do if an emergency were to occur. Know what kind of natural disasters are most likely to occur in your area and create a plan for each one. Draft additional plans for scenarios like flooding, power or water outages, and house fires. To assist you, use a printable checklist found on aspca.org , then practice your family’s emergency plan. “Everyone should have an assigned role,” says Roxana Petzold, pet services senior program manager at the American Red Cross. “Who’s grabbing which bag? Who’s got the dog?”  3. Download a Pet First Aid App The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app is a great resource for emergencies, including step-by-step instructions for common health and safety issues. You can also connect your vet info and find emergency hospitals and pet-friendly hotels. Keep this on your phone and explore the different resources, so if there is an emergency, you can more easily navigate it. 4. Know What to Do If There’s a Fire If there’s a wildfire and you need to evacuate, your pets should always go with you. That means creating a plan with potential places to shelter that will take pets. Since you can’t guarantee all evacuation sites will accept animals, research this now. Never let your pet near damaged property after a fire, and if air quality is poor, limit time outside.  If the fire is in your house, however, Susan Anderson, ASPCA senior director of disaster response, says, “Don’t go back in to grab your pet, as difficult as this is.” Consider adding a pet alert decal to one of your windows so first responders know there are pets in your home. 5. Practice Taking Shelter for Tornadoes and Large Storms If you need to take cover based on weather alerts and warnings, your pet does too. Go to the lowest level of your home in a room with no windows. After the storm, “Your pet might experience stress, fear, and disorientation. Familiar scents and landmarks might have changed,” Petzold says. Keep pets away from damaged electrical wires and trees, and look for debris on the ground that could be a hazard. Also, be aware that wildlife could have taken shelter in your home. 6. Prepare for a Hurricane or Flooding If local officials issue evacuation orders, follow the same protocol as for a fire. “Never tether pets to a pole or a tree or anything that would prevent them from getting to a safe area,” Anderson says. If you can’t evacuate and there’s a risk of flooding, go to the highest level of your house. After a hurricane or flood, don’t let your pets drink standing water, as it can be contaminated.  7. Be Aware of What to Do If There’s an Earthquake Unlike other natural disasters, earthquakes often happen without warning. If you live in an area where they might occur, it’s important to have large furniture anchored to walls to protect people and animals from falling objects. For any disaster, but especially for earthquakes, identify places in your home where your pet might hide when scared. Additionally, be sure your pets are microchipped and the info is up-to-date.  8. Be Cautious in Extreme Temperatures  “If you don’t want to be outside, your pet shouldn’t be either,” Anderson says. In the cold, put jackets on small or short-haired pets as they have less natural protection. In the heat, test walking surfaces with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Treat an overheated pet with cooling packs or cold water on the head or armpits.

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    5 Summer Habits That Might Be Spiking Your Utility Bills (and What to Do Instead)

    ByStan S.

    Credit: Getty Images / StockSeller_ukr Summer weather is ideal for enjoying the pool, the yard, and the sun, but after being outside for a few hours, it can also be a great relief to step into an air-conditioned home. These hot temperatures often cause many homeowners to adopt certain habits that are more wasteful than helpful. In an attempt to escape the heat, keep the house cool, and maintain the lushness of the yard, it can be all too tempting to try things that actually increase utility bills, costing you more in the long run for minimal relief. Use this guide to discover what summer habits secretly spike utility bills and what to do instead. Scott Levene is the vice president of Levco, a fuel and HVAC solutions company. He is also a licensed HVAC professional with nearly 20 years of experience. Read on to discover the ways you might be increasing your monthly bills without even realizing. 1. Cooling Unused Areas of the House Air conditioners help to cool down the home, but when you aren’t actively using specific rooms, there is no need to keep the doors open to these areas of the home. Central air conditioning systems might still provide some cooling to these areas through the ductwork, but ultimately, the cooling capabilities will be more focused in the central areas of the home where the thermostat is typically located. Closing certain doors allows the temperature to drop more effectively in the areas you are actually using, while saving energy. This particular trick works incredibly well for window and standing air conditioners, since their output is already focused in a single area of the home. 2. Running Fans 24/7 Fans can help move cool air throughout the home and provide direct relief to individuals who are near the fan. 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Use a Programmable Thermostat When you have a regular thermostat, it’s your responsibility to change the temperature throughout the day and when you leave the home. “Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature. We recommend 76°F to 78°F when you’re home and 78°F to 80°F when you’re away,” Levene says. With a programmable thermostat, you can simply set a specific schedule based on when you leave for work, when you typically go to sleep, and when you wake, so you can reduce energy waste without even thinking about it. 2. Set Up a Rain Barrel Constantly watering the lawn is a huge waste of water, and it can quickly add up on your water bill. Instead, use one or more rain barrels in the yard to catch and collect rain. The collected water

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    5 Popular Home Projects You Should Skip This Summer and Save for Winter

    ByStan S.

    Summertime is an excellent opportunity to get a head start on a few home improvement projects, but not every job benefits from the heat and humidity of the season. Bubbling paint, unsafe temperatures in the attic, and waiting for more comfortable working conditions are all reasons you should consider putting off certain jobs this summer. And before you think you’re off the hook from any DIY renovations this season, we rounded up a few that are worth focusing on now, while the weather is warm and favorable for outdoor work. Ron Shimek is the president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, a leading provider of property maintenance, repair, and improvement services. 5 Projects to Skip This Summer and Save for Winter Ron Shimek of Mr. Handyman shares his top picks for home improvement to-dos that are better left for winter. 1. Fixture and Hardware Upgrades While you’re spending time indoors during the winter, you might notice more things about your house that you want to change or upgrade, or you might be looking for quick and easy ways to add more interest, personality, and style to your home. Swapping out your fixtures and hardware can give your home a fresh look in a matter of minutes, and you can stay warm indoors while you work. “Upgrading light fixtures, cabinet pulls, door handles, or even installing smart home devices can significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic and functionality without being weather-dependent,” explains Shimek. 2. Insulation and Weather Stripping Spending time in your attic messing with insulation in the summer is probably the last thing you want to do, but there are other reasons to put off this project until cooler weather arrives. In the winter, you’ll be better able to identify cold spots leaking in from damaged weather stripping and other flaws in your home’s insulation. 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Minor Remodels The key here is minor, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time indoors during the winter, so whatever construction you do will likely happen while the whole family is underfoot. It is best to schedule these projects during the winter when the weather can be unstable. “These indoor projects don’t rely on good weather and can significantly improve the comfort and functionality of your home during the months you use them most,” says Shimek. Low-key bath and kitchen remodels are both projects you can move from your summertime to-do list to your wintertime schedule. 5. Dryer Vent and Chimney Cleaning “These are crucial safety projects, especially as you begin to use your dryer more frequently and your fireplace for warmth,” says Shimek. Hiring professionals to clean your dryer vent can reduce your fire risk, while a professional chimney cleaning can prevent creosote buildup. Creosote is a tar-like byproduct of smoke from wood-burning fires that forms on the interior of the chimney. It can be a fire hazard and a health risk. Get these projects squared away early in the season to ensure your home is safe and prepared for the cold weather ahead. Related 5 Projects to Do Instead This Summer When the weather is nice and you are eager for a home improvement project, get a jump on these projects that are ideal for summertime. 1. Exterior Painting Hold off on exterior painting until days when the temperature is warm and the humidity is low. In some areas, particularly in the South, this might mean starting or completing the project early or late in the season, when the weather is moderate. These conditions are ideal for allowing paint to dry properly without cracking, bubbling, or mildew issues, says Shimek. 2. Deck and Patio Refinishing One bonus of the summer heat is how quickly it dries surfaces, like when a sudden summer rainstorm hits and the puddles vanish before our eyes after the sun comes out. It turns out that this phenomenon is also beneficial when it comes to pressure washing, staining, sealing, and sanding patios and decks. Shimek says the warm, dry conditions help the materials dry properly, which means they should last longer. 3. Window and Door Work Consider any window-related projects for another early- or late-season job. “Replacing windows and exterior doors is less disruptive when the weather is mild, as it exposes the interior of your home to the elements for a period,” says Shimek. He also advises replacing or repairing window screens during this time. 4. Gutter Repair and Installation Summer is a great time to repair, install, and clean out your gutters. “With less rain and

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    Can You Take Garden Plants with You When Moving? A Lawyer Weighs In

    ByStan S.

    Key Takeaways Inform your realtor and potential buyers about garden plants you’ll take when you move. Ensure the written contract clearly states that you are taking certain plants with you. Real estate laws vary between states so check with a local attorney on your exact personal property rights. You’ve spent years tending to the rose bush in your front yard and are dreading leaving it behind when you move next month. Not so fast—there are ways you can bring your prized garden plants with you as long as you abide by your state’s real estate laws. We spoke with Patrick Loftus, a Chicago-based real estate attorney, about how to legally take your favorite plants with you from one house to the next. Communication Is Key In general, if you have your heart set on taking certain home fixtures with you, it’s better to decide and communicate about it as early as possible—whether it’s that beloved rose bush or your refrigerator. “The best time to negotiate would be before accepting a buyer’s offer,” Loftus says. “Setting expectations is one of the keys to a smooth transaction. If you don’t want a fight on closing day, make sure you clearly communicate your intentions to the buyer in addition to putting it in the contract.” You can get even more ahead of potential landscaping questions by proactively communicating with your realtor. That way, they can inform potential buyers if they inquire about your plants during an open house or private tour. But regardless of how early you communicate your intentions to take any garden plants with you, everything should be written down. Related Get It in Writing Unfortunately, a verbal agreement and a handshake don’t go very far in real estate these days. “Everything needs to be in the written contract when it comes to real estate,” Loftus says. “It’s a concept called Statute of Frauds here in Illinois. There’s really no other way to have an enforceable promise when it comes to real estate in Illinois.” To ensure you’re staying above board, declare your intentions to take your landscaping with you in the buyer contract as clearly as possible. “There is a section in standard contracts that realtors are provided that lists personal property that comes with the home at no additional cost,” Loftus says. “As a seller, I would make sure that box (landscaping and vegetation) was not checked before signing the contract.” Exact verbiage may vary, so consulting with a real estate attorney in your area is always a safe bet before you finalize a contract. Consequences of Sneaking Off with Your Plants Yes, it can be tedious to take extra steps and negotiate your landscaping with a buyer, but breaching your contract is much worse. “If you take property that was supposed to be left per the contract, you’ll probably be reimbursing the buyer for the cost to restore the property you took with you,” Loftus says. Rather than risk that, you might as well just buy a new plant and start fresh in your new garden. Bottom Line: Is It Worth the Hassle? Moving is stressful enough—you’re already uprooting your life. Do you really need to uproot your plants, too? It all comes down to sentimentality. “Removing and taking landscaping from your home is probably going to be more hassle than it’s worth in the end, but if there is some super special thing in the yard that you can’t bear to part with, make sure your intentions are clear,” Loftus says. Real estate law varies from state to state and can also be subject to municipal code. Connect with a real estate lawyer in your area if you have legal questions prior to selling your home.

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