Designing Your Garage For Aging-in-Place
Don’t overlook your garage while you’re making changes to your home for convenience and safety. A well-designed and organized garage is a great place for hobbies from crafts to cars. Golden Home Management is here to help you get your home ready for aging in place. Our monthly maintenance plan covers the little things, and your home coordinator can assist with bigger projects by finding the right solution for whatever need your home has.
Make Your Garage a Safe and Accessible Space
First, make getting into and around your garage easier with a low-threshold or zero-step entrance. We are frequently focused on a task and carrying something when we go in and out of our garages which makes eliminating trip hazards important. Garage flooring should be slip-resistant as well. You can achieve this with rubber or textured tile, or with a texturized paint-on product. When your flooring has some grip it makes slips less likely even with wet shoes.
Having enough lighting, and the right kind of lighting, in your garage also promotes a safe working environment. Motion lighting at entrances is a great idea so you have good visibility even if your hands are too full to flip a switch. Add some task lighting at work benches and storage areas for best functionality.
Speaking of storage – find solutions to hold your tools, cords, and other things that accumulate in garages. Having a place to put everything is the best way to keep pathways clear, giving you a safe environment to move around in.
Create a Comfortable, Functional Garage
How you use your garage will determine what you need for it to be most functional and comfortable for you. Having an automated garage door is almost a given these days, but if you do have an older, thin metal door consider upgrading to a reinforced & insulated one. It keeps your garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer without changing anything else. If you do any hobbies or crafting in your garage having a comfortable environment without needing heat or a/c is a big bonus. Even if you don’t spend much time in your garage insulated doors will help protect anything you store there so you can convert your garage into a mini-butler’s pantry.
Having good ventilation in your garage is both for comfort and for safety. We commonly use and store chemicals in our garages that can produce dangerous fumes. Good ventilation also helps keep the air clear of dust and debris while you’re working on a project. Finally, make sure your garage has necessary emergency supplies such as fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
Whether your garage is just in need of some reorganization or it’s time to make some bigger upgrades Golden Home Management can help. Our goal is to help you keep your home in tip top shape while you enjoy your time doing less mundane things. We encourage our clients to prioritize safety and security as they age in place. Your home is a great place for you to remain as long as you’ve taken steps to make a few adjustments based on your needs. Reach out to us today and let us know how we can help you.