If you fancy yourself a handyman or even just a weekend warrior, you probably spend a fair amount of time in your garage. Garage space is far from just a storage room for your vehicle–or old belongings–so for today’s post, Part 1 of a two-part post, we’re going to highlight the first 5 of our Top 10 Essentials for a Handyman’s Garage.

1. Lighting

That boxy garage light awkwardly placed in the center of the ceiling leaves much to be desired when you’re trying to work on your weekend project. So, you want lights that will:

  • Provide enough visibility at night or when the garage door is down,
  • Not so bright that they annoy the neighbors,
  • Not incite those neighbors to observe what you’re doing and ask whether you can do work on their houses, too!

Well-placed ceiling and front-wall fluorescent fixtures prove easy fixes for lackluster lights. If a new installation is not an option, consider investing in a few high-beam portable work lights. These can move around the space as you do and be conveniently stored when not in use. Another alternative is to buy a photographer’s floodlight and use it on a clamp or tripod for quality lighting at an affordable price.

2. Lift

If working on your car is one of your passions, then having the space in your garage is probably an ideal workspace. But, trying to work on your car can often be hindered because of limited access to its underside. Enter: the lift.

A hydraulic floor jack with three-ton capacity allows you to easily access otherwise impossible parts of your vehicle, including the chassis. This type of jack is also a convenient choice because it can be easily stored if you remove the pump handle.

For true car devotees, a portable two-post lift with a large weight limit and storage capacity is ideal for home garages with higher ceilings–it offers the benefits of a traditional two-post lift without the space inconvenience.

3. Premium flooring

One of the most annoying parts of working on projects in the garage is a mess that can leave permanent, ugly stains on your standard concrete floor.

If you do a fair amount on home improvement projects around the house, you may find it worth investing in customized garage floor tiles which interlock and can be easily installed. These tiles are similar to the ones used by professional mechanics and shop owners and are much stronger than your typical floor.

A cheaper option is to apply a two-part epoxy coating, which has good grip and is resistant to grease, dirt, and grime.

4. Drive-through garage

With a standard garage, if you want to take advantage of a nice day, you have to work on your project out in the driveway. This provides the perfect opportunity for nosy neighbors to stop by and pester you.

A drive-through garage will solve any busybody problems and ensure a (theoretically) peaceful space for you to work. It also means:

  • More space to work on your project,
  • More privacy to complete your work,
  • Less of a mess inside your garage,
  • Movable workspace

Adding a second roll-up door will give you the best drive-through garage plan, but a self-made carport can provide the same functions if turning your garage into a drive-through isn’t an option.

5. Air compressor

Battery-powered tools can be bulky, difficult to handle, and usable only for short periods of time. Purchasing an air compressor not only means you can keep your car tires full, but also that you’ll have power for many tools such as spray guns, wrenches, and drills.

A hose mounted from the ceiling gives you range of motion around the space and won’t get in your way while you’re working. An air compressor will prove incredibly useful, but be courteous about what time of day you use it, since it could be very noisy for your neighbors.

If installing a hose from the ceiling is not reasonable for you, consider a portable air compressor. It’s small enough to put away and can be stored in your car for emergency flat tire fixes.

Be sure to check back soon for Part 2 of our Top 10 Essentials for a Handyman’s Garage. If you’re interested in expanding, adding on or renovating an existing garage, be sure to contact us for a fast, free estimate.

*image: Thinkstock