In the past, people thought of a garage simply as a convenient space to put a vehicle or store holiday decorations. Though these are certainly two excellent uses for a garage space, today's homeowners are finding that a garage is well suited for much more. In a place where space is expensive, like Philadelphia, garage remodels are an excellent way to increase the amount of useable room for your household. Don't worry, there will still be plenty of room for some plastic pumpkins, and maybe even a car or two!
Benefits of Garage Remodeling in Philadelphia
Making the most of the space you have is a must in Philadelphia. Garage renovation takes the space you already have available and turns it into more than just covered parking. Utilizing a space that already exists is much less expensive than creating additional space. Though many garages in the city might seem to already be filled to capacity, when approached with a well thought out plan, even these relatively cramped areas are versatile enough to perform multiple functions.
In addition to the benefits of creating more useable space, Philadelphia garage remodels are also a good way to increase security (always a concern) and improve function. The difference between a squeaking, sticking garage door and one that operates smoothly and quietly at the touch of a button is immense. Vehicles in the city of brotherly love are subjected to a full range of weather conditions, not to mention an unfortunately high crime rate. A garage that doesn't properly protect your vehicle from theft, vandalism, or the elements can be transformed in a matter of weeks (or even days) into a secure and attractive place to house your second biggest investment.
Ideas for Philadelphia Garage Remodeling
If you generally use your garage to park your car, a remodel should create as much room as possible while still leaving space for your vehicle. Adding shelves and other storage system elements is a good starting point, but many find that creating a small storage attic for the garage will create enough extra room to add a workplace (or a pool table) while keeping enough space free for your car.
If you're used to parking in a driveway and use the garage solely for storage, consider adding a small shed on your property to house some items and converting the rest of the garage into a living space. As most garages are very near or attached to a house, it is generally not a difficult process to add heat, AC, or running water to it. Some homeowners have even converted their garages to a permanent living space. In Philadelphia, garage renovation can mean an extra bedroom for expanding families or a fully functional home office for those who work at home. Some have even turned freestanding garages into guest houses!
Philadelphia Garage Remodeling Prices
As with any other home improvement project, make sure to shop around before you make a final decision on who will do your work. In Philadelphia, garage remodeling starts at around $5,000 and can go higher than $10,000 for a particularly involved project. The work usually takes between a few weeks and a month to complete, though, unlike jobs in the house (such as kitchen remodeling), the crew you hire will not need to access the house for most of the duration and will cause relatively little disruption of your daily routine. 
Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.