It's 10 p.m. Do you know where your car is? Probably not in the garage if you're like many people. Most of us suffer from inadequate storage syndrome, and stuff seems to spill over into that handy sort-of-inside space – pushing out the car that used to park there. You still love it but, hey, it can live outside!

A few items, like tools, garden supplies, and some household supplies, have a happy home in a raw vehicle-free space. But many items (like photos, electronics, vinyl records, bedding, and clothes) are affected by temperature fluctuations and damp, and should be stored in the controlled environment of an interior living space.

If your car isn't using that real estate, you may as well take it back for real. You're already partway there to that home office or game room you've always wanted: with no worries about setbacks or digging foundations, you have before you a potential "addition" with many of the details in place. And, whatever use you decide for that space, it can always include storage for some of the items currently stashed there – but in beautiful, efficient, carefully thought out organization modules. You might even include the walk-in closet you've been dreaming of, but with the bonus of a spacious playroom for the kids, an extra bedroom, or even an extended dining area that blends in with your kitchen while opening it up.

Instead of just a garage space with stuff in it, you could have transformed space to enjoy while adding value to your home, such as:

• a game room
• a playroom
• office
• studio
• extra bedroom
• bar/entertaining area
• media/home theater
• sun room
• library
• dining room
• home gym

New mothers or dads working from home have the intriguing opportunity to set up the ideal combination room: play area for toddlers with an office/studio area custom made with a look-through or waist-high barrier wall – so the adult can have visibility and quick access to the child without equal opportunity to those individuals who enjoy paper shredding, computer destruction, and chewing of electrical wires.

A garage conversion is an option to increase your livable space for a lower cost than constructing an entirely new room addition. The details particular to this type of project, however, can be varied and often hold surprises for the layperson. For example, the foundation and slab might need upgrading to meet code for habitable home construction. You've put considerable time into planning the possible uses and looks your converted garage might have. You'll be glad if you dedicate some time to researching the builder you hire to make this plan a positive reality.

As with any other work you have done to your home, it's essential to contract your garage conversion with a licensed professional who has the expertise to do the job right, the integrity to back up his claims, and the ratings and references to assure you of the quality work your home deserves. And, for this type of project, the professional you hire should have a handle on the aesthetics and a concept of the big picture – such as reconfigured driveway and lawn – to make sure your new area is a blended extension of the home and not an obvious former garage.

Innovation Construction Co. Design & Build has "Design" in the name for a reason: expert craftsmanship with an eye for style and a policy of open communication to keep the client's design in mind. We can provide design options or help you develop your own vision.

You might want to check out our YouTube video that demonstrates a start-to-finish conversion of a garage to a spectacular library with multi-use space:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1xFM3QhyaA&feature=youtu.be

Keep an eye out for our next blog post that details the conversion process of this successful local project.

Innovation Construction Co. Design & Build has been locally owned and operated for the past thirty years by builder and remodeling expert Keith Dmytryck – a client-oriented, fourth-generation carpenter/builder dedicated to continually improving his expertise and keeping up with the latest in cutting edge products. Innovation Construction Co. is a trusted local GREEN CERTIFIED (by NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry), member of the Greater Plymouth Builders Association, http://greaterplymouthbuilders.com/, A-Rated on Angie's List -- and A+ BBB-Rated home improvement contractor.

For a free consultation please visit our website www.innovationconst.com, call 508-291-4907, or email Keith at sales@innovationconst.com.

Check out our remodeling reviews on Angie's List.

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Chuckle of the Week

A guy is driving down the road when he sees an old, old man sitting on a stump, bawling his eyes out. So the guy stops the car and asks the old man what's the matter.

"I've had a great life," says the old man. "I'm a successful construction contractor, and I just sold my company to a large corporate builder for gazillions."

The guy says, "So what's the problem?"

The old man snuffles into his sleeve and says, "I built myself a huge mansion with a swimming pool!"

The guy looks puzzled and says, "Okay, so what's the problem?"

The old man wails and says, "I own a fleet of beautiful cars, and my own private jet!"

The guy scratches his head and says, "I'm with you so far, but I still don't see what the problem is."

The old man blows his nose loudly and says, "Yesterday I got married to a 25-year-old Playboy bunny!"

The guy loses his temper. "Dammit, old man - what is your problem?"

The old man sobs piteously. "I can't remember where I live!"