By Elena Acoba
Special to the Arizona Daily Star
Garages have become the new closets when it comes to organized storage space.
"This is where closet organizing was 30 years ago," Nick Griggs, owner of Premier Garage of Southern Arizona, says of what he calls "garage enhancement."
Modular cabinetry, work counters, hanging baskets and floor coatings make up some of the elements in a garage that's finished to provide out-of-sight storage, work space and a cleaner environment.
"People realize the garage is the biggest room in their home," says Manny Rodriguez, owner of Manny's Organization Station. "It's the last frontier of home remodeling."
Homeowners have begun to recognize that a garage serves as a major storage area and as the primary thoroughfare into the home, Griggs says. That means people want it to look clean and finished, like any other room in the house.
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Many buyers of new homes install cabinets and other storage options shortly after closing, he says. Other new homeowners often realize they want cabinets after they've moved into their home and find they still have stuff to store.
Rodriguez, who has owned his company for 17 years, estimates the cost of cabinets runs from $50 to $90 per linear foot, from the low-end, do-it-yourself assembly products at retail stores to custom-made, installed units.
He sells a 16-foot-long modular cabinet system for between $875 and $1,300, depending on its height, depth and components.
Griggs says installing cabinets in the garage costs less than installing quality cabinets in the kitchen.
He likes to suggest that homeowners install cabinets along one side wall and install a grid system on the opposite wall for hanging items.
Also popular are cabinets with countertops long enough for simple home-repair projects, hobbies and crafting.
Griggs says women love a long counter for stowing grocery bags before bringing them into the house later on.
Ceiling shelves are another way to create storage space. Arizona Garage Cabinets Etc. advertises a 4-by-8-foot overhead storage rack for $399.
Homeowners also want clean floors. Epoxy and other polymer coatings provide a surface that cleans easily. Colors and faux textures continue the idea of a garage as interior space, Griggs says.
"Floor coating has gotten enormously popular. It really looks like an extension of the home."
● Contact freelance writer Elena Acoba at acoba@dakotacom.net.
» Considerations
Home builders now are adding deeper spaces on both sides of the garage door so that homeowners can install cabinets.
Space is limited by several factors, including:
• Garage-door hardware • Vents
• Water-heater stand • Parked cars
• Pedestrian traffic flow
In narrow garages found in older homes, cabinets still can be installed, though there may not be enough room to park a car, cabinet installer Manny Rodriguez says.
Carports also can sport cabinets, as long as there is a roof to protect them, he says.