Does Custom Garage Flooring Increase the Value of Your Home?

Rick Blakeney • 11 July 2024

In working with clients in the area, many of them ask me if custom garage flooring will raise their home’s value. As a homeowner, you’re likely interested in home improvements that will not only increase your enjoyment of your house but also increase its value. The good news is that new garage flooring can, in fact, raise your home’s value.

In this article, we’ll cover some topics about how and why a garage floor can impact your resale value. We’ll discuss:

What garage flooring is and the different types available
Factors that influence your home’s value
The benefits of custom garage flooring
Perspectives on real estate
Measuring the cost vs. the ROI

At Golden Gate Garage Storage & Closets, we’ve been creating custom storage spaces, including custom garages with new flooring, since 2016. We offer polyurea epoxy floors as well as rubber tile flooring, and we work with homeowners just like you on a daily basis. I encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

If you’re interested in how a new garage flooring system can impact your home’s value, keep reading!

Understanding Custom Garage Flooring

Customized Garage Flooring: What is it and Why Does it Matter?

Customized garage flooring is all about choosing and installing a surface that not only looks great but also makes your garage more functional. Instead of sticking with a basic concrete slab that can show chips and become stained easily, custom flooring options offer solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you want more durability, better resistance, or just a more attractive space, my team can create the floor you need for parking, storage, working, or even as an additional living space.

Types of Garage Flooring Options

Epoxy Coatings

Description: Epoxy coatings are made by mixing resin with a hardener, which then forms a tough plastic material that bonds well to the concrete floor.
Aesthetic Benefits: These coatings come in a variety of colors and finishes, like high gloss, matte, and even textured options. You can customize patterns and designs to match your style. If you’ve ever admired an automotive showroom’s floor, then you’ve seen an epoxy floor in action.
Functional Benefits: Epoxy floors are durable and resistant to stains, chemicals, and abrasions. Plus, they’re easy to clean and maintain – making them perfect for busy areas. They’re also slip-resistant for the ultimate in garage safety.

Modular Tiles

Description: These are interlocking tiles made from materials like PVC, rubber, or polypropylene, available in many sizes, colors, and patterns.
Aesthetic Benefits: With modular tiles, you can create endless design possibilities by mixing and matching colors and patterns. They’re easy to rearrange or replace if needed. If you want to create a checkerboard pattern, color blocks, or even celebrate your favorite team by using their colors, this is the option for you.
Functional Benefits: These tiles provide cushioning and anti-slip properties, which enhance safety. They’re also resistant to stains, chemicals, and impacts, and they’re able to be driven and walked on immediately.

Polished Concrete

Description: Polished concrete involves grinding the concrete surface with finer abrasives to achieve a smooth, reflective finish.
Aesthetic Benefits: This option offers a sleek, modern look with a high-gloss finish that can be stained or dyed in various colors to match your garage’s decor. Because it’s shiny and not dull, you won’t see tiny chips or imperfections as easily.
Functional Benefits: Polished concrete is extremely durable and long-lasting. It’s resistant to moisture, dust, and allergens – making it a low-maintenance option. It will also be less prone to staining than your typical bare concrete garage floor.

Factors That Influence Home Value

Key Factors Affecting Home Value

As you probably already know, there are quite a few factors that can affect how much your home is worth:

Location: The neighborhood, proximity to schools, parks, shopping centers, and public transportation can impact your home’s value. Homes in desirable areas tend to appreciate more over time, and even those in less desirable places might be worth more as time passes, as long as the area doesn’t get worse.
Market Conditions: The state of the real estate market, whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, interest rates, and overall economy all influence property values. You’ve probably heard of a “seller’s market,” or a “buyer’s market.” During a seller’s market, inventory is low, and homes on the market are bought quickly and often above listing price. In a buyer’s market, the opposite is true – the market is oversaturated with homes, and they are taking longer to sell, so sellers are accepting bids under their listing price.
Property Condition: The age, maintenance, and overall condition of the home are crucial. Well-maintained homes with modern updates tend to attract higher offers. Buyers tend to believe that if someone is putting in updates, they’re also likely keeping up with regular maintenance.
Size and Layout: The square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the overall layout of the home play a role in its value. Functional and spacious layouts are often more appealing to buyers. In recent years, open floor plans have become popular, for example. Many people also prefer the primary bedroom to also have an ensuite bathroom rather than a shared bathroom in the hall.

How Home Improvements Enhance Property Value

Investing in home improvements can significantly boost your property’s value. Here’s how:

Interior Upgrades: Updating kitchens and bathrooms, adding new flooring, updating fixtures, and improving energy efficiency with new windows and insulation can make your home more attractive to buyers.
Exterior Upgrades: Improving your curb appeal with landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, new siding, or a well-maintained roof can create a great first impression. Adding outdoor living spaces, like decks or patios, can also be a big selling point, as families and individuals often like spending time outdoors entertaining or simply reading a book and enjoying the yard.

Functional and Aesthetic Enhancements

Beyond the basics, functional and aesthetic upgrades can make your home stand out. This is where customized garage flooring comes in. An upgraded garage floor not only looks great but also adds a layer of durability and usability to the space. Potential buyers will love the added value of a polished, clean, and functional garage. Some will even consider using it as an extension of the living area rather than just a place to park cars, and this can make the usable square footage (and therefore your home’s value) seem larger.

Benefits of Customized Garage Flooring

Durability and Longevity

One of the biggest benefits of customized garage flooring is its durability and longevity. Unlike standard concrete, which can crack and wear over time, options, like epoxy coatings and modular tiles, are designed to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions. These materials are resistant to stains, chemicals, and impacts – ensuring your garage floor continues to look great for years to come. You won’t have to worry about frequent repairs or replacements – saving you money and hassle in the long run.

Low Maintenance and Easy to Clean

Our garage flooring is also known for being low maintenance and easy to clean. Spills, dirt, and debris can be quickly swept or vacuumed away. You can also use the spray attachment on your garden hose or a mop to do a deeper cleaning. This makes it much simpler to keep your garage looking and smelling clean.

Improved Aesthetics

A well-finished garage floor can boost the overall aesthetics of your home. Custom garage flooring comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes – allowing you to choose a look that complements your personal style and the design of your home. This attention to detail not only makes your garage more pleasant to use but also allows you to use the space as a living area. For example, you might want to set up a “man cave” or a temporary space to host a party.

Safety Features

Safety is another key advantage of customized garage flooring. Many options include slip-resistant textures and coatings, which can help prevent falls, especially in a space where spills and wet conditions are common. This added layer of safety is particularly important if you use your garage as a workshop or a place where your kids might play – ensuring that everyone who uses the space can do so safely.

Real Estate Perspective

Insights from Real Estate Professionals

Real estate agents and home appraisers have increasingly recognized the impact of customized garage flooring on home sales. Valerie Gindlesberger, manager of architectural services at Summit Homes in Kansas City, MO, says, “It is now very standard to finish the garage with drywall and flooring, such as an epoxy floor, to complete the room.”

Similarly, professional home stager Charlene Storozuk notes, “The floor of the garage should be clean. Remove oil stains as best you can. A solution of TSP works well, however, you may need to visit your local hardware store to get advice on what to use for your floor. If you’re really serious, fill in any cracks and roll a concrete sealer onto the floor followed by a primer and top coat of white paint. Your garage will look cleaner and brighter and may possibly seem a little larger..”

Trends and Statistics

Recent trends in the real estate market indicate that homes with upgraded garages, including customized flooring, are becoming more desirable. According to Heritage Building & Design, finishing the garage will draw in buyers and can also help close a sale.

Tyler Jones, the founder of a luxury builder called Blue Heron, says, “There’s different floor coverings, epoxies, integrated mats and full-on built-out workshops for people who are tinkering on their toys in the garages. There’s definitely display garages — show garages where you can see the cars through the front door, the office or another place in the house. That’s being requested more.”

Supporting Surveys and Studies

Surveys and studies consistently show that customized garage flooring can add value to a home. A survey conducted by Gladiator revealed that 75 percent of Americans believe that the garage should be an extension of the home and that 65 percent would be willing to pay more for an upgraded garage.

From a real estate perspective, garage flooring is viewed as a valuable upgrade that can enhance your home’s appeal and market value. Buyers appreciate the added durability, aesthetics, and functionality, and real estate professionals recognize the boost it can give to your home’s overall marketability.

Cost vs. Return on Investment (ROI)

Breaking Down the Costs of Customized Garage Flooring

When considering customized garage flooring, it’s essential to understand the costs associated with different options:

Epoxy Coatings: On average, epoxy flooring costs between $3 to $12 per square foot, depending on the quality of materials and the complexity of the installation. At Golden Gate Garage Storage & Closets, we offer a free consultation that will include a price quote based on your specific garage.
Modular Tiles: These tiles range from $4 to $8 per square foot – making them a cost-effective option. Again, your free consultation will be all you need for a customized price quote.

Comparing Costs with Potential Home Value Increase

Investing in customized garage flooring can significantly increase your home’s value. For a full breakdown in your area, you’d need to consult with a qualified real estate professional. They’d be able to help you compare the costs of the renovation with how much a custom garage floor would raise a home’s value in your specific neighborhood.

Factors Affecting ROI

The actual ROI can vary based on several factors:

Location: Homes in desirable neighborhoods or regions with higher property values tend to see a greater ROI on garage upgrades.
Quality of Installation: Professionally installed flooring generally yields better results than DIY projects. Quality craftsmanship will last longer and usually looks better.
Market Conditions: In a seller’s market, where demand exceeds supply, upgrades, like customized garage flooring, can significantly boost a home’s attractiveness and selling price. In a buyer’s market, this might not matter quite as much.

Maximizing ROI

To maximize your return on investment, consider the following tips:

Quality Materials: Invest in high-quality materials that offer durability and aesthetic appeal. While cheaper options might save money upfront, they may not provide the same long-term benefits. For example, DIY epoxy flooring can chip or flake over time.
Professional Installation: Hiring the professionals at Golden Gate Garage Storage & Closets ensures that the job is done correctly and to a high standard, which can prevent issues down the line and enhance the floor’s overall appearance.
Market Research: Understand your local real estate market and what buyers are looking for. Talk to a real estate professional to understand the specifics of your particular area.

Conclusion

Investing in custom garage flooring can make your garage nicer to use and help it to complement the rest of your home. It will also improve the safety of your garage and make your floor maintenance easier. As an added benefit, using high-quality materials, like epoxy coatings and Swisstrax rubber tiles, can raise the value of your home. If you’d like to discuss having your own garage flooring installed, please give me a call, and I’ll send a member of my team to your home to go over all of your options.