The Property Brothers' Drew Scott Shares A Creative Way To Make Use Of An Empty Garage

If your garage is collecting dust, take a cue from Drew Scott of the "Property Brothers." His functional and stylish home is proof that you should make the most of every corner of your property. Scott highlights the importance of maximizing the space outside of your home's main interior. "It's creating those extra bonus areas that you can enjoy with your family," he tells viewers on his YouTube channel. If you're ready to revamp the underutilized areas of your home, an empty garage is a great place to start. As for what you should do with the space, a home gym is a great option to consider.

While it may seem like a large upfront investment, a home gym can save you money in the long run. The ROI will vary from person to person, but using Home Guide's home gym cost calculator, which estimates a basic home gym costing $800 to $1,500 to install, you can typically expect to recoup the costs of a gym membership over a couple of years. Although some locales may benefit from an enclosed garage, homeowners in other climates can get away with leaving their cars in the driveway. Drew explains, "It's a bonus. Here in California, you don't need to park cars." An unused garage presents a world of profitable possibilities.

"This is what a garage is meant for if you don't have a separate gym," Drew Scott emphasizes. Although his home gym prioritizes functionality, it's not completely void of style. His converted garage sticks to a modern, neutral color palette. White walls with black accents keep the focus on the high-end machinery. His diverse array of equipment rivals a commercial gymnasium. He lists the key pieces: "In here, I've put everything you could possibly want in a home gym. I have adjustable dumbbells up to 80 pounds, a whole squat rack here. I have a pull-down. I have these super tech cable pulls, and then every other weight you could possibly think of." All that to say, you can fit a lot of equipment in your garage.

If your goal is to create the perfect home gym, there are a few design considerations to take into account. First, follow Scott's lead and select a color scheme, if you want to create a cohesive environment. Next, prioritize natural light. If you don't have any windows in your garage, consider adding or expanding windows to create a brighter space. You also want to make sure the floor is suitable for working out. Concrete can be too high-impact for some exercises, so it's preferable to cover your garage floor with foam tiles or cork flooring.

This isn't the first time a Property Brother has turned a garage into an extra living space. In addition to designing a home gym, you can turn your garage into a variety of other beneficial rooms. If you have the ability to add insulation, you can convert your garage into a bedroom for guests. Another modern concept is to create an airy home office for remote working. If you have little ones, a spacious playroom can be a great way to keep your interior tidy and still provide a large area for playtime and enrichment.

Whether a garage conversion is right for your space depends primarily on your location. If the weather is mild, converting a garage can actually add value to your home. HomeAdvisor (via Realtor.com) estimates a whopping 80% ROI on a garage conversion. However, they also note that buyers in rural areas may favor homes with enclosed car garages. If your home is currently lacking a major selling point, like a master suite or a large living space, converting your garage can be a lucrative and practical investment.