Written by
13 August 2024
•
4 min read
When it comes to house design, one often overlooked yet highly valuable space is the garage.
Enficet Group-owned GarageSmart® is an Australian start-up company pioneering innovative garage storage solutions since 2003. The company helps specifiers and homeowners to maximise their garage spaces with bespoke storage and style.
As featured on the popular reality television series The Block, here is how GarageSmart’s innovative approach turns garages into multipurpose, desirable spaces.
“The garage is a forgotten part of real estate,” says Dean Selkrig, Managing Director at Enficet Group.
“Even large properties lack sufficient storage in the house, so having a highly functional garage is advantageous in a house design.”
In addressing garages' often-neglected potential, GarageSmart has successfully integrated bespoke storage solutions that enhance a property's functionality and aesthetic appeal.
According to Selkrig, a well-organised garage should provide ample smart storage and enhance a high-end project’s visual appeal. “By integrating smart storage solutions, designers can achieve a seamless look that aligns with the rest of the house design,” he says. “This approach not only helps declutter the living spaces but also provides a dedicated area for hobbies, gym equipment, DIY projects, and other activities for their clients.”
Moreover, an organised garage can serve as a selling point to potential buyers, adding to the property's market appeal. Selkrig explains, “Even on big, high-spec homes, there's not much storage in the houses. Clients and specifiers concentrate on kitchens and other areas, but having a highly functional garage is profitable.” Selkrig notes this strategic addition can lead to a higher resale value and greater satisfaction for the current owners.
Selkrig believes that designers should view garages as more than mere car storage. "They can serve as extra rooms, workshops, gyms, or safe havens for the residents’ belongings. Without the right kind of organisation, this multipurpose space turns into a mess, making it next to impossible to locate the tools, sports gear or seasonal décor required,” he adds.
Selkrig elaborates, “People initially think of a garage as a place to park your car, but we advocate that the façade and inside of the home are designed to the highest quality and aesthetic, and then the garage is often just a magnet for becoming a dumping ground.”
“So, we say make it in line with the rest of the house design – and you know clients want that.”
Central to GarageSmart's home storage solutions are its SmartWall whereby hooks, baskets and Shelving are cleverly adjustable. Installed alongside cabinetry, Heavy-Duty Direct Series Shelving and Epoxy flooring. GarageSmart manufacturer and source all products under exclusivity from their own factories overseas and provide a full-service model tailored to the client’s situation and design,” says Selkrig.
GarageSmart’s approach ensures that each garage solution is customised to meet the client's specific needs, from the initial on-site consultation and 3D design to the final one-day installation.
The demand for tailored garage storage solutions is growing, especially in space-constrained inner-city suburbs. Selkrig points out, "Essentially, what we are about is solving home storage problems by using wasted space in the garage." With the typical Australian garage accounting for between 15 and 20 per cent of a home's floor space, optimising this area can provide much-needed storage without compromising other parts of the house.
Selkrig highlights the company’s success and reputation: “Being the market leader, the producers of the television show, The Block, got in contact with us, and the garage we fitted won– gaining us a fair bit of exposure.” This recognition underscores GarageSmart's ability to deliver superior storage solutions that add value to designs.
According to Selkrig, the cost of a GarageSmart solution varies depending on the garage's size, specific requirements for the fit-out and the client’s needs – which are often precise. Typical projects range from as little as $10,000 right through to $100,000 plus.
As it adds value to a property, it is a smart investment, Selkrig comments, “We’ve been doing this for over 20 years now, so we know what we’re doing and we do add immense value to our clients' homes relative to the outlay on a solution.”
Integrating GarageSmart storage solutions into your next design can enhance functionality and design appeal significantly. By transforming the garage into a well-organised, multipurpose space, clients can better utilise their property’s potential.
GarageSmart’s innovative and customisable solutions ensure that the garage is not just a place for the family vehicle but a valuable extension of their architectural home design.
View transformational before and afters of projects or contact GarageSmart on ArchiPro today to add value to your next design.