Garages make great storage areas for so much more than your car; you can store your tools, projects in progress, summer and winter sporting goods, and so much more. If you don’t have a garage attached to your home or on your lot, chances are you’re hurting for the storage space. Plus, if you live in an area that tends to get snow in the winter, and super-hot days in the summer, parking your car in the garage could save you a whole lot of hassle when you’re trying to get out the door and head to work.
Designing a new garage doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s not as simple as a floor, four walls and a ceiling. For those of you who have never attempted a project of this scale, we recommend consulting a builder before you dive in!
If you’re thinking of building and designing a garage on your property, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn some helpful tips for designing a garage!
Do you want an attached or detached garage?
First, you’ll need to figure out what type of garage you want. Attached to your home or a stand-alone, detached structure? Attaching a garage to your house may be a bit more hassle logistically, but it’s also convenient to be able to hop out of your car and right into the mud room, especially on days when the weather isn’t cooperating.
If you’re going with an attached garage, you may want to consult with a structural engineer to make sure that your plans are appropriate before applying for the permits. You will probably have to reconfigure some entryways, and possibly add some square footage to the garage-side of your home to make it happen.
If you decide to go with a detached garage, figure out where it will be placed on your property, and make sure your township and county permit you to build it.
What size garage do you want?
While you’re thinking about the type of garage you want, you’ll also need to decide on the size. According to The Spruce, the standard size in America is a two-car garage, and that may be plenty of space for you and your family or, you may need a third space for storage.
Two-car garages are great for two-vehicle households, but you won’t be able to keep tons of stuff in the garage if you’re filling up the space with two cars, so make sure you consider your parking and storage needs before you make a final decision.
Where will the garage be located and what will it look like?
Aesthetically, adding a garage to your home is going to change its curb appeal, so keep that in mind while you’re drawing up the plans. Planting a garage squarely on the side of your home with the door facing the street is perhaps the most economical option, but it may take away from your home’s charming look. If you can angle the garage a bit so that it’s not completely facing the street, you may be able to minimize the curb appeal impact.
While you’re thinking about the orientation of the garage, think about what you want it to look like, too. Will it look like a garage, or an extension of your home? If you’re looking for more of a home-extension look, you’ll need to be very choosy when it comes to siding and materials, and make sure the paint matches. If your home hasn’t been painted in a while, we suggest re-painting the whole thing once the garage is complete for a seamless look.
Will you need workshop space in your garage?
If you have a lot of tools and like to fiddle with a saw every now and again, you’ll need cabinets and a workbench in the garage. The House Designers says to make sure to work this into the plans and think about whether you’ll need a comfortable amount of room to work with while the cars are snugly parked inside, or if you can get away with backing them out when you need to tinker.
How will you utilize the second floor of your garage?
Have you thought about adding a guest suite or more storage to the second floor of the garage? Your garage structure doesn’t have to just hold your cars and fishing gear, it can also function as an in-law suite, recording studio, library, playroom for the kids, office, and anything else that you might be lacking in your home. Ask your builder for some tips on how to maximize the second-floor space.
Let’s build your dream garage!
Once you finalize your plans and get permits from the city, all that’s left is to build it! If you’re a little bit hesitant on that part, don’t worry – Ivy Lea Construction’s garage repair & construction services are available to you.
Give us a call today at 716-875-8654 to get an estimate and ask our builders any questions you have about the garage building process!