In the US, 91.5% of all households have at least one vehicle. With our heavy reliance on cars for transportation, you can bet that Americans emphasize auto care. And this includes having suitable storage for their precious vehicles.
Luckily, most houses come with spacious garages where we can park two or even three cars. But admittedly, these spaces aren’t always up to our standards, and a redesign can beautifully transform a mediocre garage into a fantastic one.
You can’t go into it blindly though. Keep reading to see how you can design a garage that suits your needs.
Check the Zoning Laws First
Before you dive into renovating a garage, you’ll need to research local garage zoning laws first. Each state has its own rules and regulations, but if you’re lucky, you might be in one that doesn’t have any at all.
In any case, it’s worth deep diving into the zoning laws to ensure you won’t be breaking any laws. Getting all your ducks in a row beforehand ensures that you’ll apply for the proper permits and receive them before you start work. As a result, you’ll avoid being fined or even going to jail in the future for breaking the law.
If you’re having trouble finding information, contact your local government officials. They can point you in the right direction.
Decide Between Attached vs. Detached
You might be building a completely new garage because your house currently doesn’t have one, or you’re knocking the old one down. Either way, you’ll have the choice between an attached or detached garage.
Each type has its own pros and cons; for instance, most homeowners find detached garages more appealing, but attached ones are much easier to build. Detached garages also offer more space and customization options, but cost more to build. Not to mention, they’re not usually compliant with Homeowners Association contracts.
You’ll have to weigh up the pros and cons yourself, as well as take into consideration the local laws and your lifestyle.
Consider Your Needs
On that note, think about what you need the garage for to determine which garage ideas are optimal for you.
While most homeowners only use their garages for parking their cars and storing their belongings, you might want to make more use of this space. Some people use their garage as an extra office, while others convert it into a small greenhouse.
When you have a clear idea of what you’ll use your garage for, then you’ll have an easier time picking out the materials and figuring out the layout. For instance, if you want to use the garage as a small greenhouse, then you’ll need to have enough lighting and warmth to ensure your plants grow.
Think About the Driveway
Your new garage will have to match your existing driveway, unless you’re redoing that too. But be forewarned that driveway projects are pricey, so it’s best to design your garage to accommodate what you have currently.
To ensure your driveway’s not too small, factor in an extra 10 feet for it. If your garage is going to be a two-door one, then bump that up to 20 feet.
Don’t Forget About Ventilation
If you’re not using the garage for anything but storage, then ventilation isn’t as important. However, if you’ll be working or doing hobbies in there, then proper ventilation is important for your health. It’ll be good for preventing carbon monoxide buildup too.
When doing your garage layout, add plenty of vents and windows. These will help air out the space and also let in natural light, preventing it from being like a dark cave.
Pick a Good Garage Door
You might think garage doors are only for aesthetics, but they do so much more. Not only do they keep your valuable items safe, but they also provide another point of security against intruders.
Again, you’ll need to think of your lifestyle and choose a garage door based on that. Since these things can cost thousands of dollars, it’s worth it to take some time and consider your options before committing.
There are five main types of garage doors: sectional, roll-up, slide-to-side, side-hinged, and tilt-up. The most popular type is the sectional garage door, so if you’re looking for something that’s tried and tested, then this is a safe bet.
You can always get in touch with Family Christian Doors, a trusted garage door specialist, to discuss each one in detail. They’ll make excellent suggestions based on their expertise and experience, ensuring your garage door needs are met with the highest quality service.
Get Durable Flooring
You’ll be pulling in and out of your garage multiple times a day, so spend a little extra on durable flooring. Vinyl can be good for low-traffic garages, and is generally cost-efficient.
Otherwise, you’ll want to consider materials like stone or polished concrete. These will cost significantly more, but they’ll pay for themselves in the long run.
When hiring garage floor installers, speak to them about your budget and lifestyle, and they’ll help you pick the optimal garage flooring.
Design a Garage You Love
It can be a challenging process to design a garage that’s not only functional, but also gorgeous. But as long as you don’t rush the process, research your options, speak to professionals, and have a decent budget, you’ll be able to create some that you’ll want to spend hours in.
So take advantage of that space and transform it into a beautiful garage. It’ll have the added benefit of increasing your home’s value too!
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