8 Simple Garage Design Tips You Need to Know
We don’t often think about it, but the humble garage is an essential part of the American home. Thanks to our car-happy culture, a whopping 91% of all homes built in 2019 had a garage, with a two-car option being by far the most popular.
Of course, this fundamental feature leaves a lot of room for customization. Whether you want to store your power tools, set aside floor space for car repairs, create a craft workshop, or convert the area into an extra room, there are plenty of ways to upgrade a simple garage design.
If you’re preparing for a garage renovation, a few quick tips can help you make the most of your plans. Here are eight ideas to keep in mind.
1. Know Your Zoning Laws
Your state’s zoning laws will dictate how far you can go with your garage transformation. Some states, though not all, will require homeowners to get permits before they make any changes.
Some regions may restrict the size of the structure or the type of door you can add, for example. If you violate these regulations, you’ll incur heavy fines. Do your research before you start remodeling a garage!
2. Consider a Detached Garage
When you start designing a garage, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of attached vs. detached garages.
Attached garages are the norm in most areas. These options are inexpensive and convenient to build, as you can run any electricity and plumbing you need right from your home.
Detached garages, on the other hand, offer a lot of room for customization. They can also be larger, and they keep dangerous car emissions further away from your main property.
Both of these options can be great for the right home, so figure out which one best suits your needs.
3. Consider Secondary Uses
Most people only use their garage to hold their cars, but there are lots of ways you can use the space. If the building is large enough, you can put some of its square footage toward other needs.
Consider creating a space for arts and crafts, a home office, or an exercise area. Store bulky tools or equipment in part of it, or convert the entire thing into a home theater or game room. The options are endless!
4. Opt for a Larger Door
Regardless of the door type and materials, make sure you’re installing a large enough door. The average garage door is around seven feet high, but taller doors can be more versatile. If you plan to drive with bikes, small boats, luggage, or other things strapped to the luggage rack of your car, the higher door and ceilings can prevent accidents.
5. Make Your Floors Functional
Concrete is cheap and long-lasting, which makes it the go-to choice for most people when renovating a garage. However, there are countless ways to upgrade your garage flooring if you’re going to spend a lot of time in the room.
Homeowners in cold areas, for example, might want to opt for radiant floor heating beneath their concrete slab. Anyone who needs a little extra protection for their floors might want to choose durable coatings that defend against physical and chemical damage.
Read more about polyaspartic flooring to learn whether it’s right for you.
6. Consider the Storage Space
Before you start searching for garage ideas that help with organization, decide whether you’d like to add some extra storage space.
If you’re building a new garage or overhauling the entire structure, storage trusses above the garage can add a huge amount of extra room. This expansion can also be fairly inexpensive, depending on the size.
Attic trusses are another great option, though these can be over twice the price of a smaller storage truss. However, they add plenty of standing room for storage, and you can even use the space as an extra room if you insulate, wire, and finish it.
7. Plan for Air Circulation and Conditioning
Garages can get warm and stuffy, but that isn’t their only problem. Harmful emissions can present a very real health hazard for homeowners.
When designing a garage, make sure to keep the ventilation in mind. Add vents and windows into your plans, and consider putting in a ventilation or exhaust fan. This can keep the space odor-free, safe, and comfortable.
In addition, adding a small air conditioning unit can be great if you plan to spend a lot of time in your garage. Installing a window unit or through-the-wall unit can be pricey, but it can be a huge boost to your comfort if you live in an area that sees scorching summers. A ductless heating and cooling system is especially ideal, as it can also keep you warm in the winter.
8. Don’t Forget the Driveway
When you upgrade your garage, you’ll have to consider how the design affects your current driveway. If you need to expand it or adjust its trajectory from the street to your garage, the changes could cost you several thousand dollars.
It’s also ideal to have some extra driveway space around the garage door for turning around or to add extra parking space, which can further increase the price tag.
Try These Simple Garage Design Tips
No matter how you want to use your new space, the simple garage design tips above can help you make great use of your square footage. Considering every detail from the storage to the air conditioning ensures that you’ll end up with the perfect makeover. Incorporate these tips into your plans today!
