A garage is a place to park and store your car, but it can be much more. You can transform your garage into a fitness, a workstation or even a family space or “man cave.”
To think how far garages have come since the 1920s, when they switched to overhead doors; the improvements of the 1930s in mechanical operation and design; the 1940s, when garages became more common in homes; and the 1970s, when manufacturers began using steel to make garage doors instead of wood, and later, fiber glass or aluminum.
Below is a look at different garage designs and why research is important when choosing your dream garage.
Traditional garage-only
If you’re just looking for somewhere to store your car, you may prefer a traditional garage-only layout that has a single or double door and little extra storage space. This is where a Quonset garage kit could serve you well. These are strong, versatile and affordable storage spaces that customers have used either for storing their vehicles or other items and have done so successfully.
Garage-living space combo
This design is good to maximize living space. It integrates the garage smoothly into the living space, transforming it into a space that could be a gym, playroom, guest room or extra living area. You can incorporate insulated walls, heating, and cooling systems to make this a comfortable, practical space all year.
Garage-office combo
Working from home has become more common and builders have converted lots of garages into office spaces for people looking for a quiet workspace. This design combines garage practicality with office functionality, creating a tranquil space to be productive away from the main living areas. To get the most out of your garage/office, add built-in desks, storage cabinets and plenty of lighting.
Boathouse
If you like being out on the water, you could transform your garage into a boathouse, where you have a standard bay or two for vehicles but also a deeper one for the boat. Some boathouses have higher ceilings and oversized garage doors for convenience. Some might also feature overhead doors at the back of the garage, sparing you from having to reverse the boat in and out of the garage each time.
Boathouses come in a variety of architectural styles and sizes, making it easier to find something that will suit your tastes and needs. Many also serve well for storing gardening items or for use as a gym or workstation.
Garage with a loft
If you want somewhere to park your car and store other things but you have limited space, a garage-and-loft design is ideal. These fit two storage spaces onto a small plot of land by “stacking” one on top of the other, the garage being your car storage space and the loft being your additional storage space. You can convert your loft into a different space, however, such as an art studio or other hobby space.
Always research plenty before choosing your dream garage
Before going ahead with your dream garage, always conduct extensive research because there are lots of technical details to consider, as well as regulations and bylaws to comply with. You must think about whether the materials you use to build your garage are durable and weather resistant. You must also think about your needs, whether they might change in the future, and whether you’re unlocking your garage’s amazing potential.
When you have a plan for your garage, ask a professional to check over it before pressing ahead with it. They can highlight any potential issues and stop the need for future repairs that drain all your spare cash.
A garage is a storage space for your car, primarily, but it can be so much more than that. When buying a house with a garage, or adding a garage to your home, look beyond the storage function and see how you can optimize the space. Remember, Apple, the biggest company in the world, started in a garage, originally!
