Garage Design: How to Create a Garage to Suit Your Home
The garage is probably the least homeowners think about when it comes to home design. However, having a well-designed garage increases the value of your home and can be a very functional, multi-use space.
Think about how the design of your garage will go with the rest of the house. Attached garages often have big, obtrusive doors that clash with the simple design of the main house. Most detached garages are in the front of the property, so they are the first thing that people who visit or pass by see. Based on this rule, the garage should not be the "ugly duckling" but the "jewel in the crown."
There are two options when it comes to garage design, as follows:
1. Attached Garage Design
Often, this is the easiest decision for the design of your garage, simply because it is an extension of your attached house. If you have a detached garage, you will be designing a completely different space. The attached garages don't have to follow the same design as the house. Still, it is best to keep them consistent so that the home resembles a single property.
Thanks to modern garage doors, the door design is one of the best ways to define the garage’s design. The choice of garage door is the first possible opportunity to add some creativity and individuality to your garage.
When looking at attached garages, you will also need to consider the doors connecting to the garage. There are two options to consider. Your garage can either be attached to the front door or attached to the back door. The main benefit of attached garages is walking from your car straight into your house without stepping outside.
2. Detached Garage Design
A detached garage means that the garage is not attached to the home. The good part about this is that you can customize the garage to fit your specifications.
It is important to remember that the garage is not a storage unit; it's a place for vehicles to park. The garage is a failure if you can't park your car in it.
Moreover, as the garage is its own space, you will need to decide where to put the doors. This can be one of the more difficult decisions if you are going for a detached garage, as you have to think about traffic flow. Think about the following:
Is the garage going to be in front or behind the house?
How many garages will there be?
How will the garage be used?
Are there any trees that might pose a problem?
What time of year do you use the garage the most?
You also need to decide what the garage door will be made of. This is another big decision as it will affect the look of your home and the security of your garage. The garage door is likely to be the most used door in the house, so it must be built to last.
Aluminum, for instance, is an excellent choice as it is relatively cheap and very durable. It can be damaged by water, but that can easily be fixed. It is resistant to rust and is an excellent choice for detached garage doors.
Next, consider insulation for your garage design. Cold can harm cars and garage doors. Spray foam and fiberglass are two insulating choices. Fiberglass is cheaper but dirty and just for the outside. Spray foam costs more but can be used indoors and outdoors. Either choice keeps winter heat in and summer heat out.
Lastly, you also need to choose lighting fixtures carefully, as poor lighting can be dangerous and very frustrating. LED lights are now the more popular alternative because they are energy-saving and last longer than regular bulbs.
Conclusion
The garage is the least considered part of the house when in reality, it can be its defining feature. Many people don't have the time to build their own garage. If you plan to build your own garage, you need to hire a qualified and licensed garage builder.
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