When it comes to detached garage styles, there are so many to pick from. The dormer style is popular due to its versatility with two-story garages. Dormers look great on Colonial, Craftsman, and carriage house-style garages. In addition to looking attractive, dormers are functional. They bring ventilation and light into your interior garage space. At Behm Design, we offer over 20 dormer garage plans. Whether you need a small 1-car space or a larger 4-car plan, we have it all. Take a minute to learn more about dormer-style garages today!

Small, Medium, Large

The first step in the detached garage building process is figuring out what size garage you need. Are you looking for something small? Consider a 1-car plan. Do you need a lot of space? Check out a spacious 4-car garage plan. Maybe you want something in between? A 2- or 3-car dormer garage might be perfect for you! Determining the size of your garage depends on a variety of factors. First, you must consider the size of your property. It’s important to be realistic about what size garage will fit on your property. Check with your local planning department and HOA to understand requirements related to size and property line setback to determine what size garage you can build.

Another factor that might drive your decision is what you want to do with the garage. For example, are you interested in using the space to store cars, or will it be a workshop space? Another thing to think about is what you will do with the upstairs space. Many two-story garage owners turn the second floor into an apartment. Whether you make this into a guest room or rent it out for some extra income, this apartment space can affect what size garage you choose to make sure it has enough square footage to be a comfortable living space.

It’s All About the Style

Behm Design offers over 20 dormer garage plans to make your detached garages dreams a reality! Check out our variety of sizes and styles.

At Behm Design, we’ve got you covered when it comes to style. Our dormer garages are designed to fit in several different style categories. Often, homeowners try to match their garage to the appearance of their main home. Other homeowners like to mix and match styles. Our colonial-style dormer garages are reminiscent of the traditional American houses during the Colonial era. Colonial homes and detached garages are most often seen on the East Coast. Another popular style across the county is Craftsman architecture. The Craftsman movement started in the early 1900s but is still a trendy style. An excellent third pick for a garage is the carriage house style. If you think about it, carriage houses were the original detached garages. Instead of cars, they held carriages. Some homeowners pick a carriage-style garage plan to give a nod to the original detached garages.

How Will You Use Your Dormer Garage?

When it comes to a two-story dormer garage, there are so many options for how the space can be used. Not only do you have to determine how the first floor will be used, but you also have to come up with a plan for the second floor. Here are some ideas:

Garage First Floor

  • Garage/car workspace
  • Workshop
  • Art studio
  • Home gym
  • Work from home office
  • Storage area

Garage Second Floor

  • Guest suite
  • Rentable apartment
  • Airbnb or VRBO
  • Room for older kids coming home from high school
  • Game room
  • Man cave

Extra Income?

One of the best parts about a dormer two-story garage is that the upstairs space can be turned into an income-generating property. Turn this space into an apartment and start looking for a tenant! Use that monthly rental income to increase your savings, pay off debt, or put toward something expensive like college tuition. Another money-making opportunity is putting the apartment up for rent on Airbnb or VRBO. These two sites allow homeowners to provide short-term rentals. Your space could be rented for the weekend, a week, or maybe a month. New guests come and go. You are responsible for the upkeep of the space and the cleaning between guests. An Airbnb or VRBO can be highly profitable, especially if you live in an area popular with tourists or business travelers. Live near the airport? Even better!

Before getting started on your rental space, visit your local planning department to ensure that renting out an area on your property is allowed. Some jurisdictions prohibit Airbnbs and VRBOs, so it is important to find this out before getting too far into the planning process.

Get Your Dormer Garage Plans!

At Behm Design, we provide dormer garage plans to make your detached garage dreams a reality. Big or small, we have a garage that fits your needs. We also offer plans in varying styles. From Colonial to Craftsman, we have options. A dormer garage is a beautiful addition to any property. Not only does it give you and your family more space, but it can also increase the value of your home if you were to sell. Another significant benefit of a two-story dormer garage is the fact you gain a second floor of space to use how you choose. Renting out the space for extra income is a popular choice. Find a long-term tenant or opt for short-term rentals on a platform like Airbnb or VRBO.

Remember, before you buy plans or begin the building process, visit your local planning department to ensure you understand all building code requirements. In addition, speak with your HOA to understand any neighborhood rules about building a detached garage on your property. For more information about dormer garage plans, contact Behm Design today.