Let’s say you like your home. You’ve lived in it for years, and it’s provided you with shelter and a great place to raise your family. But lately, you spend much of your time dodging everyone’s stuff. You step over it and walk into it and around it. You may need a bigger house. But then again, perhaps what you need is to add a garage. If this sounds like your situation, stick around, because Behm Designs has some expert garage design ideas and tips to make it feel like you’ve got a whole new house.
Reasons to Add a Garage
You might want to add a new garage for all kinds of reasons. Here are a few thoughts:
- Vehicle Protection and Security
- We all need a safe place to park our cars, which lessens the risk of theft, vandalism, or damage from accidents. But there are other reasons, too. Snow, ice, and even rain can cause wear and tear on your car.
2. Increased Storage Space
- Extra Storage Frees up Your Living Space: Lawn care equipment, tools, seasonal items, bikes, skis, and other household items clutter your living space.
3. Curb Appeal
- Enhanced Curb Appeal: A well-designed garage can improve a home’s overall appearance, creating a more polished look and adding property value.
4. Convenience and Accessibility
- Easy Access in Inclement Weather: If you live in an area with cold winters, being able to enter and exit your vehicle without traipsing in the snow and ice is a real plus. How about that? No shoveling inside a garage! The convenience of an attached garage cannot be overlooked.
5. Increased Living Space: It’s a bummer when you can’t house your out-of-town guests. Where’s the hospitality in that? Convert your new garage into an additional guest suite. It can also serve as an extra room if someone in the house gets sick and needs to be quarantined.
- Space for Projects: Garages provide a dedicated, well-ventilated space for DIY projects, woodworking, car repair, a home gym, or other hobbies.
Accommodating Vehicles:
- Reducing On-Street Parking: In neighborhoods with limited street parking, a garage ensures you and your guests have a guaranteed parking space.
- Space for Larger Vehicles: Trucks, RVs, or boats need extra room. That garage is looking better by the minute.
Choosing the Right Garage Features
What must-have features should you include in your garage renovation? That depends on what’s important to you. First, make a wish list. What would make your life easier and more enjoyable?
When planning a garage renovation, you’ll want it to be both functional and stylish. There are a few key elements you don’t want to forget, along with some expert garage design ideas.
- Ample Storage
A well-organized garage is a game-changer. Built-in shelving, cabinets, and overhead storage racks are solutions at minimal cost. For bigger items like bikes or lawn equipment, wall-mounted hooks and pegboards can help maximize your usage.
- Smart Lighting
Good lighting is a must for safety and usability. Install bright LED overhead lights for general brightness and add task lighting over workbenches or storage areas. Motion-sensor lights can also be a wise addition, providing hands-free convenience when entering the garage.
- Durable Flooring
The right flooring not only improves the look of your garage but also makes it easier to maintain. Check with your hardware store for the latest options for resistance to stains, oils, and chemicals. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, interlocking rubber tiles are a great alternative.
- Climate Control
Planning to use your garage for hobbies or as a workshop? If so, consider adding insulation and a heating or cooling system. This can help maintain a comfortable temperature year-round, making the garage a more pleasant place to work or relax.
- Functional Garage Doors
Don’t overlook your garage doors. Insulated, energy-efficient doors help regulate the garage’s temperature and improve security. Additionally, modern smart garage door openers offer convenience and safety, allowing you to open or close the door from your smartphone.
Expert Garage Design Ideas for Planning Your Garage
Adding a garage is exciting! However, it can also be overwhelming. But with the proper planning, you can create a space that meets your needs for years to come. If you don’t know where to start, try these expert tips:
- Start with a Clear Vision
Before you begin, think about how you want to use your garage. Will it primarily serve as a space for your car, a workshop, or additional storage? Understanding its purpose will help shape your design choices and create a functional and efficient space.
- Plan for Future Needs
While designing your garage based on your current needs is tempting, consider how your lifestyle might change over time. Do you plan to add more vehicles or need additional storage in the future? Leaving some flexibility in your layout can save you time and money down the road.
- Optimize Storage
A clutter-free garage looks better and makes it easier to find what you need. Shelves, racks, and cabinets are all ways to keep items off the floor.
- Don’t Skimp on Lighting
Good lighting is necessary for a garage. Install bright overhead lights and consider task lighting in areas like workbenches or storage zones. LED lights are energy-efficient and provide excellent visibility, making working and navigating the space easier.
- Focus on Functionality
Your garage needs to be practical. Make sure there’s plenty of room to move around, especially if you plan to use it as a workshop or multi-purpose area. Leave enough clearance for your car doors to open fully and consider door and window placements for optimal airflow and ventilation.
And the Best Tip of All
Perhaps the best tip is to take your time. Do your research. Get a general idea of what you want your garage to look like, and when purchasing plans, consider Behm Designs. We have some of the best designs in the business. Look through our website and envision your dream garage. You’ll be amazed at how elaborate or how basic our garage plans are, opening a world of creativity and possibilities. We’ve got the designs to meet your needs. Call us today, and let us help you decide on the best choice for you.