What to Think About Before Building a Garage

A house with a car parked in front of it, building a garage.

There are many reasons people decide to build a new garage. A garage is a place to park your car and protect it from harsh weather, but that’s not all these structures are used for. From workshops and hobby rooms to storage spaces, there are several uses for a garage. Additionally, garages can improve curb appeal and add value to a residential property.

However, it’s important to note that garages are big investments and require both time and money to build. In order to prevent errors and complicated renovations, it’s essential to get the construction right the first time. That’s why you should consider the following factors before building a garage.

Type of Garages

Before you start to build a garage, you must first determine the type of garage you want. An attached garage is connected to the house and is useful since it allows you to access your vehicles without exposing yourself to the weather outside. Unattached garages are separate from your house and thus, require more walking in order to access your cars.

However, these also have their advantages. With an unattached garage, you don’t have to worry about how the garage will fit in with your house. Additionally, unattached garages are great choices if you want to use them for other purposes, including workshops. They also represent less of a security risk since robbers cannot use an attached garage to gain access to your home.

Vehicles

Since garages are primarily storage spaces for your vehicles, one of the most important considerations before building one should be the number of vehicles you have. The more cars you have, the larger your garage will have to be. In addition to the number of vehicles, it’s also crucial to consider the size of your vehicles before starting construction. An SUV will take up more space than a Fiat 500, and you must account for this before you start building your garage.

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When it comes to garages sizes, it’s best to plan for the future. Even if you have a single vehicle right now, you should future-proof your garage. Whether it’s an expanding family or young children growing up and needing their own vehicles, you may need space for another car sometime later.

Ventilation

Ventilation is another factor you need to take into account before building a garage. Poor ventilation results in dangerous fumes being trapped in the garage. This becomes even more hazardous in the case of attached garages since fumes can find their way into the house. Install an exhaust fan in your garage to ensure safety and adequate ventilation.

Usage

How you decide to use your space has an impact on the design of the garage. If your garage is going to serve as an extra storage space, you will need to implement storage solutions and may want to consider built-in shelves, cabinets, etc. On the other hand, if you intend to use your garage as a workshop, you may require utilities such as electricity. For example, if you intend to use power tools, you will need to ensure that you have the proper outlets required.

Construction and Zoning Regulations

Depending on the area you live in, there are different construction and zoning regulations you must follow when building a garage. This can be in terms of the property line or materials used to build your garage. Either way, it’s best to get this sorted out before you start construction.

 Building a garage takes up considerable time and costs a lot of money. To avoid costly repairs, take these factors into account, plan it out, and get the construction right the first time.

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