Are you sick of your garage being messy and boring? Do you want a garage that is useful and shows what you’re passionate about and who you are?
Most people use their garage for more than just parking. They work on big projects, park all their cars, and have fun there. Because of all these uses, you might want your dream garage to be more than just a roof and four walls. This is especially important if you want your garage to be a place where one can work and have fun at the same time.
Putting together your dream garage is far more than merely a project completion; it’s a journey that lets you turn an unused space into a place you’re proud of and where you can get things done. This article will show you the steps to make that dream come true.
Planning Your Dream Garage
Most car lovers feel like they’ve reached their dream home once they’ve built their dream garage. Most people pay little attention to their garages. Usually only half done. They usually have basic light, concrete flooring, and no storage.
But since more than half of all homes in Australia have garages, they should be given more attention when a home is being improved. Most people buy garage shelves, plastic containers, and maybe a portable tool chest at their local remodelling store. But if you drive through most neighbourhoods, you can see that most individuals don’t even do that.
So, whether you want to fix your old garage or build the garage of your dreams, here are some things to consider.
Brainstorm Ideas
It should be fun to build the garage of your dreams. But it’s important to know exactly what you want before you start the project. Seeing the result will help you figure out how to spend your time and money to achieve your dream. It also gives you direction, which helps you make better decisions as you design.
You can come up with more than just new ideas when brainstorming. You can always get ideas from different places and combine them to make your dream garage space.
A quick search on the Internet will bring up a tonne of great ideas. Then, print those out and talk to your contractor about them. This lets you focus on the most practical solutions in terms of money and style.
Technology has given us a lot of choices when it comes to creating a garage that is both efficient and affordable. For example, suppose you’re building a garage from the ground up. In that case, you can use a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) steel developing kit to build a custom garage or workshop, especially if the kit comes with a dedicated design-build team.
Decide How You’ll Use It
You don’t have to park your car in the garage just because that’s how it’s “supposed” to be used. And think about it: you won’t need identical things for an auto workspace and a garage gym.
It’s easy to get stuck on traditional or common uses for a garage, but the truth is that the options are endless. You could make a library, a room for entertainment, a playroom, and more.
You can turn your garage into any room or space you’d like.
Choose Flooring
You can choose from a lot of different garage floors. But these days, many people choose polymer floors over finished cement floors with a synthetic coating. The end product is shiny and looks like ceramic. So, if you want a floor that looks good and lasts a long time, polymer must be your first choice.
Also, think about insulating the floor of the garage. Without insulation, you can’t have flooring. But you won’t like spending time in a garage, no matter how well-designed it is, if it’s cold and dark.
So, it’s best not to save money on things like heated floors or useful insulating materials. Even if you’re not a mechanic, having a warm garage floor in the winter will be nice, even if you don’t work on cars.
Pick a Theme
This fits with what you plan to do with your garage. So, you should pick that one first. A fried chicken theme might seem strange in a garage gym, but do what you want.
You will probably develop many concepts for fun, distinctive garage concepts as you think and dream. Or, when you have a passion or interest, that could be a great idea.
Think about what you like, what you’ll do in the garage, and how the overall concept will fit into that. There are a lot of things to choose from, like a man cave, classic antique race cars, an arcade, and more. Everyone can find something they like.
Pick A Garage Door
Normal doors should never be an option, if possible. Custom doors are ideal because you can make your garage exactly how you want it. Consider the garage doors that will match the style you want.
One way to go a little further is to have automatic smart doors. With a few clicks on your remote, they’ll open as soon as you pull into your driveway.
Consider how easy it will be to use and how much space it will take up when picking a garage door system. Design is just as important as function when it comes to garage doors.
By putting in a new garage door, you will improve the outside look and aesthetic appeal of your home, which will ultimately increase the value of your home.
Find a trustworthy garage door company that can give you the best deal and all the smart features you want.
Consider Storage
Again, this is dependent on how you want to use your garage. You need an area to put every tool you have if you’re going to work on cars, build things, work with wood, etc. And the kitchen counter is not the answer.
The same goes for craft rooms and home theatres. Where are you moving to put all of those beads and movies? Although, does anyone still buy DVDs? Or does Netflix rule the world?
Think of what you want to store, how you want it to look, and how safe it needs to be. There are many ways to store things and put shelves in a garage. But if you only need a small thing, there are also many fun DIY ways to store things in your garage.
Consider Ventilation and Temperature Control
It takes more than heated flooring to make a comfortable garage. You must have a cooling system (AC) in the summer to stay cool. Also, you must have a heating system ready when it gets cold.
If you have an air conditioner, your electricity bills may go up. But if your garage is small, it’s usually not a big deal.
Designing the Perfect Layout for your Dream Garage
Most people don’t pay much attention to the garage size when building a house. But it’s equally crucial to plan the garage layout with the same care as the rest of the house. It must have been well thought out because this enormous amount of surface area takes up a big space in the house’s overall design.
You can make the garage part of the floor plan or make it a separate building, which is called a detached garage. A carport, which is another name for a garage, has at least one open side. Like an enclosed garage, the carport might be attached to the house or stand-alone.
When designing your garage layout, it’s important to ensure a minimum of 18 inches (1′-6″) of free space on each side of the garage door on one vehicle’s garage. With more than two garage spaces, it is suitable to have an adequate space of 1′-0″ within garage doors. This gives the car door enough room to open as it pulls into the garage.
Things to Think About When Planning a Garage Layout
Figure Out How You Want to Use the Space
Before designing your perfect garage, you must decide how you will use the space. Don’t forget that your garage is a part of your house. You can use it in any way you want.
Make a designated work area if you want a place to do crafts and build things in comfort. If you want to use the room to store recreational equipment and vehicles, you will need to plan the layout so that you can do that.
Think about what you’ll be doing in your garage. Then, list the things you want to have in the space. These may include anything from hooks to store your tools to epoxy floor coatings that are easy to clean so you can keep your car out of the weather.
What you should put in your design is what works for you.
Location
A home’s service area includes the garage. Because of this, the best place for the garage is close to the cooking area, mudroom, and utility space. The house plan site tells you where to put the garage on a floor plan. Which side of the house should a garage be on? Should you put the garage on the opposite side of the house or on the right side? Will it be an entrance load, a side load, or a court backyard garage entry? If you want to plan a garage layout, answer these questions.
Plan How You Will Keep Things off the Floor.
Even though you can use your garage in whatever you want, it will almost always be a place to store things at home. This is not something bad. It makes your home less cluttered, making you less stressed and easier to unwind at the end of a long day.
However, there are good and bad ways to store items in your garage.
Most people put boxes around the edges of their garages and leave them there for years. You can do it, but you really shouldn’t.
Don’t forget that most garages aren’t completely protected from the weather or pests. Over time, the things inside the boxes can get broken or destroyed.
Instead, plan where to put your things that aren’t on the floor. Invest in systems that hang on the wall to hold your tools and put up floating shelves to hold the boxes you’d normally leave on the floor. Once you set up these systems, your garage will automatically stay cleaner and appear more organised.
Prioritise Car Storage
Even though you can store things in your garage and use it as a workspace, you should still put car storage at the top of your design list. Make sure there’s enough space for your car by measuring its size.
Put up storage solutions that won’t take up space where you park your car. Then look for more ways to complete a garage so it’s easier to keep clean.
This could mean putting carpets by the door beneath your house to catch mud and water, coating the floors to prevent oil stains, or even drawing the walls to cover up smudges.
Creating the Perfect Garage Layout Is Easy
Your garage is a part of your house, so it should be treated like one. If you use these tips, you’ll be able to make a garage design and layout that works well and that you’ll love for years to come.
Just make certain that whatever amenities you add create the space better for what you want to do with it. You’re the one and only individual you have to please.
Conclusion
Building your dream garage is a journey that allows you to turn an unused space into a place you’re proud of and where you can get things done. To make this dream come true, follow these steps:
- Brainstorm ideas: Before starting the project, it’s important to know exactly what you want and how you want to use it. You can come up with more than just new ideas by getting ideas from different places and combining them.
- Decide on how you’ll use it: You don’t have to park your car in the garage just because it’s supposed to be used. There are endless options for garages, such as making a library, entertainment room, or playroom.
- Choose flooring: Polymer floors are popular for their durability and look like ceramic. Insulating the floor is also essential for a comfortable and warm garage.
- Pick a theme: Think about what you like, what you’ll do in the garage, and how the overall concept fits into that. There are many ideas to choose from, such as a man cave, classic antique race cars, or an arcade.
- Pick a garage door: Custom doors are ideal for creating your garage exactly how you want it. Consider the style you want and the ease of use when choosing a garage door system.
By putting in a new garage door, you can improve the outside look and aesthetic appeal of your home, ultimately increasing its value. Find a trustworthy garage door company that can provide the best deal and all the smart features you want.
The garage layout is a crucial aspect of a house’s overall design, as it takes up a significant space. It can be part of the floor plan or a separate building called a detached garage. A carport, another name for a garage, has at least one open side and can be attached to the house or stand-alone. When designing the perfect garage layout, ensure a minimum of 18 inches (1′-6″) of free space on each side of the garage door on one vehicle’s garage.
When planning a garage layout, consider how you want to use the space, such as creating a designated work area or storing recreational equipment and vehicles. List the items you want in the space, such as hooks for tools and easy-to-clean epoxy floor coatings for your car.
Location is also important when planning a garage layout. The best place for the garage is close to the cooking area, mudroom, and utility space. Invest in wall-mounted storage systems and floating shelves to keep things off the floor and keep the garage cleaner and more organized.
Prioritize car storage and ensure there is enough space for your car by measuring its size. Consider adding storage solutions that won’t take up space where you park your car and finding ways to complete the garage so it’s easier to keep clean.
Creating the perfect garage layout is easy with these tips, and you’re the only individual you have to please. Remember to create a garage design and layout that works well for what you want to do with it.
Content Summary
- Many individuals desire a multifunctional garage space beyond just parking.
- A dream garage should reflect your passions and identity.
- Turning an unused garage space into a haven can be a rewarding journey.
- Many garages are underutilised and lack basic amenities like proper lighting and storage.
- Despite their prevalence, garages in Australia often go neglected during home improvement.
- Brainstorming is crucial to determine the exact features and look you desire for your garage.
- The internet offers countless inspiration for garage designs and functionalities.
- Modern technology allows for affordable yet efficient garage construction solutions.
- DIY steel kits can be particularly useful when constructing a custom garage.
- Your garage’s purpose doesn’t have to be traditionally defined; it can be an entertainment room, library, or playroom.
- Polymer floors are becoming increasingly popular due to their longevity and glossy ceramic-like finish.
- Consider insulating the garage floor to avoid a cold and uncomfortable space.
- A warm garage floor can be pleasant, even if you’re not working on vehicles.
- Your garage’s theme should align with its intended use.
- A plethora of themes, from man caves to arcades, offers endless personalisation options.
- Custom garage doors allow for design continuity and personalised flair.
- Smart garage doors, which automatically open upon arrival, can add convenience.
- It’s vital to consider a garage door’s design and functionality equally.
- An updated garage door can enhance a home’s curb appeal and potentially its value.
- Storage requirements differ based on the garage’s intended purpose.
- For craft rooms or home theatres, adequate storage is a must.
- DIY storage solutions can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing for smaller storage needs.
- Proper temperature control is essential for garage comfort throughout the year.
- A well-planned garage layout can be just as important as the rest of the house’s design.
- The garage can either be integrated into the home’s floor plan or be a detached unit.
- Carports, or open-sided garages, offer another design variation.
- Ensure sufficient space alongside garage doors to comfortably accommodate vehicles.
- How you wish to use the garage space should guide your layout planning.
- The garage, being a part of the home, can be used however the homeowner desires.
- If crafts and building are intended, a designated work area is beneficial.
- Garage location plays a role in functionality, ideally near utility spaces and kitchens.
- A garage’s position on the home’s floor plan can influence its access and appearance.
- Keeping items off the garage floor can prolong their longevity and improve organisation.
- Proper storage in the garage can reduce home clutter, contributing to a relaxed environment.
- Boxes left on the garage floor can lead to damage from pests and weather over time.
- Wall-hanging systems can keep tools organised and accessible.
- Floating shelves offer a neat storage solution for various items.
- Planning the garage should be an enjoyable process.
- Garages can be converted into any space you envision.
- Insulating materials for the garage shouldn’t be compromised on for cost.
- Themes can be based on interests or hobbies for a personalised touch.
- Automatic smart doors offer both function and style.
- Always choose a garage door that complements the home’s aesthetic.
- The garage’s layout should be thought out with precision.
- The design of the garage can significantly impact a home’s overall design.
- Knowing what you want to store will dictate your garage’s layout and storage solutions.
- The garage’s location in relation to other home spaces is critical.
- Off-floor storage solutions are optimal for preserving items.
- Avoid storing items haphazardly and opt for systematic arrangements.
- Consider practical aspects, such as ventilation and temperature control, to ensure comfort in the garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is garage storage important?
With garage storage cabinets, you can make the most of your space and keep things in order. By putting them in the garage, you can make more room for cars, bikes, and other fun things. Any store will have garage storage cabinets that are just right for you.
Can you make a room in a garage?
You can turn your garage into any living space following building code rules. Depending on how your home is zoned, you might have to go through more hoops when building an apartment than when turning your garage into a bedroom.
What are the benefits of a side garage?
Side-entry garages give you more space because they are next to your house. This kind of garage is for you if you want more room than just to store your car. It will be easy to store cars and have a place to work on any hobbies you may have without taking up space at the front of the lot.
Can you use your garage as a home office?
Most garages don’t have enough insulation, but if you want to use your garage as an office several hours a day, you’ll need to ensure it does. Insulation will make your home use less energy and let you use your garage as a workspace all year, no matter the weather.
What is a modern garage?
The Modern Garage is a new take on a traditional building style with a single slope roof that has existed for a long time. It can be a studio-style garage with one story or a lofted space garage with two stories. The Modern Garage will stand out in your neighbourhood for a long time.