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If you have the space on your property, building a garage can have many benefits from keeping your car secure to protecting the bodywork from bird poop and tree sap. But just what should your garage look like? What practical features does it need? In this post, we’ll discuss 7 important things to consider when designing the perfect garage.
Provide enough space for your car and more
You don’t want parking to be too tight in your garage. For one, you need enough space to get out either side. You also need space to load your car from behind or open the bonnet if necessary. On top of this, you may want space for storage or other items in your garage. Therefore make sure it’s quite a lot bigger than your car. If you’re designing a two car garage, it will need to be at least 20 x 20 ft.
Choose the right style of doors
Garage doors come in many different styles. Consider which style you like the look of most and which is most practical. Traditional side-hinged doors allow for easy access while roller doors require no clearance space and can be automated. For durability against storms and break-ins, choose a steel door. Aluminium is more lightweight and modern, while wooden doors can provide a warm rustic look.
Consider lighting and electricity
Having lighting in your garage can be useful when parking up at night. Consider motion-sensing lighting so that you don’t have to get out and turn on a switch. You may also want to wire in outlets for tools or potentially even a car chargepoint if you have an EV. Hire an electrician to help you with this.
Select an easy-to-clean floor
Many garages just have a plain concrete floor, however this needs regular sealing to protect it from stains. An epoxy coating could make the floor easier to clean. Alternatively, consider laying down some rubber mats (these are easier on the feet if you’re going to be in your garage a lot working on your car or fixing other things).
Add storage solutions for tools and seasonal items
Garages often double up as storage areas for tools, equipment and seasonal items. Consider adding space for cabinets or installing shelves on the walls. Plan out an organised system for storing everything so that your garage doesn’t become cluttered and messy.
Insulate your garage
Without insulation, your garage will get very cold in the winter. Use PIR rigid boards to trap heat in your garage or consider materials like stone wool insulation to help also provide acoustic insulation. Garage doors can also be insulated to stop them from being a source of heat loss.
Design for multiple purposes
A garage doesn’t just have to be for car storage – it could also function as a workshop, a study, a home office or an extra living space. Leave enough space for other features and decide where exactly you will place them. For example, if you’ve always wanted a dartboard in your home, plan which wall it will be placed on and make sure there is enough room in front to throw. If you’ve always wanted a hot tub, consider designing a corner for this to sit and consider planning plumbing.
Note: This is a collaborative post
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