A new garage isn’t just for storing your vehicle. It can offer useful storage, establish a functional working space, boost your home’s worth, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. But, to obtain these benefits, careful planning must be done from the outset.
When rushing to build a project without taking into account future needs, building requirements, or the quality of the materials, unnecessary expenses and frustration can occur.
At the planning stage, whether you’re building a detached or attached garage, there are some important points you should remember to avoid expensive pitfalls and construct a garage that will benefit your family for years to come.
- Building Without a Long-Term Plan
A common mistake homeowners make during garage construction is to only consider what they need that day or hour, rather than the long term. A two-car garage might be enough now, but it may not be enough later on when lifestyle changes might necessitate more storage space, workspace, or room for larger vehicles.
- Prior to construction, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you require room for lawn tools or equipment?
- Are you thinking of buying a bigger car?
- Would the garage be a good example for a workshop/hobby room?
Future planning requirements can be a lot cheaper to accommodate than if they are planned later.
- Choosing the Wrong Size
The functional and convenient aspects of garages are determined by the dimensions. If a building is just big enough to fit the vehicles, there may not be much space for storage or moving around in. When designing your garage, consider:
- Vehicle size
- Door clearance
- Storage shelving
- Workbenches
- Walking space
- Overlooking Local Building Requirements
Each municipality has building ordinances that include setback, permits, structural standards, and zoning requirements. Starting a construction project without proper knowledge of these rules can lead to project delays or extra costs.
Hiring professional builders and checking construction permits in advance can help ensure that the project is completed on time and in compliance with the necessary regulations.
- Using Low-Quality Materials to Save Money
Avoiding the investment in high-quality materials by opting for lesser quality options can result in increased maintenance costs in the long run. Sometimes it makes more sense to invest in long-lasting roofing, framing, siding, doors, and floor systems.
A good material will resist the weather, moisture, and wear and tear and is good at protecting the building and the contents inside.
- Ignoring Proper Drainage and Site Preparation
A solid base starts well before the concrete is poured. Standing water, damage to foundations, moisture issues, and premature deterioration are all potential problems caused by poor drainage. These prevent future structural problems in the garage and keep costs down.
- Forgetting About Lighting, Electrical Needs, and Ventilation
Many homeowners may think about the structure but not about how they use the area on a daily basis. Consider including:
- Adequate interior and exterior lighting
- Convenient electrical outlets
- Charging options for power tools or electric vehicles
- Proper ventilation
- Future heating or cooling requirements
