What to Consider Before Building a Garage

If you have owned a home, you will probably admit that the one space that is the most neglected is your garage. Often times the garage becomes the “dump-the-junk” space where everything we don’t use inside the home ends up. By creating a garage plan, you can avoid all of the clutter and use the garage as a bonus space in your home.

What if you planned for the ideal garage plan when you build your new home? Starting with your new house plan, it is not too difficult to customize your garage space early on, discussing some upgrades with your builder. There are so many different garage plans: carports, garage loft plans, one-car garages, three-car spaces, RV garage plans, and even a garage with an attached carport. Some people even plan ahead to create a garage space that could become a studio apartment down the road for an elderly parent. You could even build a stand-alone garage that features an upstairs apartment that is ideal for everyone from your in-laws to a college student that is home for summer vacation. Some people even accrue extra income by renting out the extra space. 

A garage apartment like this garage plan (# 196-1049) with 820 square feet (sq ft) of living space, including a bedroom and bath, can serve multiple purposes. Many people never really think through the garage space when they build a new home. The average garage size in the United States is a 400 to 480 sq ft, two-car garage, with storage cabinets above the carport area. Standard dimensions include a garage with a minimum of 20 feet by 24 feet for two cars at approximately 480 sq ft but his size does not leave much room for storage or a workbench, in which case you should plan on a space that is at least thirty feet wide or more.

For instance, if you are in need of a garage workshop you want it to be versatile enough to accommodate the continuously changing needs and interests of your family. Choose a flexible plan. 

Here are a few tips from The Plan Collection to help get you started.

1. The first step is to think through your current and future lifestyle needs. Families with children who are active and into various sports will require a more efficient garage space than an empty-nester couple. Your garage could be a bonus room for your home.
    
2. Make sure your garage plan is architecturally complementary to the overall house plan.
    
3. Think resale value. What will bring the best resale value down the road when it comes time to sell your home?
    
4. Analyze and visualize the space and how you want it to function. What is your priority for your garage? To park your car (a big investment)? To use as a workspace? To store seasonal items and sporting equipment? Or maybe all of the above? You can have it all if you prioritize how you want to use the space.
    
5. Plan ahead to keep the garage space organized. The garage building can become cluttered if you don't keep things in the same area. As you pull things out of the garage, keep the sporting equipment together in one spot, and the same applies to the lawn gear, tools, decorations, etc. Remember the same organizational process applies when you put things back into their established areas.

Types of Garage Design

There are many different types of garages that you can choose from when you are looking for the best garage plans. Building plans for garages come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate the many different types of garages that are out there.

Detached Garage

The detached garage is the most common type of garage. This type of garage is not attached to the main house and can be placed anywhere on your property. The great thing about this type of garage is that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to the design and layout.

Attached Garage

The attached garage is connected to the main house and is generally located on the side or the back of the property. This type of garage is convenient because you can go from your car directly into the house.

Barn Style

Barn plans are perfect if you need a lot of storage space. This type of garage is also great if you have a farm or ranch because you can store all of your equipment and

Car Garage Plans

When you are looking for the best garage plans, it is important to decide what type of garage you want. If you are only planning on using the garage for parking your car, then you can choose a simple design. However, if you want to use the garage for other purposes such as a workshop or storage space, then you need to choose a more complex design.

There are many different car garage plans available, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs. If you want a simple design, then you can choose a one-car garage plan. These plans typically have a small door that leads into the garage and a window for natural light.

Garage floor plans come in many different styles and sizes. If you only have one car, then you don't need a very large garage. However, if you have more than one car or if you want to use the garage for storage or as a workshop, then you will need a larger garage.

2-Car Garage Plans

If you want a garage that can accommodate two cars, then you need to choose a two-car garage plan. These plans typically have two doors that lead into the garage and may also have windows for natural light.

3-Car Garage Plans

If you have three cars or more, then you need to choose a three-car garage plan. These plans typically have three doors that lead into the garage and may also have windows for natural light.

Garage Apartment Plans

If you want to use the garage for storage or as a workshop, then you need to choose a garage apartment plan. These plans typically have an apartment on the second floor that can be used for storage or as a workspace.

Collection of Garage Workspace Plans

If you want to use the garage as a workspace, then you need to choose a workshop garage plan. These plans typically have a large door that can be used to drive a car into the garage.

Boat Storage

If you want to store a boat in your garage, then you need to choose a boat storage plan. These plans typically have a large door that can accommodate a boat.

Workshop Architectural Styles

There are a few different workshop architectural styles to choose from. The most common style is the traditional style garage. This type of garage typically has a pitched roof and is made from wood.

The modern style garage is becoming more popular. This type of garage typically has a flat roof and is made from metal or concrete.

The industrial-style garage is perfect if you need a lot of space. This type of garage typically has a high ceiling and is made from metal or concrete. The barn-style garage is perfect if you live on a farm or ranch. This type of garage typically has a loft area that can be used for storage.

How to Choose the Right Garage Plans

When you are looking for the best garage plans, it is important to consider your needs. If you only need a small amount of space, then you can choose a one-car or two-car garage plan. However, if you need a lot of space, then you need to choose a larger garage.

It is also important to consider the style of garage you want. If you want a traditional-style garage, then you can choose a pitched roof garage. However, if you want a modern-style garage, then you can choose a flat roof garage.

Finally, it is important to consider the materials you want your garage to be made from. If you want a garage made from wood, then you can choose a traditional-style garage. However, if you want a garage made from metal or concrete, then you can choose a modern-style garage.

Visit this page for a variety of garage plans.