It’s the space you never thought about, but that’s now become an essential part of your life. It’s the place where we store our cars and bikes, keep our gardening tools, and do all those things which don’t fit neatly into a home office or study.
It may not be glamorous, but it is functional – after all, it has to accommodate everything from wheelbarrows to kayaks!
And for most people, this is their first real encounter with DIY; hammering together a few sheets of wood and some nails to create something that will literally last a lifetime.
But how much preparation should you put in before starting? What are the dos and don’ts when building your own garage?
This article will discuss eight important things you need to have in mind when building a garage.
1. Consider The Material
Most garages are made out of wood. This is especially true in North America, where it’s cheap and readily available. However, that doesn’t mean it’s always the right choice.
If you live in an area with lots of storms or hurricanes, then you may want to consider upgrading to better, more sustainable materials.
Did you know that the use of steel buildings is on the rise in North America? In fact, this material is considered sustainable and can last for years.
This is because steel buildings are made out of metal that is high-grade and can withstand destructive weather such as winds or storms.
By comparison, wood tends to be more vulnerable; it’s not unheard of for a garage built from wood to develop fissures and cracks because of this sort of weather.
2. Understand Local Laws
Some areas require garages to be built to certain specifications, including location. For example, some municipalities will have laws that require garages to be placed a certain distance away from the street.
The reasoning behind this is obvious- if you build your garage too close to the road, it can present a traffic hazard because people cannot see over it when trying to drive past.
Hence, if there are any signs or signals on your property, they may need to be moved. You should confirm this with your local authorities before starting the building process, because otherwise, you may find yourself in hot water when they put a stop to your construction!
3. Think About Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the most important things to consider when building a garage. If you don’t, then the air quality will deteriorate rapidly, making it difficult for anyone to breathe.
You might experience this yourself; whenever you’re working in your garage, you may sometimes find that the air seems stuffy and heavy. This is because of poor ventilation!
The best way to solve this problem is by placing windows on one or more walls, and this will ensure the air entering is fresh and oxygen-rich.
But what about wintertime? This can be a tricky situation because you want to make sure that there’s no cold air coming in, but you also don’t want the space to become unbearably hot all summer long. That’s why you should also consider installing a ventilation system.
4. What’s Your Budget?
There’s no point in building a garage if you can’t afford it. When planning for this type of project, you should take into consideration all the expenses that you’ll be incurring.
Consider materials, labor costs, and equipment that might go into it- because it’s important to make sure your garage is as comfortable as possible.
You should make a plan for how much you’re willing to spend and be vigilant about sticking to it. You may want to hire a contractor who can suggest ways of making your garage more affordable for you.
5. What Are You Going To Use It For?
This is where people get confused! Some people build their garage with the specific intention of using it as a workshop, but others prefer to turn it into a home gym.
Whatever you use your garage for, you need to make sure it’s possible for you to do that in your chosen home.
For example, if you’re going to use the garage as a workshop, then it would be best if it had enough space for all of your tools and equipment.
On the other hand, if you plan on using it as a home gym, then it should be big enough to fit your treadmill and other workout equipment.
6. Think About The Design
It’s important that your garage looks great too, because the last thing you want is for it to look like an eyesore! This means that you need to think carefully about color, lighting, and other aesthetics.
If you have the money, then hiring a professional is always the best way to go because they can give you great ideas for making your garage look luxurious.
However, it’s possible that you might not want to invest too much into this aspect of the garage building.
In that case, there are budget-friendly ways you can make it look great! You can go online and find some amazing designs for your garage that won’t cost you a penny.
7. What About The Garage Doors?
A garage door is another important consideration when making a building plan because it’s something that you’re going to use every day. This is why you should think about things like:
- Power or manual operation?
- Garage door material: steel, aluminum, wood, etc.
- What color would look best with the interior of your garage?
You should also consider whether you need a remote control for your garage door, as some people find this to be a big benefit.
8. Think About Storage Options
Finally, you should think about how much storage space you might need when building your garage because you want to make sure that it has enough room for all of your tools and equipment.
Look into whether you should build shelves, cabinets, or other storage units. If possible, place the items you use less frequently at the back so that they’ll be out of your way.
A garage is a great addition to any home because it provides extra storage and a workspace. When planning for your garage, there are some things you should keep in mind, such as the material, ventilation, budget, and design.
You also need to think about the doors and storage options. By considering all of these factors, you can ensure that your garage is perfect for your needs!