3 Important Garage Considerations for Your Custom Home
December 2, 2021When building a custom home, most of the detail and planning is centered on the home. However, a well-designed and well-planned garage can add a lot of value to your home. Here are a few important garage considerations as you plan and build your custom home and garage:
1. Size and Functionality
The primary function of a garage is to be able to park your vehicles in an enclosed space. This offers protection from the elements and keeps your car in better shape. But, are you also planning to use your garage for other things?
Size
Having enough space is one of the top garage must-haves. When planning your garage, you need to take into account how many vehicles you want to house, and how big they are. Typically, a two-car garage is enough space for the average family and average-sized car.
However, if you know you want to keep three cars in a garage, plan accordingly. If you have larger SUVs or trucks, you will need bigger parking bays. And, if you hope to keep a boat or motorcycles in your garage, this is also important to consider. This can also help you choose the right garage door or doors for your custom home.
Functionality
What, other than to house cars, do you want out of your garage? Extra storage space? Room for laundry? Do you want a workout space? Keep these things in mind as you plan the garage for your custom home.
You also may want electrical outlets and extra lighting if you plan to use your space for more than storage and for your cars. Additionally, you want to figure out temperature control for what is being stored in the garage and for the rest of your home. Insulated garage doors can help improve the energy efficiency of a garage and help protect items stored in it as well.
2. Attached Vs Detached Garage
If you’re custom building your home, you get the most control in deciding on an attached or detached garage. Both have their pros and cons.
Attached Garage
There are pros and cons of an attached garage, but the biggest advantage is that it’s attached to your home. No running through the rain to get into your home or dragging groceries too far. Attached garages also offer you easy access to anything you store in your garage, like tools or even overflow pantry items. Some people even keep their chest freezer in the garage.
A drawback to an attached garage is that you are limited to some degree in terms of design. You need the garage to fit or blend in with your house. Garages can be large, so keep that in mind as you plan. You don’t want your garage to overwhelm your home.
Detached Garage
There are also pros and cons of a detached garage, but one of the benefits is that there’s much more design potential in a detached garage. Detached garages are great if you want to build a multifunctional space.
If you want to have a larger workspace or crafting area, detached garages will offer you the space. You can even build a loft for additional living space for you or visitors. And, since the garage is detached, you won’t hear as many loud noises that may come from a workspace or hangout area.
A downside to detached garages is the distance between the garage and your home. You also may have to consider electricity and heating options if you want that for a detached building. This might be an extra expense, so be sure to keep that in mind.
3. Location, Location, Location
Another one of the important garage considerations is to think about the location of your garage. If you’re building an attached garage, your options are somewhat limited but you still have some say. Do you mind having your garage visible from the street or do you want it concealed? A street-facing garage entrance or side entrance is just one of the important things to consider before building.
If you’re planning on an attached garage, you’ll want it to connect to your home in a logical way. You most likely want it to connect to your kitchen, laundry room, or even basement, depending on the land and build layout. You’ll also want to figure out what entrance location to the garage you want. There are pros and cons of front-facing garage entrances as well as side-entry garages. A detached garage has much more freedom in choosing a location. You can even hide it behind trees if you want it out of sight.
Don’t forget to keep these important garage considerations in mind as you think about your custom home so you get the space you want and need. If you’re ready to get started designing and building your own custom home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090. We’ll help bring your dream home to life!