Whether you’re replacing an present structure or building a new one, designing a detached garage involves first identifying your needs — whether to provide a dry place to park your vehicle or a usable work area for do-it-yourself projects — and then coming up with a design that will fit your home and property.
Size
Considering all the things which need to enter your garage — automobile, lawn mower, gardening equipment and seasonal things — your first decision is its size. In case you have an present garage, use it to help with your new plans. Empty the garage and quantify it. Consider whether there is sufficient room for your present things, along with any additional items you may want to keep in the garage. If you’re short on space, make your garage bigger. When you have excess space, make it smaller. The standard inside of a two-car garage is 32 feet wide by 26 feet long. Plan for a height of about 8 feet for a normal garage and 12 to 13 feet if you want to bring a loft.
Exterior
Although your garage may not be attached to your home, it should look to be an extension of your exterior. Take cues from your house’s architectural design. Match the style of your own garage roof to your house’s roof. A gabled, hip or gambrel roof all work well on a smaller structure like a detached garage. Choose a siding material that matches or complements your home’s exterior. Sometimes, it may not be possible to match the substances exactly. — for instance, if your house’s present vinyl siding has faded through the years. Instead, choose a different material that coordinates with the shingles on the home, like stone or brick veneer.
Door
The huge selection of premade garage doors vary in style from plain to decorative. First settle the whether you want a single door or double doors. A single door is most typical and can accommodate a couple of cars based on how wide an option you decide on. However, double-style doors that open in the center rather than lifting upward give your garage a more decorative appearance. Garage doors can be found in wood, steel or fiberglass. Steel is the least costly choice, though hardwood is much more durable. Wood needs the most maintenance but it usually offers the most charming appearance.
Ventilation
Your garage has to be functional. Include a decent ventilation system on your design so that fumes from your vehicle and paints, solvents and other substances that you may store inside don’t fill the area. A through-the-wall ventilation fan is a simple way to exhaust fumes from the space. In addition, it can keep the garage cooler during warm summer months.
Electricity
If you intend on using your garage for a work area, electric receptacles are essential. However, even if you simply intend to park your vehicle and store holiday decorations indoors, have the structure wired for lighting. Consult with an electrician to determine the most effective electrical setup for the garagedoor. If you’re adding a work bench, a few committed 20-amp circuits around it really is a good beginning. It’s also a good idea to include several empty conduits between the garage and main electric panel so additional circuits can easily be installed in a later date.
