When it comes to home design, it’s safe to say that people have a couple of pretty huge blind spots. How else would you explain that we so meticulously plan every detail of our living rooms and pay so little attention to our garages? They are an integral part of every home and a pretty hefty investment. Overlooking some of the key considerations when choosing the best option for your home can cost you a lot of money and nerves in the future. Let’s see how we can avoid this.
Think of your future needs
Are you satisfied with only one car, or do you plan to buy another one? If you love traveling, have you ever considered buying an RV or a boat? Think carefully, because all these questions will come back to haunt you if you choose the garage that won't suit your present or future needs. Aside from the sheer size, you have to take into account the garage's layout as well. Using this room as a home workshop or additional storage space will require an adapted layout that will allow seamless workflow.
Consider the climate
Even if you are not planning to use the garage to store sensitive items or as an improvised workshop, you are going to park your car there, so keeping the space protected from the harsh outside climate should be your top priority. If you check out the Best Sheds shop, you will see some great options with insulation that will make this investment very worthwhile.
Look for the door material that suits your needs the best
When it comes to doors, some of the most popular materials you’ll have to choose from are:
- Wood – Traditional and good-looking, but also more expensive than metal. For the best possible quality, look for cedar, hemlock or larch.
- Metal – Since it’s very affordable, lightweight and easy to operate, aluminum is, by far, one of the most popular garage door materials. However, if you are living in a location with high winds or want additional protection against burglary, you should probably opt for steel instead.
- Fiberglass – A very durable material that doubles down as a great insulator. The best option if you want to keep cooling and heating bills from skyrocketing during the months with extreme temperatures.
See which mechanism works best for the available space
Similarly, you’ll need to make the choice between these few door mechanisms:
- Up and over
- Sectional
- Side-hinged
- Round-the-corner
- Side-sliding
Roller garage doors
Generally speaking, up and over and “coach house” doors are very quick and easy to open, but require a lot of clearance. Round-the-corner and side-sliding doors are doing a great job in addressing this issue, but they don't play along with excessive storage units. If you are short on space and don't mind using the garage door opener, roller doors might just be your best option.
Don’t forget the floor
Finally, there’s the question of flooring. Currently, the two most popular options are PVC floor tiles and roll out vinyl which are both easy to install, even easier to maintain and offer a lot of different designs. The main difference – floor tiles leave room for additional customization, albeit for a hefty price. If you are not obsessed with the look, you should at least make sure your future garage floor is covered in some kind of protected coating that will reduce the damage dealt by tires and footwork.
These few important considerations should help you avoid some of the common mistakes people make when they are considering their future garages. A garage is by no means "the heart of the home." However, it doesn't have to be "the stepchild" of the house design, especially when there’s so much money on the table.
