Your top reason for needing a garage is most likely to protect your vehicle. However, there are many other reasons why you may want to have a garage, such as for extra home or recreational vehicle storage. The exact use of any garage depends on the shape and size of the building, width and height of the garage door, amount of insulation and a variety of other features. Be sure to consider these top tips before you begin construction on your garage.
Decide on the Purpose
First, decide how you will use your garage. Is it only for protecting your vehicles from inclement weather? Is it for storing a recreational vehicle or a boat? Do you want to use it for watching games with your friends or for your workshop? Once you decide on a use or two for the space, you will be able to determine how basic or luxurious your design needs to be.
Choose Dimensions
Knowing the purpose for your garage will help you decide how wide, deep and tall the space should be. For example, if you want to store an RV within it, you will need to plan on a taller space with a high door. If you have two everyday vehicles and a specialty car that you use occasionally, you will want a wider, three-car garage. If you plan to store vehicles while also using the space for workouts or as a workshop, you will want to design a large space with extra room at the sides or the back.
Plan Additional Features
Your third decision will be what types of features you would like in your garage. For example, if you live in a cold climate and want to use the space for more than just vehicle storage, you will definitely want to insulate it well. You may also want to install baseboard heaters near a workshop or specialty lighting in workout or storage areas. Other features to consider include windows, flooring, drainage and specialty garage doors.
Get Professional Help for the Garage Door
No matter how great you are at DIY, the garage door is something for which you will want professional help from a company like Raynor Door Company. Garage door springs must be the right size and strength for the size and weight of the door that you have. Springs must also be properly balanced to allow your door to run smoothly. Always be sure to have your garage door springs checked every four years, which is the approximate length of life for many springs.
Whether you are planning a simple detached garage or a luxurious garage worthy of your largest party, you have plenty to plan before you begin building. While you will not have to spend as much on the garage as you would on many other areas of your house, this is still not the place to cut corners. A well-built garage can protect some of your costliest belongings, set the entire look of your house and give you extra space that is safe enough for storing your memories and hobbies.