How to Plan a New Garage (The Right Way)
When building a new home, the construction of the garage can often be something of an afterthought. While it’s understandable that most people focus almost all of their attention on the house itself, failing to make plans for the garage as well can be a big mistake. As garage door installation experts, we have personally witnessed what happens when a new garage is not adequately planned for and it is often not a pretty sight. In today’s blog post, we are going to talk you through all of the main factors you need to consider when planning a new garage and point out some of the most common pitfalls to avoid along the way. By following our tips and suggestions, you can make sure that your next garage is as attractive and well-built as the home that it serves.
Planning Advice From the Littleton Garage Door Company That Cares
In our professional experience, the following factors are those you should pay the most attention to when planning a new garage, whatever your specific requirements happen to be:
Budget
Before thinking about what size garage you would like, where you are going to put it, how you propose to use it and what type of garage door installation you are going to have, you need to decide on a budget. The options you are able to choose when considering the factors below will very much depend on the amount of money you are willing to allocate to the building of your new garage so it is imperative for you to come up with a figure that you are happy with right at the start of the planning process. We cannot tell you how much you should spend of course but we would like to caution you not to allocate too little to this part of your new home build. You will soon tire of a poorly-built garage that is not really big enough for your needs and that looks rather ugly. Furthermore, it will detract from the appearance of your new property and could lower its future value as well. For all of these reasons, we urge you to allocate as much money as necessary to build a good-looking garage that is big enough to meet all of your needs in full.
"A two-car garage costs an average of $52 per square foot to build. Custom garage construction costs, like a slab foundation, security system, and livable loft space, mean you could pay between $35 and $90 per square foot."
—Forbes Home, 2024
Location
If you are building a new house from scratch and you have a completely free hand with regard to the layout and design, you should spend some time thinking about the best location for your new garage. It may be that an integral garage is the best choice for your needs or perhaps you might want to build it on one side of your home, with a passage in between it and the main living area. Alternatively, a completely detached garage could be the best option for you. The optimal location will depend on your personal preferences, practical considerations and the nature of the site on which you are building, among other things.
Pros & Cons of Attached Garages
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenience and accessibility from the house | Limited design options due to integration with the house's structure |
| Cost-effective due to shared walls | Potential for fumes and noise to enter the house |
| Easier to bring groceries or other items directly inside | Potentially more vulnerable to break-ins due to direct house access |
| Can increase the overall heating efficiency of the house |
Pros & Cons of Detatched Garages
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More design flexibility | Requires more land space |
| Can create a separate, quiet workspace | Higher construction costs compared to an attached garage |
| Better security for valuable tools and equipment | Less convenient during bad weather (rain, snow) |
| Separate utility lines may be needed (electricity, water) |
Size
The size of your new garage will dictate not just how many vehicle you can keep there but also what other uses you may be able to put it to in the future, in the event you decide that a garage conversion could be a good idea. Even if you are only planning to use it as a safe parking area for your vehicles, don’t forget to allow a little extra space for other things that will inevitably be stored there as well, such as family bicycles, DIY tools, pet food, and children’s garden toys. Unless you are building a fully detached garage, it will probably be very difficult to extend it in the future so it’s important to get the size right first time. With this in mind, we recommend erring on the side of caution and allowing for more space than you really think you need if you are not completely sure how much is truly necessary.
How You Intend to Use It
We have already mentioned the possibility of a future garage conversion when discussing the size of your new garage and you will also have to consider how your future usage plans may influence other choices you have to make. The materials you use to build your new garage, whether you finish the walls, the type of roof you decide on and the type of door that you install: all of these choices will depend, to a certain extent, on how you plan to use the garage in the future. For example: if you think that you might like to convert it into an extra bedroom or a children’s play area at some point in the future, you can make the conversion easier to complete by choosing a more stylish garage door installation than you might otherwise have opted for. A high-quality door with tempered glass panels won’t need to be replaced when converting your garage, whilst a more utilitarian, plain metal affair probably will.
Local Planning Regulations
The local planning regulations in the area you live may restrict your choices as far as the design, size, and location of your new garage are concerned. It is therefore crucial that you research them thoroughly before you start putting your plans into action. In some areas, for example, you may not be allowed to locate a garage on the property line. In others, there may be height restrictions that need to be considered.
If you are building a new garage in Broomfield or nearby Colorado communities, we can talk you through the local regulations but if you are building in another part of the country, you will have to approach a local garage door company or contact the local planning office for assistance.
Building a New Garage in Broomfield?
Review FAQs on county-wide building regulations and permits before getting started. Broomfield Building FAQsGarage Door Style
Last but not least, think about the style of door you would like to install. We already suggested the possibility of installing a more stylish model to accommodate future conversion plans, but even if this is not something you wish to consider, you still need to choose a door that will complement the rest of your home and meet your needs in terms of functionality. There are several garage door styles to consider, including the following three popular options.
- Full-view aluminum doors are a modern choice, featuring large glass panels that allow natural light to flood the interior space. These doors are perfect for homeowners who want to create a bright, airy atmosphere and can be particularly appealing if you plan to use the garage as a workshop or hobby space in the future. The sleek design of full-view aluminum doors can also add a contemporary touch to your home's exterior.
- Stamped shaker doors offer a clean, classic look with their recessed panel design. This style is versatile and can complement both traditional and modern homes. Stamped shaker doors are often made from steel, making them durable and low-maintenance while still providing an attractive appearance. They are an excellent choice if you are looking for a balance between aesthetics and practicality.
- Carriage house doors, with their charming, rustic appearance, can add a touch of elegance and historical character to your home. These doors are designed to mimic the look of old-fashioned carriage house doors, with decorative hardware and a variety of finishes available. Carriage house doors can be made from wood, steel, or composite materials, offering flexibility in terms of maintenance and durability. They are ideal for homeowners who want to make a statement with their garage door while still maintaining a functional space.
Each style has its own unique appearance and potential benefits, so it is important to think carefully about what will work best for your specific situation. Ultimately, the best garage door style for your new garage will be one that meets your practical needs while also enhancing the overall look of your property. Consider the architectural style of your home, your personal preferences, and any future plans for the garage when making your decision.
If you are in the process of planning or building a new garage and you would like to talk to us about a new garage door installation in Highlands Ranch or another area of Littleton, please call or message us whenever you wish. It will be our pleasure to provide you with any assistance you may require and to prepare a competitive quotation for you to consider.