Having a custom-built garage today is very convenient and useful, whether it is used for parking your vehicles and keeping them out of harm’s way, or as a workshop or home office, or even just as extra valuable storage space. Garages are definitely valuable additions to our homes. If constructed properly they can also increase the resale value of your home, if you decide to sell in the future.
Garages were originally introduced in the early 1900s to replace carriage houses and to protect automobiles. The garage has certainly evolved, as today it still has the same function, but in addition, we have increased its purpose to the protection of all kinds of vehicles, with and without engines, as a storage space and also as an extra room that we use as a laundry room and somewhere to keep the freezer.
Is a Garage Addition Right for You?
If you are considering having a garage addition there are a few things that need to be considered. Most importantly, is it allowed in your area? You need to check to see if there are any Zoning Laws. If your neighborhood has a homeowners association they may also have building rules that you need to comply with.
Some of the questions you will need to answer include:
- What is the required distance from the street?
- How close to the side of the property can you build?
- Are there any special restrictions, such as height?
- Would driveway requirements affect the position or design?
- Does the HOA specify style, materials or colors?
Locating and Sizing the Garage
Once you’ve decided upon a garage addition and you know you have permission, you need to make decisions regarding where you want it and how big you want it to be. You need to make sure that your garage is not too big to dominate the face of your house. One way to avoid this is to build the garage so it faces the side and the windows are street-facing so that it matches your house. Or if this is not possible, setting the garage slightly back from the street will also minimize the visual impact. Once your garage is built you want it to blend in with your home and the rest of the neighborhood, not stick out like a sore thumb!
