A garage is a great additional space to have. First on foremost for car owners a garage is a place to shield your car from the elements and save you from scraping snow off in winter. No need to worry whether it is too cold for your car to start, being late for work, having to get up early, or being concerned about security and whether the car is safe. It is also often a place where you can store equipment, garden tools, fire wood – whatever you need. Some turn part of the space into a workshop too where they can take on and complete DIY projects. But when planning to add a garage there are some things you to need to think about before rushing into it.
What Are You Going To Use It For?
Your choice when planning to add a garage needs to be guided by what you need from the extra space. If you have other large equipment to store like lawnmowers, snow blowers and so on then you need something with a lot of extra room apart from the space the car will take. If you want extra living space late on then you need to build an extension above it. If you want to store seasonal clothing then you need something that absolutely keeps out the damp and you want storage options inside.
Design and Shape
Just because you are planning to add a garage does not mean it should not look pleasing! Have something that fits well with your home but that is not too big. Garages should not really extend more than two thirds the size of the front of your house. For something bigger build behind the house so that it is not as visible. If you do decide to build on the garage to extend the house, the roof of the extension should be a good amount under the roof of your house still. For large projects like this it would be a good idea to hire a architect and general contractor.
DIY or Get Help
If you are experienced at DIY projects, have skills, tools, time and the knowledge to be able to take on this kind of project then planning to add a garage is certainly a project you can tackle. But if you just dabble in DIY now and then and only tend to do small projects, building your own garage may be something that is beyond your skills. Make sure you are honest with yourself about whether you can really handle this job.
There are people you can hire to do it for you, or you could do the parts you have the skills to, then hire a general contractor to finish it off or do the parts you do not have experience with. They are usually good for the frame, drywall, insulation, doors, roofing and so on. This leaves the foundation, electricity, floor and painting to do. Bring in experts for these if you need to, and just paint it and equip it yourself if you are working on a budget. If you do get help in talk to several people before hiring someone and get quotes and a feel for them and their work.
