7 Things to Consider Before Building a New Garage
Are you thinking about adding a new garage to your home? If you’re looking for additional space, either for your vehicles or to conduct your hobbies, a new garage is a smart investment.
At Sussel Garages, it’s our goal to help you bring your dream garage to life and to do that, extensive planning is critical.
Below, we’ve outlined three of the most basic initial considerations you should review before beginning your garage planning process.
What Are the Zoning Laws in Your Locality?
Making any change to your existing home requires a permit. Before you begin building a garage, you’ll typically need to acquire permission from your locality’s planning commission.
Permit applications frequently require zoning approval or garage plan review, so the process can take several weeks to finalize. However, when you partner with our team at Sussel Garages, our garage builders take care of those details for you.
After more than 100 years in the construction industry, our team is well-versed in city codes and building permits, which helps us help you more efficiently.
What Will You Use the Garage For?
Will you use your garage for storage? Maybe for a home gym? What about as a workspace for vehicles or creative projects? Before you can finalize a functional garage plan with your builders, you’ll need to have a concrete idea of how you plan to use the space.
Your garage builders can work with you to develop a creative plan that meets your space and functionality needs.
Will You Park Vehicles In Your Garage?
If you plan to park vehicles inside your garage, how many will you store there? How large are they?
Larger vehicles typically require additional overhead space and often require larger entryways, so be sure to discuss your vehicle sizes with your garage builders so they can formulate a functional plan.
As well, if you have children, consider whether you plan to bring additional vehicles into the family as your children age. In many cases, you can add additional square footage onto the garage if it no longer meets your space requirements.
Will You Warm Up Your Car in the Winter?
Minnesota winters are notoriously freezing. If you plan on warming up your car in the morning before your commute, you want to make sure you have proper ventilation in your garage. When a car runs, it emits carbon dioxide, which is very harmful.
If you have proper ventilation in your garage, you won’t need to worry about the fumes getting inside the house or lingering in the garage.
Attached or Detached Garage?
Attached and detached garages both have many benefits. Of course, attached garages are more popular where winter is harsh because you don’t have to go outside to get in your car. You also save time by not having to scrape snow and ice off your car, and it remains protected during other extreme weather.
Detached garages, however, depending on your lot size, can have many other design options that you can consider. With a detached garage, you could add a sitting area or a screened-in porch, or a patio.
What Kind of Insulation Do You Need?
Depending on what you are using your garage for, you want to make sure you have proper insulation. One option is to consider an insulated garage door.
There are many benefits to an insulated garage door, which include consistent temperatures, better vehicle storage, and more efficient temperatures for the rooms that border the garage. This can help reduce energy costs.
In addition to an insulated garage door, you should consider how much insulation to put in the garage’s walls and ceiling. Adding insulation can help in all the ways we’ve already mentioned.
Which Style of Garage Meets Your Needs?
Do you want an attached or detached garage? Do you want a basic, functional structure or an intricately designed masterpiece complete with all the bells and whistles?
The style of your garage should first depend on your usage plans for the space, but it should also complement the existing style of your home.
Do you need extra living space?
Including additional space either above or adjacent to the garage increases your home’s square footage, which can help boost the value of your home.
Do you own a historic home?
You’ll want to match the garage design with the existing architecture of your home for cohesiveness. Colonial garages are a popular choice among homeowners with classic architectural designs.
Will your garage function as a shop?
A shop garage features additional space outside of that reserved for your vehicles. This style of garage is great for hobbyists or even home-based businesses that require additional workspace.
Will you store large vehicles or trailers?
An RV garage features additional width and overhead space to accommodate large vehicles, as well as wider door openings to accommodate additional berth.
At Sussel Garages, our garage builders can work with you to formulate a custom garage layout and exterior design that’s not only functional but that also enhances your home’s curb appeal.
The possibilities are virtually endless, so feel free to check out our gallery of work to get your creative juices flowing!
Looking for a Reputable Twin Cities Garage Builder? Contact Sussel Garages Today
At Sussel Garages, we’ve been serving Twin Cities homeowners for over 100 years, and we’d love to make you our next fully satisfied client. Whether you’re in the market for a new garage or need renovations to your existing structure, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life.
To learn more about our services or to schedule your free estimate, feel free to give our team a call at 651-645-0331 (St. Paul) or 612-379-0949 (Minneapolis). You can also get in touch with us via our contact form, and we’ll get back to you promptly!