Parts of a Custom Garage: 9 Things to Consider in Your Garage Plan
Are you planning to add a custom garage to your Twin Cities property soon? Have you thought about all the different building specifications you’ll need to finalize before construction can begin? If not, it’s a good idea to start thinking about your options so your garage planning process goes as smoothly as possible.
At Sussel Garages, we’ve been building custom garages for over a century, and during all those decades, we’ve learned a thing or two. One thing we’ve noticed is that many property owners simply aren’t aware of all the different components that comprise a well-engineered garage. Are you one of them?
Since you’ll need to finalize these specifications before construction can begin, it’s always a good idea to start thinking about these things early. That way, you’ll know what to expect as you and your builders begin creating your custom garage plan.
Style of Roof Trusses
Your garage needs a roof, and every roof has trusses, so you’ll need to think about which type you want. While standard roof trusses are fine if you don’t need additional storage, you may want to consider other options like:
● Attic trusses. These trusses create a full-blown additional room above the garage. They’re more expensive than their standard counterpart, but they also stand to increase the value of the garage considerably.
● Storage trusses. These trusses also create additional space above the garage, but that space won’t have as much height and it probably won’t be as easily accessible as the space created by attic trusses. These are usually a good option if you want attic storage with a pull-down ladder.
Roofing Material
If you’d like to install a different roofing material on your garage than the one that’s currently on your house, consider the pros and cons of each type before you make a decision. You can choose from:
● Three-tab shingles
● Lifetime architectural shingles
● Cedar shingles
Siding Material
If you’re building an attached garage, it’s generally best to keep your garage siding consistent with what’s currently on your house, if only for the sake of aesthetics. A detached garage may offer a bit more design flexibility here, but at the end of the day, it’s your custom space, so you get to call the shots! As you start thinking about the type of garage siding you’d like, a few popular materials to consider include:
● Custom vinyl siding
● Wood siding
● Fiber cement siding (at Sussel, we use James Hardie)
● Cedar shake or siding
● Brick, stone, or stucco
● Steel siding
● Exterior trim, soffit, and fascia materials
If you’re not sure what works best for your new space, consult with your garage builders. They’ve spent decades using various manufacturers’ materials and can point you in the direction of the best-performing products.
Electrical Service
Will you be running a bunch of power tools in your new custom garage? Perhaps you’re creating a decked-out home gym or a full-service entertainment area? Regardless of the type of space you’re creating, have you thought about whether it needs additional electrical service?
There’s always a chance your home’s existing electrical system may not support the addition of power-hungry tools, appliances, or other equipment. If that’s the case, you’ll need to work with your garage builders to determine the appropriate level of electrical service for your needs.
Overhead Garage Door
Your garage door is the most vulnerable entry point of your entire home, so you must choose it carefully! Although you can certainly opt for the first door that strikes your aesthetic fancy — and yes, exterior design is undoubtedly important — there are other considerations you should think about too. Aside from the door’s design, make sure you’re considering factors like durability, door insulation, security, and the type of garage door opener that offers the best security protection.
Picking out a garage door is definitely a more involved process than most people realize. With a team of experienced garage planners on your side, though, you’ll have access to in-depth information to help you make the best overhead door selection for your needs.
Other Garage Specs to Think About
When it comes to building a custom garage, there are dozens of specifications you’ll need to understand and finalize throughout the garage planning process. While we’ve covered just a handful of them above, other components you’ll definitely want to start thinking about include:
● Garage flooring. Do you want a standard concrete garage floor, concrete sealing, or epoxy coating? Might you need a floor drain if code allows it?
● Windows and entry doors. What kind of standard entry door do you want? How many doors do you think the space will need? Should you install insulated windows to help with energy efficiency?
● Gutters. Gutters protect both the roof and the foundation of your new garage from water damage. Have you thought about what type of gutters you’d like installed or if you could benefit from leaf protection? Though you can certainly choose to do without garage gutters, it’s not recommended.
● Driveway. Do you need a new driveway to accompany your new garage? What about a new sidewalk or patio? Best to get those renovations out of the way in a single go, so you don’t have to labor over them later.
Request a Free Estimate from Minneapolis’s Most Trusted Garage Builders
If you’re in the market for a new custom garage, get in touch with Sussel Garages! After serving over 50,000 satisfied customers in the Twin Cities metro and building garages for over a century, we’re proud to wear the title of Minnesota’s most trusted garage builder. Curious how we earned our nickname? Check out our work to find out!
To discuss your custom garage plan or learn more about how we can help you, request a free estimate or give us a call today at 651-645-0331 (St. Paul) or 612-379-0949 (Minneapolis).