Thursday, August 7, 2008

Good Garage Design Takes Planning

By Greg Hansward


For those homeowners who have a suitable home but want a garage that will house the automobiles and other possessions scattered about the property, there are several great options for garage design. Some people who have given thought to garage construction envision a new storage space for the car and not much more. Others want a space for the car to start with but also want to have a workshop attached. Some homeowners see a laundry room, an exercise room or a music studio as part of new garage construction.

Of course, the dreams of a new garage can sometimes accompany home construction, so the new home will have additional space for the car, as well as for various other purposes. One of the first factors to consider in garage construction is budget. How much can the family afford for this additional space? Even renovating or seriously reorganizing an existing garage can be rather costly. So it stands to reason that building a new garage to suit family needs and desires can be expensive. It is always best to plan carefully, then set a budget and stay with it.

Every homeowner thinking about a garage addition should plan carefully, so that he or she understands what space is needed. A small garage may be sufficient for car storage and work space, without putting a serious dent in the budget.

When needs have been assessed and careful planning is complete, it is time to decide if the garage-building project will be a do-it-yourself project or if a contractor should be employed to complete the work. This decision depends on a few factors, such as the skills of the homeowner, tools and equipment available, budget etc. Even with basic building and woodworking skills, the homeowner may be able to complete a small project without professional assistance.

For remodeling and some interior reorganization, the homeowner can purchase cabinets, awork bench, shelving and so on. This alone can make a much more usable space out of an existing garage. It may be best to employ an electrician or a plumber for extensive upgrading of utilities. Converting a garage into combination car garage/extra living space may be a larger project than some homeowners will want to tackle.

The services of a professional carpenter or contractor is recommended if there is any doubt about homeowner skills or about the size of the project. Talking with friends and neighbors who have used a reputable contractor should be part of the planning process. It would also be wise to actually see some of the completed work of the contractors under consideration.

Of course, the cost of adding or renovating a garage varies with the amount of work to be completed. Construction time will also vary depending on how large the project is. Without major structural issues, finishing and enclosing a garage can take just a couple of weeks. It is best to carefully choose quality materials that are not too expensive. Some careful shopping should uncover suitable lumber, hardware and so on.

With careful planning and construction, the new or remodelled garage can provide a great place for relaxation and hobby work, as well as for protecting the family car.

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