Having a well-organized, structured garage space that meets all your needs may feel luxurious, but it’s possible to achieve even on a budget. Making the most out of your garage space requires a little measuring, some creativity, and plenty of tips, which we have in spades!
Garages have a lot of uses beyond safely housing your vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. Even the most basic garage is useful for keeping recreational goods, lawn care equipment, tools, and general storage items safe and dry.
More spacious designs provide workshop areas and even a private spot to pull out that electric guitar and get jamming on some old tunes. While many families are satisfied with a high-utility, low-fuss garage of modest size, others may wish to incorporate either a loft or mother-in-law apartment space into the structure.
A garage can add to your existing home and increase its overall market value. That being said, a poorly constructed or badly planned garage can actually damage your property’s value. Thus, it is important to carefully consider size, style, and function when planning the garage that is right for you and your home.
In the early planning stages, you’ll want to decide just how much garage space you need. Keep in mind that most builders recommend a minimum of 3 feet to maneuver around each parked car and suggest an additional 2 feet to allow for storage on each side of the car (5 feet per car, per side in total).
A garage is a long-term investment. Consider whether your storage needs will increase in the future. Do you plan to stay in a single-vehicle household, or will you need room for more in a few (or several) years?
Here are some additional practical questions:
Garage size is as much a practical consideration as an economic one.
On average, single-vehicle garages are about 240 square feet in size. Each additional vehicle typically requires about 140 square feet.
Additional workshop or home gym space will increase the required square footage by about 200-400 feet.
The price to build a garage from scratch varies based on location, materials, design, and other factors. However, a good rule of thumb is to estimate being charged $35-$60 per square foot.
So, assuming you need a two-vehicle garage with room for a home gym, that’s a total of approximately 580 square feet. Multiplying by $60 per square foot gives you an approximate cost of $34,800.
Mother-in-law and apartment-style garages often have a second level, which can significantly alter costs. You’ll want to get an estimate from a trusted construction company.
Many folks like to keep their garages simple. Manual doors are an option, and basic automated doors can be installed using an electrical line from the main house’s electrical panel. This is the favored approach for those who value basic functionality and want to keep costs low.
Investing in more extensive wiring to enable lighting and climate control for four-season use makes sense for those planning to transform their new garage into a workspace.
You will want to consider a full foundation. It guarantees your garage enjoys a long life. A proper foundation allows for efficient drainage and enables you to insulate the walls and ceiling effectively. This minimizes energy loss and improves overall temperature maintenance.
Even the roomiest garage can feel cramped without smart storage solutions! To make the most of your square footage and keep things tidy, consider mixing vertical storage, modular systems, and multi-use furnishings.
Here are a few go-to ideas for smart garage storage:
With a little planning, even a modest garage can stay organized, efficient, and ready for anything—from weekend projects to daily storage needs. Remember, if you plan on DIY-ing any storage solutions, make sure to brush up on proper installation and reinforcement techniques.
Building a garage can be a complex undertaking, particularly if you are demolishing an existing structure, attaching the garage to your existing home, or expanding an existing garage. At Harkraft, we provide free estimates and can help you decide on specifications for your garage, including size, functionality, and any other extras that you might require.
