Less than two-thirds of American homes have garages or carports to protect some of the most valuable things we own. Although many buy garages specifically to fill with their hobbies, others create these spaces as room for their vehicles and storage: so they must be well taken care of and well built from the get-go.
If you're building your stand-alone garage, you have to plan thoroughly. These are the top things to consider when starting construction, and why planning carefully matters so much!
Consider Which Materials Work Best for Your Needs
Any garage out there is only as good as the materials it's made out of. Because of this, it's a good idea to thoroughly vet and consider each part that you purchase to build this space. A good thing to do is lay out the budget for multiple items and weigh the pros and cons of each option. This means looking up the cost of steel building materials and siding and thinking about how much you'll need to create this room fully. Otherwise, if you're tight on a budget and time, you might want to consider getting a large shed kit instead to get your projects going. Just make sure to pick the right type of kit that is made of high quality materials just to make sure that it will last long.
If you’re adding windows to your garage, make sure that they’re high quality and placed high enough that the average person won’t be able to climb in through them. Although lower windows may be more aesthetically pleasing, this is a space that you won’t be in during the night, and it’s harder to hear noises coming from your garage when you’re not in it.
Ensure You Put Down a Great Foundation
If you want your garage to be sturdy and last as many years as possible: you have to take the time to do it right from the start to the end. Adding a concrete slab as the foundation is the best way to ensure that your garage won't sink into mud or dirt and that your building will stay as level as possible. Unlike a connected garage that benefits from being on the home's foundation, you're up to your own devices when it's a stand-alone building, even with high-quality aluminum composite paneling on the sides.
Waterproofing Ensures it Will Last
Water is one of the most corrosive substances on earth because when combined with time and movement, it can wear down any surface or cause irreparable damage. Water creates canyons and ravines, so don't give it the chance to break down your garage. When building, look into how to waterproof your garage floor based on what type of flooring you choose. If you go for classic cement flooring, this can be the easiest to protect, but it depends on your taste and budget.
Waterproofing starts at the top, though, so you must ensure your roof is sturdy and airtight, with shingles that look not only good outside of your home but also are capable of keeping moisture out of your workspace. When you put in windows and doors, make sure they seal well and that the garage isn't built too downhill in an area that could be high-risk for flooding.
Create a Great Driveway
Your driveway doesn't have to be a work of art: it just has to function as well as possible. For example, driving across a regular yard once or twice a day could lead to a lot of mud and deep tracks in your lawn. So instead, ask questions like 'how much does it cost to build a gravel driveway?'. This will save you from spending a lot of money on this now and allows you to put down an efficient driveway that can eventually be replaced or paved over if you have the funds for it later on.
Pay Attention to the Market Value in Your Area
The market value of every neighborhood and city in America has been in turmoil for the last couple of years. Homes are quickly gaining value, and many are flying off the market the moment they land on it. Although nobody wants to be stuck in a bind where we have to sell land fast, it’s good to know if your new garage is going to add value to your property. The average detached garage can add between $5,000 to $25,000 in value, but this can go up depending on the size of the garage and the interest in your area.
Your Garage Should Be As Safe and Long Lasting as Your Home
Whether this garage is an additional space to indulge in hobbies or you're creating a new home for your vehicles, you must take the time to ensure it's built well. The better the materials, and more attention to detail you put in, the better chance it'll last and protect the things you fill it with: so build it well!
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