There are many ways that a garage may contribute to a home besides acting as a place to store vehicles. The space can be used as a playroom for the kids, a home gym, or for that workshop you have always dreamed about. It can even be used as an office for your home‑based business. Although the garage may start out as extra space, circumstances can lead to the need for more room. Although the number of family members and the things they own can grow, the dimensions of a garage stay the same. At some point, the limitations of your existing garage may become too significant to ignore.
When your existing garage is no longer adequate for your needs, adding a second garage can double, or even triple, the amount of space that you have for storage or to keep your vehicles. If you are tired of keeping your vehicle on the street because there is no longer room in your garage, adding a second garage may be your most practical option.
Zoning laws and permits
Zoning laws and the permits required for any renovation or construction project differ by state, city and by the areas within the city. For example, owners with a home in a historical district may only be permitted to make renovations to the house that fit in with the era the house was built or they may not be permitted to make any changes at all. Take the time to learn your neighborhood’s zoning laws to determine if you can legally add a garage to your home, what restrictions may apply, and the required permits you must apply for. Once you know the requirements, it will make it easier to plan the size and location of your second garage.
Some zoning laws also require you to match the architecture of new structures to that of the house. Even if this is a decision that is up to you, it is always a good idea to blend styles for a more comprehensive approach that has greater aesthetic appeal.
How much space do you need?
Once you know what kind of space you have to work with, you can decide how large you need the garage to be. Consider your current needs and how they may change in the future. It will be easier to add a two-car garage now than to do a single-car garage add-on now only to run out of space again a few years down the road. Even if you are planning on selling your house down the road, adding a second garage will increase the value of the home significantly. You can probably even expect a significant return on your investment. If you change your mind about selling, at least you will have a house that caters to your need for space.
Determine the best location
The big difference between increasing the size of your existing garage and adding a second garage is that the latter choice gives you more flexibility in positioning it. Depending on the architecture of your home and its proximity to the street and surrounding buildings, placing the new garage adjacent to the existing one may be the most practical solution. This will allow you to use the same driveway for the most part and will also give you the convenience of using the same house access that you currently use.
The zoning laws may play a role in this part of the renovation as well. For example, some locations only allow a garage to be added to the back of the house while many require the structure to be a certain distance from the street.
You may prefer to have a freestanding structure that has room between the garage and your house. If you have ample room and can use the room between the garage and the house constructively, this might be a good choice for you.
Don’t forget about accessibility
Fitting the garage into the space you have available is one thing. Making it accessible from the road may be another. Consider how much of your yard space the driveway will take and how it will impact your existing landscape. While adding the second garage to the side of the existing one will require little change, adding on in a different location of the house or as a freestanding building will require additional driveway access.
Choosing the garage doors
According to This Old House, buyers should expect a much broader selection of garage doors than they had just ten or fifteen years ago. Improved durability, insulation, and rust protection are just some of the features to look for. The potential for the garage doors to last for the lifetime of your home means you should make your choice carefully.
It’s always a good idea to discuss your ideas with the contractor before going ahead with any part of your plan. They have the expertise to guide you in any of these areas of your building project. You may also be able to hire a contractor who will take care of obtaining any necessary permits so you don’t have to worry with the details. Whether it is a professional building job or a do-it-yourself project, use these tips to have a more successful outcome.
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