Garages are often one of the most overlooked features of a home. They can provide shelter for cars and other vehicles and storage for bicycles, lawn equipment, and other items. Garages also provide a space to work on projects or store belongings not currently used.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, garages are one of the essential features of a home. They can increase the value of a home by up to 5%, and they are often used as a selling point when listing a property. In addition, garages can improve a home’s energy efficiency by providing shelter for cars and other vehicles. Cars kept in the shade can be up to 15 degrees cooler than cars parked in the sun.
As a result, homeowners invest heavily in garage design. However, the surrounding elements will be necessary to create a functional and safe garage. Here are some of the critical aspects to consider.
Protective Car Features
Many homeowners have garages that are attached to their homes. This is often done to protect the car from inclement weather and provide a secure place to store it. However, if the garage is not insulated correctly, the vehicle may still get damaged by extreme temperatures. In addition, if the garage is not well-ventilated, the car may become too hot in the summer months, and ice may form on the windows in winter.
To protect your car, you’ll need to consider both insulation and ventilation when designing your garage. You’ll also want to ensure that your garage door is made of materials that will reflect heat and keep out moisture.
Unfortunately, you might be working with small garage space for your car, making your vehicle prone to scratches and dents. You can prevent this by installing durable off-road car bumpers. The feature will help protect your vehicle when parked in a tight spot.
Driveway Integrity
When people come to your home, your driveway is the first thing people see, so it’s essential to ensure it’s in good condition. If you’re planning a garage sale or other event requiring parking on your driveway, you’ll need to ensure it can handle the weight of cars and other vehicles.
You should also check the slope of your driveway to ensure that water will drain properly. Water pools on your driveway can damage the asphalt and create potholes.
Sealing your driveway regularly is also essential to protect it from the elements. Sealing will fill in any cracks or holes and prevent moisture from seeping into the pavement.
Security Features
One of the most important aspects of a garage is security. If your garage is attached to your home, you’ll want to ensure it’s properly secured to prevent burglars from breaking in. You should install a heavy-duty door with a deadbolt lock.
It would help if you also considered installing a security system in your garage. This will help deter thieves and notify you if someone does break in.
In addition to physical security, you’ll also want to take measures to protect your belongings from fire. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are essential for any garage. You should also consider installing a sprinkler system if your garage is attached to your house.
Storage Solutions
If you’re like most people, your garage is probably full of stuff you don’t use all the time. Seasonal equipment, holiday decorations, and other items take up valuable space in your garage.
To free up space, you’ll need to find a place to store these things. You can consider renting a storage unit or using a self-storage facility.
You could also build shelves or install cabinets in your garage if you have the space. This will give you a place to store your belongings and keep them organized.
Pet and Child Prevention Tactics
If you have pets or small children, you’ll need to take extra precautions to ensure they’re safe in your garage.
It would help if you protected pets from hazardous materials, such as antifreeze, oil, and gasoline. You should also keep them away from power tools and other dangerous equipment.
It would help if you childproofed your garage by installing cabinet and door locks. It would help to keep sharp tools and other hazards out of reach.
However, a locked door might be insufficient to keep children out of your garage. You might need to install a child gate to block access to the garage entirely.
Conclusion
When designing your garage, you must consider more than just the structure itself. The surrounding elements are essential to creating a functional and safe space. By taking the time to consider all aspects of your garage design, you can create a space that will meet all of your needs.
