14 Nov Garage Goals for Creating a Functional Extension of Your Home

Many Quad Cities residents dream of a garage that’s functional and reflects their style, while also accommodating their needs, and impressing their friends and neighbors. But creating a garage that’s a functional extension of your home takes planning. Once you define the organizational purpose and desired use of your space, there are essential infrastructure upgrades you must consider as well. Realizing your garage goals takes a clear vision and some careful planning.

Before you commit to your garage goals and plan a custom build, home addition, renovation, or important space in your custom home design, you need to strategize. Find out those key components you need and exactly what would make your space your dream garage. Seiffert Home Design understands garage goals, and we’re here to help you with yours. 

Defining Your Garage Goals

How do you plan to use your garage? Will it be a workshop or a hobby space? Maybe you’d like a man cave as well as an organized storage area? Some homeowners use their space as a home gym. Others see their garage goals as having the best of all possibilities in a place to keep their vehicles and a spot to escape to and enjoy.

The first step in defining your garage goals is assessing your needs. Determine the function of your space, workshop, man cave, home gym, etc., while anticipating how that may change oil the future. For example, are you someone who enjoys working out daily? Do you anticipate using your garage workshop for years to come? You’ll need to create this functional extension of your home with flexibility in mind.

Necessary Infrastructure 

Once you define your purpose, you’ll need to determine any structural needs to accommodate your garage goals. The typical garage is not built with creature comforts in mind. To that end, you will need to make some changes and upgrades to create a functional extension of your home. Here are some ideas.

• Electrical: Most garages tend to be pretty basic. The outlets are limited and may not be adequate to power your specific devices. For example, if you’d like to install a canning kitchen in your garage, you’ll need to upgrade your electrical system to incorporate a 240v circuit, several 120v circuits, GFCI outlets, and more. Always work with a professional certified electrician when upgrading your electrical system.

• Lighting: Depending on the function of your garage space, you’ll need appropriate lighting. That means ambient lighting, lighting dedicated to tasks, and accent lighting. Also, windows and even skylights, to increase the natural lighting.

• Flooring: When you have a standard garage, the floor is concrete. That’s because most garage floors take a beating from automobiles, landscaping equipment, and the like. But, depending on your garage goals, you may wish to upgrade your flooring to something more comfortable for the task. Epoxy coating, sturdy laminate, tile, rubber, or vinyl are all great options, and clean up is easy. 

• Ventilation: Windows are essential for ventilation, and, depending on the function of your space, you may be required to install additional ventilation such as exhaust fans. If you don’t plan to use your garage for vehicle storage, you may install sliding glass doors or French doors instead of the more industrial-looking garage door. 

• Climate Comfort: You want your garage goals to include comfort, no matter what your purpose. That means including the same insulation as the rest of your home. You’ll also want sealed floors so the cold and damp don’t seep into your space. And make sure you insulate your ceiling as well. If your garage is attached to your home, you can extend the HVAC directly into your space. If it’s separate from your home, then it will need its own dedicated HVAC system. There are some budget-friendly options for smaller spaces. 

• Zones: If your garage goals are for a multipurpose space, such as a workshop and storage area, or vehicle storage and entertainment area, begin by creating specific zones. Do you need closets for storage? Room dividers? Look at the big picture and determine what would make your space ideal for you and your family. Remember, you can never have enough storage!

Consider This

Before you begin your project, be sure to check local building codes and pursue the necessary permits. You will need specific permits if you’re installing a bathroom or upgrading your electrical infrastructure. A professional contractor will know which permits you need.

Professional Expertise in Your Neighborhood

At Seiffert Home Design, we aren’t just experts in custom homes-we’re also your neighbors. After over a century of helping residents of the Quad Cities build their dream homes, we understand the assignment. To reach your garage goals for today and tomorrow, please contact your neighbors at Seiffert Home Design.