How to Design a Garage Space
- 1). Design a garage that has an interior space no less than 24-by-24 feet, if space permits. Increase either the length or width to 30 feet to provide a good workbench area. Plan to install a single roll-up double-size door that will allow you to drive two cars inside, if necessary. Include an automatic garage door opener in the design, since a double door is extremely heavy.
- 2). Consider installing a window in each side of the garage and another along the back wall. Don't enclose all wall space without windows, since windows may be needed in case of fire. Include a walk-out door on one side of the garage or along the back wall. Design the walk-out door to be on the side next to your house for security reasons. Plan to have plenty of exterior lighting around the garage and inside it as well. Install an alarm system if you will store valuable items in the garage, including expensive cars.
- 3). Consider building the garage out of concrete or cinder blocks covered by bricks. Design the garage to be as fireproof as possible. Plan to construct the garage a few feet away from your house if it will be constructed of framework and faux wood siding, for example. Design the floor to be constructed of at least 8 inches of poured concrete.
- 4). Plan a foundational wall made of cinder blocks that will hold up exterior walls of the garage. Design the concrete floor to be poured inside the cavity formed by the foundational wall space. Include metal gridwork under the concrete pour to add strength to the flooring. Plan to build exterior walls of wood framing from 2-by-10-inch boards. Create your wall structures to consist of cinder blocks with metal ties if you plan to add brick on the exterior.
- 5). Design the garage roof to harmonize with your home's roof. Create a pitch that fits the house roof line already in place. Develop a plan for a garage space that looks as if it's always been part of the house. Avoid making the garage look like an addition. Include overhangs and trim on the garage that match these areas on the house, including soffit and guttering areas. Plan to install guttering around the garage's sides, along with downspouts and splashblocks to skirt rain away from the structure.