How to Design a Multi-Purpose Garage
It can be easy to forget about the garage when designing your new home. But garage space holds great potential, and the homeowner who puts thought into their garage’s design can enjoy the benefits of a comfortable, versatile space all year round. Keep reading to learn some of our favorite ideas for designing a multi-purpose garage.
Design the Space You Want
The fun of building a custom home is tailoring it to your lifestyle and needs, and the same can be said for the garage! You can carve out a portion of your garage to suit whatever purpose you desire, but here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:
Extra vehicle space
Many of our clients own boats, snowmobiles, or ATVs, and they need a place to safely store their recreational vehicles when not in use. Expanding your garage and adding another automatic door makes it easy to access your toys whenever you need them.
Additional storage
Everyone likes to keep things in their garage, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a disorganized mess. Planning ahead by installing cabinets, shelves, slatwalls, and pegboards can help ensure you have space for everything. Some homeowners go the extra mile by setting up overhead storage, garage door racks, and even electric attic lifts to keep seldom-used items out of the way.
Workshop
A dedicated workspace is a must for homeowners who enjoy tinkering and completing DIY projects. We recommend installing work benches with as much surface area as you need, as well as cabinets above and below to maximize space for your tools and equipment.
Game room
While game rooms are popular in modern basements, the garage is also easily transformed into the ultimate hangout. We’ll help you design a space to fit a pool table, foosball, ping pong, or arcade machine collection. Add a mini-fridge and seating, and you’re set!
Home gym
Enjoy working out but not a fan of driving to the gym? Set aside room in your garage for all the floor space and exercise equipment you could want. You can even install mirrors and rubber flooring.
Garage bar
Another popular use for multi-purpose garages is the inclusion of a wet or dry bar. A bar is easy to fit along one wall with a row of stools, and you can mount a TV behind it for the perfect entertaining atmosphere.
Organize the Layout
Feeling inspired yet? While the design possibilities are endless, it’s important to keep your garage plan organized and realistic. Make sure your garage is large enough to fit your ideas and that it won’t become cluttered. One way to keep your multi-purpose garage tidy is by separating it into zones.
For starters, set aside one area for vehicles, another for storage, etc. Adjust your layout to ensure your storage space doesn’t bleed into your fun space. Also consider which areas of the garage you want to be most accessible. For instance, you may prefer to keep storage on the far end while setting up your work bench close to the entrance to your home.
Make it Comfortable
If you plan on spending a lot of time in your garage, you won’t want to leave it unfinished. Here are a few ways you can keep it welcoming and livable:
- Heating and cooling: We experience cold winters and hot summers in Minnesota, so connecting your garage to your central HVAC system can go a long way toward creating a comfortable setting in any season. You could also install in-floor heating for an extra touch of luxury.
- Insulation: Keep your warm or cool air inside your garage with insulated walls. This will increase energy efficiency and help you save on monthly bills.
- Fine flooring: Basic concrete flooring is dull and difficult to clean. Consider using an epoxy coating, tiles, or a similar material to create a durable, beautiful garage floor.
Design Your Custom Garage Home with Hanson Builders
Dreaming of a new home with a spacious, multi-purpose garage? Our mission at Hanson Builders is building homes that make sense for Minnesota’s modern families. We’ll help you craft a living space that fits your lifestyle and preferences perfectly. Learn more about our process and contact us to speak with a design-build professional.
