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Are you designing a metal garage but are overwhelmed by the multitude of choices available? While home improvement projects are exciting, they come with critical decision-making, which can often lead you to do intensive research. Garages building are considered to be one of the essential elements of your home, and creating the perfect layout that helps you in enhancing the efficiency of your structure is of paramount importance.
Designing the perfect space that will accommodate all your needs and cater to your desired requirements will make your life easier, along with the accessory dwelling unit enhancing the value of your property.
So, before you begin the installation process, here is a guide to help you build a high-quality garage that is especially tailored to your needs.
Key Decisions: Things To Consider When Designing Your Metal Garage Building
Type of metal used
Your choice of metal will directly affect the strength, durability, stability, and integrity of your garage. The best metal for your garage will depend on your needs, dimension requirements, and budget.
The right material should be easy to maintain, offer design flexibility, and help you preserve energy.
Aluminum and steel are both used as building materials. However, steel is sturdier and has a high strength-to-weight ratio. It is considered to be one of the most popular metal building materials and delivers a high return on investment. Moreover, a steel garage is versatile and can resist pest infestations and fires.
Budget and labor costs
Steel garage prices are competitive with traditional structures. It is highly advisable to make budget considerations before installing the garage in order to avoid spending more than you intend to. A few factors will affect your budget, such as:
- Size of the garage
- Local steel prices
- Regional labor costs
- Complexity of design
- Customizations opted for
With prefabricated metal garages, you can ensure lower construction and labor costs as these structures are precisely designed and assembled on the site, reducing the need for on-site cutting and welding.
Proper budgeting will help you in avoiding unexpected expenses.
Functional elements
Paying attention to essential design elements that can work for you in the long run is essential.
- Roof: Depending on the local weather conditions and the dimensions of the structure, you can opt for regular, A-frame, or vertical roofs. They vary in strength and load-bearing capacity.
- Frame and panels: You can choose between 12-gauge and 14-gauge steel frames as well as 26-gauge and 29-gauge steel panels. It is essential to note that the lower the gauge, the thicker the steel.
- Trusses: Do you require additional trusses and braces to enhance the integrity of the structure?
- Foundation: Depending on the usage, it is essential that you opt for the right foundation to avoid cracking.
- Lighting: Every garage should be properly lit in order to offer maximum output.
- Insulation: It is extremely important to install high R-value insulation to avoid moisture buildup in your garage and keep the space dry. Insulation will also help you maintain the internal temperatures, keeping the steel garage cool in summer and warm in winter.
Choosing the Optimal Garage Size
In order to ensure that your garage is meeting all your requirements while boosting the value of your property, you should select the right size of the structure.
The dimensions of your garage will be decided based on functionality, storage needs, workshop requirements, and the type and number of vehicles you own. This will help you maximize the utility of your garage and enhance its resale appeal.
Common garage dimensions are:
| Number of cars | Minimum dimensions | Standard dimensions | Added storage |
| 1-car garage | 10 feet wide and 18 feet long | 12 feet wide and 20 feet long | 18 feet wide and 20 feet long |
| 2-car garage | 20 feet wide and 18 feet long | 24 feet wide and 20 feet long | 30 feet wide and 20 feet long |
| 3-car garage | 30 feet wide and 18 feet long | 36 feet wide and 20 feet long | 42 feet wide and 20 feet long |
| 4-car garage | 40 feet wide and 18 feet long | 48 feet wide and 20 feet long | 54 feet wide and 20 feet long |
Detached vs Attached Garage
Making a decision about a detached or attached garage will be affecting the overall layout, accessibility, aesthetic appeal, and functionality.
An attached garage will save you space, be more convenient, and could potentially be connected internally. In contrast, a detached garage will use the available space efficiently, be more flexible, and offer privacy.
If you have adequate space available, it is better to opt for a detached garage because of numerous reasons:
- Lowered noise in the house
- Reduced vehicle fume near your home
- More design and layout flexibility
- Higher versatility and expansion possibility
Building Permits and Local Codes
Securing necessary permits and adhering to the local codes will help you in making sure that your metal garage building is in compliance with the laws along with being safe. Taking the necessary permits will help you in:
- Avoiding hefty penalties
- Protecting your property
- Enhancing the resale value of your property
Durable Doors and Reliable Door Openers
Another important aspect to enhance your property value is to invest in high-quality doors and door openers. This will ensure better security, operationality, longevity, and efficiency.
For smooth functionality, you should ideally opt for insulated and automated doors. You should also consider investing in heavy-duty door openers, such as chain-drive, belt-drive, or screw-drive openers.
Boosting Curb Appeal with Design Choices
For an increased property value, you should opt for design choices that enhance the curb appeal of your garage structure. A few elements that can help are:
Colors: Opt for matching color choices for side panels, roofs, wainscots, and fasteners for a clean and attractive look.
Garage door: Consider installing a garage door featuring design elements such as windows, corrugated panels, or textured or customized designs. Look for modern options to match your home’s aesthetic.
Exterior lighting: You can install wall-mounted lights or string lights around the garage to add charm to the structure.
Landscaping: Planing small flowers or shrubs around the garage will help in adding natural beauty to the area.
Add windows: Integrating windows into your garage will not just add natural light but also give it a more welcoming feel.
Decorative elements: You can add hardware accents to your garage door, such as handles and hinges, to give it a more high-end look.
Walkway: A paved pathway or stones leading to the garage will provide a polished charm.
Add an overhang: Installing an overhead over the garage door will not just be a unique architectural detail but also will provide you with an elegant and shaded entrance.
Elevate Property Value With a Metal Building
Metal garages are renowned for their ability to enhance the value of your property by at least 13%. With a well-built and highly functional garage, you can further improve the value of your property. Considering key factors and making thoughtful choices will go a long way when designing steel garages. Build the garage of your dreams with in-depth knowledge!
You can find a metal garage for sale hassle-free by contacting a trusted dealer near you.
