Building the Ideal Garage
by Jane Brown on Aug 16, 2016
It's amazing how far garages have come. In the early days of the American automobile, the vehicles were stored outdoors or in some other building that had been converted to accommodate the car. Now we include the garage as an integral part of the home's design.
In time, house plans were unable to accommodate the wide array of functions that many homeowners wanted. The space, mess, and noise required for garage functions were so significant that many people started checking how much a metal building cost per square foot, and what they found was good news.
With the reasonable cost associated with a quality metal building to use as a shop, these owners found that they could afford some upgrades that greatly enhanced the usefulness of their new project. Some of these considerations are aesthetic only, but others have very important implications for safety and the durability of the structure.
Upgraded Flooring
Every good building will have a nice concrete floor, but anyone who's used a garage or shop for very long knows that it won't look that way forever. Oil changes, painting projects, engine repairs, and much more can take their toll on an unprotected concrete floor.
Upgrading to a floor coating will not only amp up the beauty factor of the garage, but it will also reduce the porosity of the floor and keep materials from soaking in. That makes for an easier cleanup of spills as well as reduced soaking of corrosive materials that can trigger a breakdown of the concrete.
Strong Ventilation
It isn't practical for most people to air condition their garages, so good ventilation is a must. And on sweltering days, it isn't enough just to roll up the doors and set out the trusty box fan. Serious temperature control requires serious ventilation. Strong fans built into the structure will transport many cubic feet of air through the space, reducing temperatures and increasing comfort.
Of course, ventilation isn't just about comfort. Lower temperatures make for a safer environment, and any garage purposes that create unhealthy breathing conditions--like spray painting or simply running a vehicle motor--can be safer with better ventilation.
Improved Lighting
A couple of bare 100-watt bulbs just won't cut it for a garage these days. Anyone who does work with any level of detail knows that bright, gentle light with full-room coverage is the only way to go. Precise paintwork requires good illumination. A fight with a difficult engine part is easier to win with good light. And in concert with a nice garage floor, good lights can make it much easier to find those tiny items that we all seem to drop when working.
The list goes on and on of how many things you can do more easily and more safely when your garage is upgraded from the base features. If a project like this is in your future, resist the temptation to pocket the savings and instead invest them in making the building better with some practical, valuable upgrades.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
94899 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
74292 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71742 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
52733 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30574 Views
Latest Articles
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginners Guide
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
on Dec 19, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Importance of 3D Rendering for Interior Designers
3D Rendering is an advanced technique used by interior designers to visualize the design of a room or building. It allows you to see it as if you...
Infusing that Classic You-Style into your Rental Apartment
Decorating a rented apartment can be the trickiest thing ever: it’s your space, but not really. There's the all-mighty landlord who gets the final...
How to Prepare Your Home for Moving Day
When you have decided that you want to move to a new place, there is a lot of things that need to get done. You need to find a new home, get in...
Vinyl Curtain Walls: A Simple Solution
One of the biggest problems that manufacturers face today is the lack of space. Regardless of the size of a manufacturing company you are you will...
Texas Local Builders Associations
Find a local builder or council, please contact the home builders' association (HBA) in your area.