Whether you are shopping for a home or designing your own from the ground up, there are lots of features you have to decide whether to include or leave out. One of the common options on the decision list is a garage. While the availability of street parking or the presence of a detached garage may seem like enough space for your vehicle, there are other reasons to include an attached garage.

Why It's Good to Have a Garage

Parking on the driveway or the street may not seem like a big deal on a warm, sunny day, but carrying groceries in on a rainy day will highlight the benefits of having a garage. Not only does it protect you and your belongings from harsh weather, but it also keeps your vehicles from being damaged by sun and hail. You'll also bypass that unpleasant winter task of scraping frost off your windshield every morning.

Garages are a great place for projects that are messy or require a lot of space. Imagine doing your crafting, woodworking, or painting in a room with a concrete floor that can be easily swept up and sprayed off. You can even leave your projects out overnight instead of having to clean up to get out of the way of daily routines like cooking and laundry.

Garages also provide helpful storage that can save space inside the house. Tall wall shelves and ceiling storage can collect bulky items like Christmas trees, coolers, and sports gear. You can also store your garbage cans there, keeping them away from wind and wildlife without having to keep them in the house.

Including a Garage in Your Home's Design

Some homeowners feel that their chosen home design won't look natural with a garage because it has a colonial or other classic style. However, it is very easy for a capable architect to incorporate a garage into a variety of home designs.

The first step is to ensure that the garage is properly sized. A larger home should have a larger garage to maintain proportion. Likewise, a smaller home should have a smaller garage. A second thought is the orientation of the garage. If possible, position the garage doors so that they do not face the street. This will improve the home's security and appearance when the garage doors are up. Do not forget to make the garage large enough to where you can service your car easily.

Another important thought is to consider setting the garage up for future conversion to additional living space. The three-car garage you needed with kids at home won't be as useful when everyone has grown up and you've retired. Converting some or all of your garage into a room could address more pressing needs, like extra rooms for the grandkids to spend the night or just a big den where everyone can gather.

Garage Features You'll Love

The first step in planning your garage is to remind yourself that it's more than just a place to park vehicles. Of course, the layout should easily accommodate the size of your vehicles plus the potential for additional vehicles as your kids start to drive, but don't think of your garage as just an enclosed parking lot!

Think of your garage as a vehicle space first, then think about what else it can be and add those things to the design. If you have a DIY personality, make sure there's enough room around the walls for a good workbench somewhere. For the chef or entertainer, leave enough space (and wiring) for a deep freeze, a second refrigerator, or storage for kitchenware. While we're talking food, think about your smoker or grill. Just make sure those are not used in the garage.

A mop sink or garage garden hose can be a great way to help with cleanup projects. You may also want convenient hanging shelves that go above the doors. These are ideal for those big things that you don't use very often.

Finally, you may find that the garage is the best place for your breaker box, air handling unit, water heater, and other important home systems. The garage can be a great place to keep these features out of a dark basement or cluttered closet. Just be sure you understand the requirements of local codes, homeowners' associations, deed restrictions, and other regulations before getting started.

It's easy and convenient to include a three-car garage in your home's design. Think about your lifestyle and what is important to you, then design the home (and garage) of your dreams.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Auto-Mattox