In a recent study, it was found that 63% of homes have either a garage or a carport.
Is your garage stuck in a cluttered and disorganized mess and looking for a better garage design?
Garages are more than just parking spaces; they can be used for storage and organization. With the right garage layout, you can ensure your garage is both efficient and organized! Learn what steps to take when planning a garage layout so that you make the most of its space.
In this article, we’ll give you advice on making the most of your space. We’ll cover how you can use shelves and cupboards as well as create designated zones for different activities. You will also discover different garage design ideas that suit any style or taste.
Read on and learn everything you need to know about garage design to plan your layout today.
What Defines a Great Garage Design?
A garage that is designed well offers a storage space that is safe, organized, and secure for your vehicles and belongings.
When you design a garage, there should be some criteria it meets:
- All doors should be securely attached to the frame with appropriate insulation to prevent moisture
- It should keep pests out
- The illumination should be sufficient, either natural or man-made lighting
- Shelves or racks should be organized and easily accessible
- Workbenches or countertops should be stable and comfortable to work on
- Weather stripping should be added around the edges of the garage door to keep out cold air in the winter and warm air in the summer
- The flooring should be durable enough for heavy traffic and designed to withstand temperature fluctuations and moisture levels
How to Plan Your Garage Layout
Planning the layout of your garage is essential to making sure it’s efficient and safe. Here are our guidelines on how to go about planning your garage.
Make a Floor Plan for Your Garage
whether you’re planning to build a garage from scratch or upgrade your existing one, a detailed floor plan is essential for maximum efficiency.
To plan for a more organized garage, begin by measuring your garage. Make note of where windows and doors are located. Also, work out what space is needed for your car.
Then draw up a floor plan using these details. That will show you how much extra space you have to play with.
What Function Does Your Garage Have
What are the intended uses for the space? This will guide the selection of appropriate design features for the garage. It’s important to contemplate the activities that will occur in the area and how the design can cater to them.
Do you require a workspace? Would you like shelves or cabinets for storage purposes? What type of lighting is necessary for you?
Work Out What Needs to Be Stored
Group your garage items into categories. Typical things you may have in your garage are;
- Gardening equipment
- Camping stuff
- Tools and workshop items
- Bikes
- Home workout equipment
Once you have a list, the next stage is to work out how you can store them in the most efficient way.
Think About Storage Solutions
If possible we recommend keeping items on the floor. Installing pre-made shelving units or functional cabinets with legs to facilitate easy cleaning of the floor underneath them can serve as an effective storage solution.
Choosing shelves as storage is more cost-effective, accessible without the need for extra clearance, and provides easier visibility for quickly finding items.
Having cabinets with doors may lead to a tendency of staying disorganized as it enables hiding the clutter, resulting in the cabinets becoming messy.
Pegboard is easily accessible and simple to install. It can be customized by cutting it to the desired size and painting it. Many manufacturers offer a diverse range of hooks, organizers, and pegs that are compatible with them.
There are other useful wall-based storage solutions such as track-based systems and penalized systems. Both are great for improving your Garage storage. If you’re giving your whole garage an overhaul, you can read about this decorative system here.
Utilize Overhead Storage Space
You can utilize the ceiling of your garage to hang flat and lengthy objects like ladders and sports equipment that is not frequently used.
However, ensure that the shelves you install on the ceiling do not hinder the operation of your garage door. Also, make sure that there is sufficient clearance to prevent damaging your car’s roof.
Think About Lighting
Typically, garages need to have effective lighting for the entire space and specific task lighting for different areas like a tool bench or laundry zone. You can install high-efficiency LED lighting that consumes very low energy and is long-lasting.
Also, consider motion sensors for automatically switching off lights when not in use to save energy.
Consider the Power Outlets
Having sufficient power outlets for all your garage appliances and tools is essential. Install GFCI outlets in areas prone to moisture or flooding, like a laundry zone or near the sink.
Also, consider using weatherproof outlet covers that protect against dust, dirt, and water. This will ensure that your electric appliances last longer.
You might want to consider using retractable power cord reels for convenience and safety.
Ready to Start Planning Your Garage Layout?
Efficient garage design doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these useful steps to make the most out of your space. It can be easy to maximize organization in this area while keeping it looking neat and tidy.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to improve the look and feel of different areas around your home, check out our blog for further inspiration!
