Garages are a good investment for any homeowner. Whether it is part of the original home construction, or a separate building, having a garage will add to total property value, and can have many uses.
When part of the home, built in, the garage is most easily accessible in all kinds of weather. It serves to protect the vehicles stored within and brings extra, weather protected storage room with it. Walls can be hung with peg board or rack systems to hold hand tools and accessories, storage bins and yard tools. The garage attached to the house will normally be paved and usually has finished walls. Some homeowners take the garage area and remodel it to serve as an additional room or useful living space. Primarily garages house vehicles, protect them against outdoor elements, sun, wind, rain, ice or snow, and they help keep the vehicle surfaces clean. Vehicles that are garaged can obtain insurance discounts, because being inside the garage makes theft or vandalism more difficult. Venting is important for garages, and vehicles should not be run inside closed garages due to toxic fume buildup.
Many garages are fitted with good storage cabinets and work spaces. This can become the man’s territory, for building items and general maintenance work. Outdoor tools like lawnmowers, and edger machines, hoses, saws, snow blowers, snowmobiles, and more can be stored in the garage for protection and easy access to the yard. Many garages will have a front lift door to the driveway, and side or back door to the yard. Some larger finished garages also will double as a party room when needed, provided there is some floor protection against vehicle drips and leaks. A party carpet can be temporarily laid out for use. Garages can be heated if desired for winter use. A garage can be a small one car unit, or larger multiple vehicle building. Pole barns are used for a garage, but they are usually detached and very large, and not considered to be your typical garage.
The garage can become a cluttered area, but it should be kept clean and neat to avoid pest invasion or critters nesting inside. If it is too cluttered, it will become difficult to use, and there may not be room for the vehicle inside, which defeats its purpose. Costs for having a garage built range from about $35 to $55 per square foot, depending on materials used, and then add the costs of flooring. Garages are a beneficial investment that will protect your property, and add value to the home property.