You love your home and you’re not ready to sell it, but it’s missing some important features. You need more space and a secure place to park your car. You need a garage addition.
We’ve talked before about the benefits of garage kits vs. custom garages. While a garage kit may seem like the better option because it can be faster and cheaper, it also doesn’t leave you with a whole lot of options.
When you go with custom garage space solutions, you can build the exact space you need to turn your house into your forever home. Read on for seven stunning garage addition ideas for your Indianapolis home.
1. Classic Detached Garages
Some properties have layouts that lend themselves to adding an attached garage. Maybe you already have a driveway or car port that leads to a side entrance and you want to close it in for more security.
Many Indianapolis properties aren’t quite suitable for an attached garage but have plenty of space for a detached garage right next door. With a detached garage, you’ll still get all the benefits you’re looking for from a one, two, or three-car garage. However, you won’t have to worry about blocking existing windows or moving existing plumbing.
When we talk about the classic detached garage, we’re talking about a space used primarily for parking and extra storage. We recommend matching the classic detached garage to your home in terms of siding, paint colors, and trim.
2. Garages with a Breezeway
One potential draw of adding a garage to your property is being able to get out of the car and walk into your house without dealing with the elements. Given that we get the full range of seasons here in Indianapolis, it’s understandable to want a break from the summer heat and cold winter temperatures.
However, you may still have a property layout that prevents you from building an attached garage. In this case, we recommend a cost-effective garage addition that includes a breezeway.
Breezeways are covered walkways that connect your detached garage to your home. Whether partially open or fully enclosed, they add attractive usable square footage to your property while providing overhead coverage.
3. Back-of-Property Garages
When you picture the classic detached garage, it’s situated to the right or left of the main house. However, some homeowners like to add detached garages to the back of their property line.
This is a great solution if you tend to drive onto your property from a back road or rear-facing alleyway. It’s also a great choice if you have a property line that cuts close to the sides of your house but extends several yards back from your house.
Given that a garage can add up to $33,000 to your property value, it’s a great addition to any single-family property, regardless of your property layout.
4. Two-Story Garages
We often talk to homeowners who want to expand the usable square footage of their home but also recognize the need for a garage. In this case, we recommend designing a two-story garage.
In a two-story garage, the first floor is dedicated to car and bulk storage, like any typical garage. The second floor is where you can get really creative.
Some homeowners use the second floor as a guest room, complete with air conditioning and windows. Others use it as a hobby space or living room. Having that extra space can change how you use the square footage in your primary home, ensuring that you maximize every room in your property.
5. Workshop Garages
If you’re a dedicated hobbyist, DIY master, or serious woodworker, you deserve a space to stay set up at all times. With a workshop garage, you don’t need to keep lugging your tools out of a closet or worry about mucking up the house with grease and paint.
In a workshop garage, it’s important to think about functionality beyond basic parking and storage. We plan every detail down to lighting and built-in shelving. Garage space solutions like overhead storage can turn even a small detached garage into a usable workshop without encroaching on your car’s territory.
6. ADU Garages
The number of U.S. properties with accessory dwelling units has increased from 1% to 7% in less than twenty years. We expect them to proliferate in cities like Indianapolis as a solution to limited housing and senior living options.
Unlike detached guest rooms, an ADU will have all the basics you’d need day to day, including a bathroom and kitchenette. With the right builders, you can create an ADU during an existing garage renovation or add an ADU to your new garage’s second floor.
Make sure you work with a contractor with ADU experience. ADUs require a lot more planning than your average garage as well as a special set of permits. An experienced contractor will steer you in the right direction.
7. Specialized Vehicle Garages
Not every homeowner wants to store a sedan or SUV in their new garage. If you’re looking for specialized dimensions to house an alternative vehicle, you’ll definitely need to skip the garage kits and work with custom builders.
For example, you may have an oversized pickup truck, RV, or boat that you want to store at home. This may require a wider or taller entryway than the typical garage dimensions afford. With custom garage design and construction, you can save money on alternative vehicle storage while keeping all your favorite assets at home.
Daydreaming About Your Garage Addition? Cliff’s Construction Can Help
If you’re looking for a life with more square footage, you don’t need to buy a new home. With the right garage addition ideas and designs, you can turn your current property into your dream home. From standard car storage to functional living space, there’s a lot you can do with a new garage.
Cliff’s Construction has been helping Indianapolis homeowners bring their home improvement ideas to life since 1995. As a family-owned and operated company, we love helping families create their ideal kitchens, bathrooms, garages, ADUs, and more. Contact us and let’s start talking about your next project.