When designing a brand new home, many families often skim over designing the garage. While it may seem like a garage is the least glamorous part of a home, it really has the potential to be so much more than just a space to secure your car, bikes, or other clutter safely.
Here at Icon Homes, we custom design and tailor build to transform them into the home of your dreams. Recently, we’ve found that many of our clients are looking to build larger garages to accommodate larger cars, better storage solutions, and other uses. To help you make the most of your garage space and perhaps be inspired to use your garage space in a better way, here are some popular ways to make the most of your space:
How big do Australian garages need to be?
Australia has stringent guidelines and requirements when it comes to building a garage. According to the Australian Standards, single garages must be a minimum of 3mx5.4m to leave enough room for one regular-sized vehicle, and double garages must be 5.4m x 5.4m minimum.
That being said, garages come in a wide range of sizes. On average, garages can range from 3.6m x 6m x 2.6m for a single garage to 5.8m x 5.8m for a double garage.
One of the reasons for varying garage sizes is that vehicles come in all shapes and sizes. While the average car length is 4.5 metres, around a metre shorter than the required average, certain car models can be much longer, wider, or taller, requiring additional space.
The amount of land available also dictates garage sizes, the storage required, and in some cases, ease of access from the road. Ultimately, every garage will be unique in its own way, and no two spaces are the same.
How to make the most of your garage space:
Choose better storage solutions
Depending on the amount of space you have in your garage, you can use the extra space as a space for storage.
Garages tend to have lots of vertical space and empty walls. All of that vertical space can be used for storage with shelving, racks, drawers, and even stackable tubs. Whether you get shelves and racks installed directly into the wall, or if you choose to use furniture, make sure you still have enough space to park your car safely.
For a winning combination, you can get a combination such as wall racks with tubs and a few drawers.
Spanners and wrenches can be hung uniformly over your workspace if you enjoy displaying your tools. Be sure the hooks can support the weight of the heavier items you hang on them. Hooks that support heavier items like shovels, brooms, and vacuums will also help reduce floor clutter.
If the ceiling of your garage is high enough, overhead storage or roof racks are a great place to store things away. Have these racks installed by a professional, and check that they don’t interfere with your garage door. Overhead storage is suited for items that are lighter in weight, so you don’t run the risk of injury when pulling them down.
Space for a workshop
Ideal for anyone who has a handyman in the family or for a creative person who needs space to create, you can transform space in your garage into a workshop.
A garage is a great space for a workshop with its easy-to-clean surfaces, access to tools, and protection from the weather. Many families use their workshop as a makeshift mechanics workshop, a furniture workshop, or even a space for creating art or design pieces. If your garage is soundproof, you could even use it as a music room, creating tunes or testing beats.
As An At-Home Gym
How would you like your very own at-home gym complete with space for workouts, stretching, and maybe even a bit of yoga or dance? Your garage may just be the perfect place.
Many families use the extra space in their garage as an at-home gym with weights, workout mats, and even a treadmill in the space. A great design solution is to build an attached bathroom or mudroom next to the garage, so you can easily clean up and freshen up before entering the main area of your home.
Does your dream home include a double garage with space for a gym? Do you think your garage has the potential to be a great storage solution for you? Speak with one of the talented Icon Homes team members today, and find out how your dream home can include a garage with a twist.
