How to Design Garage Additions | eHow

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Shelley Frost

Shelley Frost started writing professionally in 2007. She specializes in parenting and education topics. Frost gained her experience in various positions in the education field, including classroom teaching and tutoring. She holds a BA in elementary education with a reading endorsement.

Garage additions turn a boring, cramped garage into a spacious storage area with increased functionality. Planning a garage addition takes attention to detail and an understanding of design and construction. The structural integrity of the garage addition is one of the most important considerations. If you aren't comfortable with the responsibility, consider consulting an architect on the garage addition project.

Contact the local zoning office for home building projects. Determine the restrictions, building permit requirements and other important details that might affect the garage addition.

Assess the current garage space available. Determine which areas of the garage function well and which areas need improvement.

Identify the uses for the garage. Determine the vehicles you wish to park in the garage, including any boats or RVs. Consider storage, workshop space and other uses needed for the garage. Decide if you want to add a second level to the garage for a loft space or apartment.

Measure the length and width of the current garage. Determine how much additional space you need to accommodate your wish list for the garage. Consider the size of the home, making sure the dimensions of the garage are proportionate to the house.

Draw a sketch of the current garage and the proposed garage expansion. Pencil in the different functional areas of the garage.

Plan the electrical needs for the garage. Expanding the garage may require additional electrical sources. Consider if you will add plumbing, heating or cooling to the area.

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How to Design Garage Additions | eHow