A garage adds a new level of functionality to your home. This area provides a useful space for everything from your car to your crafts. A well-maintained garage can also enhance the curb appeal of your home, giving it a fresh face to impress the neighborhood. A garage is a versatile addition to your house that offers many advantages you’re sure to enjoy.
Does a Garage Protect a Car?
white vehicle near tree by John Paulsen is licensed with Unsplash License
Safety and security are among the top benefits of a garage. A car that’s parked outside is readily visible to potential thieves and vandals. Car thefts in Chicago reached an all-time high in 2023 with over 26,000 actual and attempted auto thefts in just 12 months. Securing your car in a garage keeps it out of the direct line of view for criminals and creates a barrier to theft and vandalism. You can incorporate additional security measures in your garage to further deter theft, such as alarms and cameras.
A garage can also protect your car from severe weather and other hazards. Illinois is among the top five states for hail loss claims with car insurance companies. The average cost for an auto body shop to repair hail damage to a car is between $2,500 and $7,500. Parking your car outside leaves it susceptible to damage from fallen trees or branches, which may come down due to snow, wind, or simply old age. Dents and dings can cost over $100 to repair, and major body damage easily runs into the thousands.
Even minor outdoor hazards can accelerate the wear and tear on your car’s paint, windshield, and underbody. Tree sap, leaves, pollen, pine needles, acid rain, UV rays, snow, ice, and road salt can all damage your vehicle. Keeping your car in the garage provides protection from these kinds of threats.
Can I Use My Garage for Storage?
Extra storage and space are key benefits of a garage. Your car isn’t the only thing that you might choose to keep there. A standard one-car garage offers 240 square feet of space, while a two-car garage typically has between 400 and 720 square feet. There are many ways to utilize this space, with or without a car in the center of the room. Shelves, wall racks, cabinets, pegboards, and bike racks are all viable options for increasing the functionality and versatility of this area.
The garage is a convenient place to keep bikes, kayaks, canoes, sporting equipment, tools, lawn equipment, and outdoor toys. You can safely store patio furniture, kiddie pools, garden tools, and other seasonal items in your garage to keep them safe throughout the year. Optimized properly, you can make your garage one of the most useful areas in your home.
How To Add Curb Appeal With a Garage
Curb appeal is the visual beauty of your home as seen from the sidewalk or street. Your garage plays a major role in the home’s curb appeal because it typically covers a large portion of the face of the home. While garages were historically hidden at the back of a house, modern home designs now make them more conspicuous. In the 1980s, so-called “snout homes” became popular. This type of architecture positions the garage on the front of the home, poking out along the street frontage.
The best way to increase the curb appeal of your garage is to replace or refinish the door. If you simply need a fresh color, painting or staining the garage door may do the trick. However, if your garage door is scratched, dented, or otherwise damaged, a new garage door may be the best solution. You may also want to replace your garage door to update your home’s overall style. An option such as decorative carriage house doors with windows, hinges, and other details can dramatically enhance your garage door’s appeal.
You can also enhance your garage’s attractiveness with updated lighting and landscaping. Set off the garage with bold hedges or topiaries on either side. Install wall-mounted lights on either side of the garage for aesthetic appeal and enhanced functionality.
The storage space in your garage also enhances your home’s curb appeal. Keeping your car, lawnmower, and outdoor toys in front of the home creates a cluttered and unsightly space. With a garage, you can tuck these items away, presenting a neat appearance to the street.
How To Pick a Garage Door
If you’re in the market for a new garage door, you have many options to consider. Garage doors come in as many styles as their accompanying homes, ranging from traditional to contemporary and everything in between.
You can include windows, decorative handles, recessed panels, and more. You also have the option of staining or painting your garage door in any of a rainbow of hues to enhance the look of your home. When selecting your garage, consider the architecture and style of your home and opt for a style that coordinates with other elements, such as your front door, windows, and shutters.
The core of your garage door is also important. If you plan to spend time in your garage doing crafts, woodworking, or other activities, you’ll want extra insulation to keep the garage as comfortable as possible, no matter what the weather is like outside. Check the door’s R-value to see how energy-efficient it is. The higher the number, the better the insulation.
Where Can I Buy a Garage Door?
If you’re not reaping all the benefits of a garage yet, it may be time to reorganize and update this part of your home. If you’re in the market for a new garage door, our team at Overhead Garage Door in Ingleside, Illinois, can help. We work with a number of garage door manufacturers, including C.H.I., Clopay, Haas Door, and Hörmann. We’ll help you find the right door for your style, needs, and budget.