A garage can provide a whole host of uses, giving the owner extra space for everything from a secure parking spot, to extra storage or even a home gym. With each different use, you are likely to see a different design to make the garage space the perfect place for its function. A garage may not be the first place you think of having a great design, but some garages are put together perfectly for their function, offering the ideal size, components and features.

Garage Size

Garages come in a whole range of sizes, making different garages perfect for different uses. The standard garage is large enough for one car with a little space either side. However, other garages provide extra space, with a double garage being big enough to house two cars comfortably side by side.

If a garage is being used for a function other than providing a secure parking spot, the size can make a big difference to the possibilities inside. For example, if you wanted to use your garage as a home gym, just for one person to use, the space of a single garage is probably going to do the job. However, if you wanted to create a space where more than one person can work out at the same time, a double garage is going to be the preferable option.

Garage Doors

The garage door is a surprisingly important feature of the garage as it provides the security for your garage and everything that you’re storing inside. Most garage doors are made from steel or aluminium as these are strong and sturdy, providing a good level of protection. While steel can rust in some cases, steel garage doors sometimes feature a fibreglass overlay to prevent this from happening. Other garage doors can feature materials such as wood or GRP.

As well as door materials, there are plenty of types of doors available. This includes motorised doors which can be controlled with a remote control and traditional garage doors which flip up using a weight or spring system to pull them up.

Garage Structure

Garages can be constructed from a whole range of different materials, making them useful for different purposes. Many garages are simple structures constructed from bricks, featuring some level of insulation. Historically, parking garages were often made with asbestos roofing as it was a cheap and durable material. These days, however, builders no longer use asbestos, so new garage roofs are more likely to be made from other materials such as GRP or bitumen.

There are plenty of different features and components of a garage design, each playing a part to ensure that it can fulfil its function.

At Lockup Garages, we know how important it is that you can trust the integrity of your garage, whether you’re using it to park your car or for general storage. This is why all of our garages are safe and secure, so you can feel confident when you lock it up at night. Take a look at our available properties and make sure to get in touch with a member of our team if you have any questions.  

So you own a garage, but no car. Having a garage is one of the commonly owned, but frequently under-used assets. Used more often or not than a dumping ground for odds and ends, a garage is potentially a hugely untapped resource. We’re going to give you the low-down on how to turn that dingy store room, into a fabulous extension of your home, or potentially a lucrative, money-making venture:

1. Rent it as a parking spot.

If you live in a popular commuter destination, or better still, close to a major airport or train station, there might well be a pretty penny to be made. If you rent, as opposed to own your house, this might not be possible, as it could be classed as subletting. If in doubt, check with your landlord. The other consideration is insurance. Make sure this doesn’t void your own home insurance, and you may need to look at getting insurances to cover the letting side. We’ve found this great article that gives you some more details.

2. Rent as a pop-up space.

Pop-up event spaces are a fabulous way for small businesses to trade, from pop-up cafes to pop-up boutique clothing shops. If your house is in a desirable location, there’s a great chance that people will be queuing up to make use of your space for their event.

3. Garage sale.

A garage sale kills two birds with one stone. Not only will it help you on your quest to de-clutter, but will also helping you bring in the pounds. Maybe even go one step further and hold art exhibitions or craft sales. If you really have a lot of space to make use of, you’ll be able to sell bits of space to local artists.

4. Tutorial Space.

Maybe you can create killer looks with make up, maybe your the king of crochet. Start running classes or tutorials from your garage space, creating a new extension point to your house, but again helping you to make a pretty penny in the process

5. Conversion.

Using your garage as an extension point to your house is a fantastic way to maximise your space. Perhaps your in desperate need of a place to work out, or maybe you need an office space. Done well, this can also add value to your house value. One of our favourite uses for this space is to convert your garage into a home theatre, perfect for recreating movie-night but without the ticket prices.

6. Rent as a storage space.

Handily titled, ‘Airbnb for Boxes’ the chance to leave some belongings at another person’s garage is very useful, especially in crowded cities. You can easily setup to be a ‘space lender’ to donate some of your garage to those that need the extra room. With lots of security around the arrangements, you can be sure that this is a safe way of using your garage.

Whatever way you like the sound of, we’d recommend you check how any of these uses fit in with your home insurance, and up it if necessary. You might also want to review your security. With a higher footfall of people passing by your home, ensure that you have taken the necessary precautions.