It is common for potential garage owners to ask questions about the detached garage plans they are considering before purchasing them. Frequently, future garage owners and builders ask if pre-drawn garage plans, like those found at The Garage Plan Shop, include an electrical layout in the blueprints. In most cases, but not all, the construction drawings will include a simple electrical plan. It can often be found on the floor plan page(s) in the blueprints or on a separate sheet contained within the construction drawings. In most instances, blueprints that do include a simple electrical plan will display suggested locations for fixtures, outlets and switches. However, a detailed wiring schematic showing exactly where to run the wiring will not be included in the simple electrical layout. Because the electrical work in the new garage must meet local building and electrical codes, it is the electrician’s job to determine how and where to run the wiring in order to meet electrical codes and pass building inspections for the area where the garage is being built. Also, it is the electrician’s job to install the fixtures, outlets, switches and the electrical box in the proper locations as designated by the electrical codes in place for the municipality, city, county or township where the detached garage is being constructed.

For more information about what is included in a set of pre-drawn garage plans, please review The Garage Plan Shop’s FAQs.

Typically, garage apartment plans are detached garages with living quarters arranged on the upper level above the parking area. They usually provide parking bays for two or three cars on the main level with the second floor living space delivering anything from a studio apartment or “loft” style living space to two or more private bedrooms and baths combined with a dedicated living area, compact kitchen and sometimes even a dining area. Most garage apartment plans offer basic and modest amenities due to lack of space. For instance, a small closet may provide enough room for a stacked washer and dryer instead of separate appliances. Garage apartment plans usually have the outward appearance of a simple house with the exterior displaying a particular architectural style such as Craftsman or Traditional. A broad selection of rooflines and various garage door configurations lend character and charm while giving each design a look all its own. 

Garage apartment plans are designed with various widths and depths ensuring you’ll find the right one for your lot. Because there are so many sizes, it is easy to find a garage floor plan with the garage space you need for storing the family cars, an RV, a boat, a trailer or even lawn equipment.

Garage apartment plans are available with a variety of features. Interior elements in the living space might include a snack bar, fireplace or walk-in closet. Other special extras not in the finished living area could include interior stairs accessing the living quarters, a covered porch or deck, a drive-thru bay, a built-in workbench in the garage or extra storage space.

There are many reasons why owners build with garage apartment plans. The living space makes a comfortable guest or in-law suite, works well for living quarters for the maid or nanny, provides privacy for your college student, offers comfortable accommodations for a weekend retreat, and is well suited for rental property and income. Furthermore, the garage apartment provides flexible living space that can be used for a home office, hobby room, entertainment space such as a home theater, or an art studio. The possibilities are endless.

Some garage apartment plans are designed on one level with the garage on one side of the structure and the living quarters on the other. This type of layout is ideal for families who have an aging relative in their care. The relative can live independently safely and still be near enough to receive assistance from others with necessary.

Garage apartment plans are the perfect solution to your additional parking and living space needs. Garage loft plans and  garage plans with flex space share some commonalities with these designs.

Take some time to browse the entire collection of garage apartment plans at The Garage Plan Shop.

If you are looking for an economical way to add extra sheltered parking to your residence, consider this carport plan. Its 21’x14’ design easily handles two standard sized vehicles. A vaulted ceiling and simple design add to the appeal of this handy carport plan. You’ll appreciate having an extra 294 square feet of sheltered parking for your growing family fleet.

View this carport plan for more details.

If you like The Garage Plan Shop’s carport plans, you might interested in our garage plans with carports as well.

Looking for a stylish garage workshop plan to dress up your backyard? Do you need boat storage too? Take a look at this handsome one-car garage/boat storage garage with workshop. Decked with a visually pleasing exterior of sturdy columns, stone accents and shingle siding, this garage workshop plan delivers interesting and eye-catching curb appeal. The garage area offers 660 square feet of parking area well suited for an oversized vehicle or boat pleasing the family fisherman or water enthusiast. Behind the parking bay, a 340 square foot workshop is sure to satisfy woodworkers, gardeners and crafters. There is even room for a workbench or potting table. A half bath offers convenience and double doors on the side make it easy to move materials and supplies in and out of the workshop. Its 20’x53’ dimensions allow this long and lean garage plan with workshop to fit nicely on a narrow lot or narrow strip of property. As good looking as it is functional, you can add value to your property with this garage workshop plan with boat storage.

For more ideas and possibilities, please browse The Garage Plan Shop’s garage workshop plans and garage plans with boat storage.

Living in a limited space is tough, but many make do with the space they have. When considering garage apartment plans and studio apartments, one-room living is about as tricky as you can get. This challenge is most often faced by city dwellers, seniors and students. So how do you make the most of living is a garage studio apartment? The Garage Plan Shop has some tips that will help you turn your one-room living space into a functional and stylish abode.

First you must assess how you live. Do you like to entertain? Do you work from home? Will you have occasional or frequent overnight guests?

Next you must edit your belongings. What do you absolutely need in your studio apartment? What items can you donate to charity? What items can be put in storage?

The next step is to divide the room into public and private spaces. Depending on the way you live will determine how much public and private space you need. You’ll probably want a sleeping area, sitting/entertaining area, a workspace/office area, a dining space and kitchen. Try separating the sleeping area from the rest of the room using a bookcase as a room divider or perhaps a folding screen. You may even want to include your desk in the private space.

Now it is time to create zones with the remaining common areas. This can be done using furniture, area rugs or even lighting. For instance, hang a chandelier over the entertaining space and place and area rug beneath it with a couch along one edge designating this space as the entertaining space. This entertaining space might also be your socializing and eating space as well.

From this point, the rest is all in the way you arrange, furnish and organize your one-room living space. These pointers will help you finish your space with style and function.

·         Choose multi-functional furniture such as a coffee table that can double for dining or a bench with storage inside.

·         Select furniture on legs so you can see under each piece making the room feel more spacious.

·         Use a few big pieces of furniture. A bunch of small pieces make a room feel cluttered.

·         Decorate with one color and incorporate different textures through furniture pieces, flooring, rugs and window treatments. A tight palette creates visual cohesion.

·         Choose decorative boxes, bins and baskets of different shapes, colors and textures to store small belongings. Stack them in open spaces at the bottoms of desks and end tables.

·         Think vertical when it comes to storage. Shelves, wall-mounted cubes and bookshelves are must haves.

·         Select space saving furniture and accessories such as a flat screen TV that hangs on the wall.

·         Let your space dictate the quantity of your belongings.

·         Be prepared for company. Incorporate a few movable furniture pieces to accommodate guests. Consider ottomans, a bench or a few wooden chairs that can be moved near the sofa when visitors arrive.