The Garage Plan Shop Blog

If you are in need of sheltered parking for one or two automobiles, carport plans offer an economical solution. Carports are designed to shelter one or more automobiles or other large items from the elements. In general, they are open-sided shelters on at least one or two sides and are designed for the purpose of protecting cars and other vehicles such as a camper or boat from the wind, snow, rain and sun. Carport plans, sometimes referred to as outdoor covers or sheltered parking, are very simple in design and display little detail and ornamentation. The main exterior finishes include siding, brick, metal and logs. Various sizes and styles deliver selection allowing you to find the right one to satisfy your needs and compliment your home. Sometimes, carport plans incorporate a storage space such as shelving, a small closet or cabinets at the rear or on the side of the structure. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative to building a detached garage, take a look at The Garage Plan Shop’s carport plans.

Tags: carport designs, Carport Plans, carports

Take a look at this detached garage plan with boat storage. Available in multiple sizes, it appeals to a wide range of buyers. Its 2-car or 3-car floor plan is very accommodating giving you the extra auto storage your family needs plus room for a boat pleasing any fisherman or boating enthusiast. Four different sized garages offer all bays at 28’ deep easily accommodating a boat in one bay and the family car(s) or other motorized items in the other bays. If you are looking for a place to store something other than your car, this design can handle it. Safely park your boat and then fill the extra bay(s) with whatever you need to store such as a motorcycle, jet ski, the riding mower, golf cart or the family bikes. Sporting a simple siding façade and a gable roofline, this boat storage garage plan will blend nicely with many different home styles.

 

View this garage plan for more details.

 

For other options browse The Garage Plan Shop’s entire collection of garage plans with boat storage.

Tags: boat storage, boat storage garage plan, garage plans

If you are building a new garage, there are many things to consider. One of those items to ponder is the type of garage doors you plan to use. Garage doors are available in various materials with the main ones being steel, aluminum, vinyl and wood. Wooden garage doors have been around since attached and detached garages have become part of family residences. They remain a popular choice in today’s market due to technical aspects, durability, longevity and visual appeal. Below is a list of the pros and cons of wood garage doors to help you determine if they are a good choice for you.

 

Pros of Wood Garage Doors

• They are custom built to fit any size or shape garage and can be created or adjusted to accommodate non-level garage floors.
• Their custom-built nature ensures your garage door will have a one-of-a-kind look.
• Natural material treatments are available to increase the longevity of the garage door by protecting against bending, rotting and distorting.
• They do not crack or dent like vinyl, aluminum and steel doors.
• Should the garage door become damaged, it can be repaired easily by replacing the damaged portion or panel rather than replacing the entire garage door.
• They can be operated manually or automatically with a garage door opener just like other varieties.
• These garage doors can easily be repainted in the future giving them a whole new look.
• Wood can withstand drastic temperature changes and it serves as an insulator against heat and cold.
• Wood cuts down on noise pollution dampening the sound of noisy neighborhoods better than other garage door materials.
• Wood is a renewable resource and therefore wood garage doors are earth-friendly.
• Wood garage doors blend well with homes featuring an exterior made of natural materials such as wooden siding, cedar shingles, logs or stone.

 

Cons of Wood Garage Doors

·    Wood garage door manufactures are hard to come by.

·    These doors are more expensive to build than their manufactured competitors.

·     Due to their custom-built nature, wood garage doors are not readily available at a lumberyard or home improvement store.

·     Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent damage and rotting.

·     Wood garage doors are heavy requiring a properly sized garage door opener and springs to move the weight of the door.

 

Before you choose a garage door for your new detached garage, The Garage Plan Shop recommends you carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of every type of garage door including aesthetically pleasing and durable wooden garage doors.

Tags: Detached Garage Plans, Garage Doors

While many purchase and build with garage plans as a solution to their storage needs, others might not need something quite so big. That’s why The Garage Plan Shop is pleased to announce we are now offering shed plans. Whether you’re looking for a place to store tools, toys, lawn and garaged equipment or something else, backyard shed plans may be the answer to your storage needs. This new collection of structures features an array of sizes, styles and functions. Our shed collection includes garden sheds, tool sheds and storage sheds to name a few. We even have designs that can accommodate hobbies like a potting shed for those with a green thumb. Different combinations of rooflines, doors and special features provide a variety of designs to choose from. Some shed plans even offer a covered porch, storage loft or workbench for convenience. If you’re looking for a smaller storage solution for your backyard that is easy to access and versatile, consider a shed plan. Ideal for storing bikes, the lawn mower, leaf rakes, tools, or even a motorcycle cycle in some cases, we have a shed plan that is sure to accommodate your needs. Browse our collection of backyard shed plans now.

Tags: garden sheds, Shed plans, storage sheds, storage solutions

If you are challenged by a sloping lot but wish to add extra living and parking space to your residence, this unique garage apartment plan is worth taking a second look.  Arts and Crafts styling dresses up the exterior ensuring it will blend nicely with your Craftsman style home. The drive-under garage tucks neatly into any hillside with side-entry stalls for two vehicles. This two-car garage offers 880 square feet of unfinished parking space complete with dual overhead doors and a convenient service entry. Furthermore, the extra deep bays easily handle oversized vehicles and work well for boat storage. Handy exterior stairs offer access to the living quarters from the lower level, or you can enter from the covered front porch where sturdy columns atop stone pediments greet all. Inside the living quarters, two coat closets stand at the ready in the entry, which directs traffic to the open floor plan beyond. Here, the studio apartment with full bath delivers comfortable accommodations for weekend visitors, the in-laws or even you college student. Thoughtful extras include a meal-prep island and vaulted ceilings paired with sparkling windows making the living areas feel spacious and comfortable. Stylish and functional, this unique garage apartment plan can’t be beat.

Tags: Garage Apartment Plans, garage plans, Unique Garage Plans