The Garage Plan Shop Blog

Currently, there is a growing trend among those wishing to build a garage. Many are opting for garage apartment plans. These floor plans incorporate a fully functional living space with the garage either on the same level or above the garage. Garage apartment plans range from a parking area with a studio apartment to a one to three bedroom layout. They include at least one full bath and a modest kitchen in most cases. Some even include special extras such as a fireplace, walk-in closet, laundry facilities or organizational built-ins. So, why are people choosing garage apartment plans? Below is a list of some of the top reasons for their popularity.

1.    Guest or In-Law Suite – Many families enjoy out-of-town guests, overnight visitors and weekend visits from family and friends. A garage apartment provides guests with privacy and comfort.

2.    Added Value – A garage apartment contributes street appeal and adds functionality and value to your property. It is a great way to complement your home and gain usable space.

3.    Home Office – Many working Americans run home-based businesses. The apartment easily converts to an office and meeting area providing a space to work or meet with clients without disturbing the main home.

4.    Work Space – For those who enjoy hobbies, the living area of a garage apartment plan comes in handy for use as a hobby room, craft area, etc. The living area can easily serve as a work space for all your projects, and you having to clear off the dining room table every evening for dinner. Plus, you’ll always have an extra bedroom and bath when visitors drop by.

5.    Weekend Retreat/Secondary Residence – For those who like to get away from it all, a garage apartment is the ideal alternative to a vacation home. Use the garage for storage of outdoor sporting gear, a boat, ATV, bikes, etc. The apartment will give you a great place to kick back and relax after a fun day on the lake or hunting expedition. Some designs have multiple bedrooms offering plenty of room to bring a couple of friends along for a fun and relaxing weekend. To make the structure more energy-efficient, you may add a commercial foam insulation in its walls.

6.    Income – If you are in need of garage space, but can’t quite afford a new garage, consider a garage apartment plan. You can use the garage space as you wish and rent out the living quarters earning income that will help you pay for the garage. Once the garage is paid for, you’ll be making money off your garage apartment. Also, most maintenance expenses are tax deductible. If you wish to use the space for your business, you may seek luxury commercial contracting services to build the structure based on your needs and preferences.

7.    Multi-purpose Space – Sometimes families need a flexible space that can accommodate many different needs. Consider a garage apartment with an open floor plan. The open living space can serve as an entertainment area for family and friends such as a recreation room, game room, home theater and more. Or it can be a game room tonight and convert to a meeting space for your wife’s scrap-booking club tomorrow. Possibilities are endless with an open floor plan. As you family grows and changes, you can adapt the living space to satisfy your needs. If you’ll be using the space mainly for car storage, you may add a custom driveway paver install.

If you are considering building a new garage, take time to think about the additional value and possibilities of choosing a garage apartment plan.

Browse garage apartment plans at The Garage Plan Shop.

Tags: Detached Garage Plans, finished living area, Garage Apartment Plans, garage apartments, living space

If you’re going to add a garage to your home, consider a garage apartment. One of today’s most popular trends, garage apartments offer the parking space you need and an added bonus: living space. Garage apartments are available in a variety of sizes, floor plans, and roof installation materials, and come in a wide range of architectural styles ensuring you’ll find one to match your home. You may hire local commercial roof contractors to help build the roof of your garage.

What is a garage apartment? It is a garage design which incorporates a modest yet fully functional living space. Typically, the living space delivers one or more bedrooms and baths, a compact kitchen and a living area. Some even offer other features like an eating bar, a porch/deck, special ceiling treatments and more. With its own residential ac installation, your garage will become a comfortable living space (look up services like AC installation in Snohomish, WA for professional help). Garage apartments are typically designed with the parking areas on the first floor and the living spaces above. However, some floor plans are designed all on one level.

So why should you consider building a garage apartment? Many of the top reasons are listed below.

• • Add Value to your Home: A functional garage apartment adds value to your property and extra curb appeal. You’ll have plenty of sheltered parking and flexible living space to use any way you wish.

• • Guest or In-Law Suite: Your overnight visitors and weekend guests will have comfortable accommodations and plenty of privacy in the garage apartment.

• • Independent Living with Assistance: If you find yourself helping care for an aging relative who needs minor assistance but prefers independent living, consider one-level garage apartment designs. These floor plans offer all the comforts of home without the challenge of stairs to climb.

• • Office Space: If you have a home based business, you’ll find a garage apartment provides the right accommodations for a home office and plenty of space to meet with clients, etc. Convert the bedroom area to an office and use the living areas as your conference area. With a full bath and a kitchen, you’ll feel as if you went to work without ever leaving home.

• • Entertainment Space: For those who enjoy hosting get-togethers and have the extended family over for dinner on every holiday, the apartment area is perfect for a game home, home theater or recreation area. With the compact kitchen it is easy to serve drinks and snacks. Better yet, let the kids hang out in the apartment while you enjoy adult conversation in the home.

• • Rental Property: If you’d like extra income to help you pay for your dream garage, consider renting the second floor apartment to a college student, a single or a couple. You’ll easily pay off your garage without having to pay for all of it out of your pocket.

• • Hobby Area: Perhaps you have a hobby that requires a workshop and craft area. Use one stall of the garage for all the dirty work like cutting wood and hiring a painter, and use the living areas to add the finishing touches.

• Flex Space: As your family grows and changes, your garage apartment can change with you. Use it to satisfy your needs at any particular time. Do you need an exercise area, a quite place for your student to study or an sewing room? An open floor plan might satisfy your needs best. Just change the room arrangement as your lifestyle or needs change.

Tags: finished living area, Garage Apartment Plans, living space