Just a garage

Has a garage ever just been a garage?

The 20th century brought us many things, one being the invention of automobiles. The early introduction and sale of automobiles saw mainly buyers from the ‘elite’ purchase these high-priced luxuries.

My, how they’ve changed over the years, along with many other things that allow us to live our lives the way we do. It is nothing unusual to own two, even three cars per household these days.

With the advent of the automobile came the importance of having them housed appropriately.

Not all properties possess a garage, but for most new homes it is an essential feature. But drive around a new estate and it is more likely you’ll see a car parked in front of a garage than inside it.

Could there be another car parked inside? Of course, that is a possibility, but the appeal of these large vacant ‘rooms’ is that they can be used for anything …almost. And that’s the beauty of a garage, is it not? It is secure and private. Just how important are garages? Well, you need only ask founders of such companies as Apple, Google and The Walt Disney Company to name a few – as they all began from inside a garage.

Of course, your humble garage may not be the birthplace of a multibillion-dollar company.

Is it the gym, a teenager retreat, a man cave, a play area, the office or just one big storage point for all the household ‘toys’ … these are just some of the possibilities? There’s also the chance that it is simply be the housing space of your family car.

How a garage space is used is completely up to the owner. Perhaps they’ve downsized and no longer have the internal room for their hobby, or the kids have outgrown the shared living space and need their own private space, or the gym equipment is encroaching on the back patio. The beauty is, their purpose can change, quite easily, depending on the needs of the owner. There are some limits to keep in mind though. Legally, they cannot be used as a bedroom as they do not meet smoke alarm requirements.

If you’re finding space limited and are considering moving the car to the other side of the garage door, approach the internal design much the same as you would in any other part of the home. What do I need this space for? How can I maximise the space? Will I enjoy using this space? Can I utilise the space for my needs while still being able to fit the car in?

If you’re short on space, think practically. Shelving, hooks, retractable benches are all great ways to make the most of the space, without taking up precious floor space. Your future self will thank you when a hailstorm comes along!

If you plan on making the most of your garage-come-whatever all throughout the year, it is best to insulate the space to ensure it is comfortable across all seasons. If you plan on cranking up the tunes or having the kids let loose and be noisy, it may be worth soundproofing the space. No doubt your neighbours will be appreciative.

So, has a garage ever just been a garage?

Indeed, and in many cases, it still is just that.

But, as the founders of Google, Apple and Walt Disney will concur, they can be so much more. And the next time you drive by a car outside of its garage, you never know what ideas may be gaining momentum inside. It may be the next global game-changer perhaps?

Slogan seen on a roadside billboard for a storage company: ‘Your car wants its garage back.’