Custom Garage Design in Minneapolis & St. Paul
![three car detached garage with solar panels on the roof]( "Custom Garage Design")
As with any construction project, the success of your garage build begins with the design. Design is by far the most important—and often most overlooked—phase of a garage project. If adequate attention isn’t given to the design phase, the end result will be a garage that:
- Performs poorly or is structurally unsound
- Doesn’t meet your functional needs
- Lacks visual appeal
- Doesn’t meet the code requirements to pass final inspection
- Requires additional costs to correct problems
A new garage is too large of an investment to have regrets. Call Sussel Garages to get the job done right the first time! We design and build custom garages for homeowners in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and throughout the greater Twin Cities metro area.
Let’s Design Your Dream Garage!
When you choose Sussel Garages to design your garage, the options are limitless. We can turn virtually any idea into reality when it comes to garage design! Here are few critical aspects you should consider:
When considering the size of your new garage, examples of questions to consider include:
- What size garage do I need?
- How do I plan to use the garage space not only today but in the future?
- What are the optimal dimensions for me?
- Do I need extra storage space?
- Would a storage area above the garage be beneficial?
- Am I looking for a finished room above?
When it comes to location, ask yourself: where is the best location for my garage? Try to picture yourself accessing and utilizing your garage for years to come.
One very common mistake in garage design is poorly designed elevation. Careful consideration must be made in this area. While each property is unique, there are a few main objectives that every garage design should satisfy:
- Structural integrity of the garage
- Proper drainage away from the structure
- Optimal accessibility to the garage
In many situations, these objectives are in direct opposition with each other. It takes an experienced garage designer to find the appropriate balance.
Careful consideration must be given as to how the site will be prepared for concrete installation. Are there any buildings, fences, sod, trees, bushes, etc. that need to be removed? Does your site require that any dirt needs to be excavated or brought in? Are there any local soil conditions that need to be considered? These are all important concerns to address.
The longevity of your garage begins with the structural integrity of its foundation. Everything else above the foundation depends upon its strength. Designing a foundation properly requires careful evaluation of the jobsite. An experienced garage builder will evaluate many elements including soil conditions, grade, drainage, accessibility, alley and driveway elevations, and local building code requirements. Many builders will cut corners to save costs (i.e. not use enough courses of block, not elevate the slab appropriately, etc.). Only when designed correctly will your garage slab and foundation be able to withstand the test of time.
At Sussel Garages, we believe the visual appeal of your garage is just as important as the functional benefits. There are countless ways to personalize your garage. Areas to consider include:
- Roof style and pitch
- Overhangs
- Shingle style and color
- Wall height
- Siding type, style, color
- Trim options
- Soffit and fascia options
- Overhead door options
- Service door options
- Window options
- Any other special design ideas you have
If you are thinking about heating your garage now or in the future, consideration must be given during the design phase with respect to wall insulation, roof installation, and overhead door selection.
Do you desire electrical service for your new garage? If so, do you need basic electric for lights, outlets, and openers or will you have higher electrical needs? Consideration also must be given as to what your home’s existing electrical capacity will allow.
Every aspect of your garage design requires careful consideration of the local building code and zoning requirements in your city. An experienced garage designer will have deep knowledge of these requirements and is best suited to design the perfect garage that meets both your needs as well as those of your city.
It’s no secret that adding a new garage will increase the resale value of your home. Many garage buyers want to ensure they maximize the return on investment. Consider how your particular garage design will complement your home as well as your neighborhood. Also consider which design options will appeal most to prospective home buyers. A professional garage designer can provide great advice in this area.