You may wonder, “why would I need a garage – I’ve already got a driveway?”, which is understandable. However, garages aren’t simply used for the sole reason that they provide a space to park your car overnight. Of course, that is their intended use, but there are so many benefits that accompany this that make them so practical.
If you leave your car parked outside when not in use, then it is exposed to all outdoor elements: rain, bird excrement, frost, dust. A garage offers your car protection from all these things, as well as providing an added level of security, which may even have the potential to lower your car insurance. On top of that, garages can also add value to your property should you ever look to sell in the future.
If you’re convinced that it is worth installing a garage, read our list of considerations that should be made before you do.
Garage Foundations
Before building a garage, as with any building, it is imperative that you have strong foundations in order to support both the building work for the garage shelter as well as any vehicles and contents that will be stored in the garage when it is complete. Most people opt for a concrete base in their garage, as this is extremely durable and impact-proof, being able to withstand a range of heavy vehicles and activities, lasting for years before any signs of damage even potentially occur.
Specifications
Next, you must consider the specifications of your garage. By this we mean the size and layout, which require further consideration in order to be realistically determined. The most crucial factor that plays a part in determining the size of your garage is understanding how much space you have to work with. You should know the specific measurements of the land on which your garage will be built, in order to know how you can realistically and effectively utilise this space whilst staying within its boundaries.
Another thing that is important to think about is how you plan on using the garage. Thinking ahead and envisioning what you want to be in your garage will allow you to brainstorm the most efficient layout. For example, if you will be using your garage to store a freezer as well as your car, then it would make most sense to have any socket installations located at the back of the garage where it is most accessible from the house, in order to power the freezer. Or, if you own an electric car, then it would make more sense to have any power sources installed at the other end of the garage, keeping in mind whether you would drive or reverse in and where the charging point on your car would be in relation to this.
Permissions
This very important consideration should never be overlooked, and that is doing your research to determine whether or not you need to obtain planning permission before building your garage, as well as understanding any regulations you will need to adhere to in the case that planning permission is required. To find out if you need planning permission, and how to acquire it should you do, you will need to contact your local council.
Concrete Garage Bases
If you need strong foundations for your new garage installation, Forth Valley Concrete provides high quality concrete and is on hand to lay a concrete base for your garage. We offer our services for both DIY and commercials projects, taking care of your project for you from start to finish to the highest standard.
Contact us today to enquire about our products and services.