- October 8, 2024
Buying a parking space has a lot of perks. You can use it as a car shelter, workshop space to try out your hidden DIY talent or create storage cum home office space to work remotely. But, there are a few strategies to keep in mind when choosing a metal residential garage and trying to customize it. We will begin with the basic structural customization and then move to internal space personalization to boost the efficiency of your garage. We will discuss each in detail, from what height to choose for garage lighting.
Designing Residential Garages Steel Building To Improve Efficiency
- Width: Opt for a side entry garage that allows you to park cars individually without moving another one. The only downside is that you will need a wider driveway.
- Height: A taller garage will give you extra space to install an overhead rack or create a loft area for an entertainment space, home office, or art studio. Depending on location, a residential steel garagecan be up to 20 ft. in height.
- Door Size: If you frequently access only one car, choose individual doors for each other. You can go for double wide. Add an extra walk-in door facing your home to access storage or workspace.
- Windows: To add the influx of outdoor light, add windows parallel to each other at a height [usually 3 ft. from the floor and 1½ inches from the ceiling]. Windows will also let fresh airflow inside the garage.
- Color: Wondering how to make your garage look better? Just add a dash of paint to it. You can choose low-maintenance colors [like shades of neutrals] that hide dust & dirt and don’t need frequent re-painting, contributing to the elegance & efficiency of metal structure. We have 15 unique color options for you, so check them out.
Customization Tips For Residential Metal Garage Buildings
1# Enhanced Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for better visibility and safety. You don’t want to tumble over tools or items lying on the floor. There are two kinds of lights you can mix and match to get efficient and proper lighting throughout the day.
Natural Light
Windows are a common source of natural light. When designing residential metal garage buildings, place windows strategically to maximize natural light. Including a natural light source is one of the ideal additions when creating your ideal garage workshop. Popular sources to bring natural light are – skylights, ridge vents, light interior color [it reflects most light], and solar tubes.
LEDs
Daylight saves energy bills, but it is not effective after dawn. To work or access your garage after sunset, you will need an artificial source of light. Energy-star-rated appliances and lights are best, as they last long and consume less power.
2# Insulator & Vents
Insulation For Walls & Doors
Insulation is a must for any residential steel garage to reduce energy bills and ensure the HAVC system works effectively. It also reduces the chances of condensation, moisture, and humidity build-up. Currently, we offer affordable insulators like single bubble and double bubble to keep you comfortable. If you prefer a higher R-value insulator, we have woven R-17 that will provide better thermal insulation and temperature control.
Ventilation For Air Circulation
Whether choosing a single-car garage or a car metal garage, adding vents ensures proper fresh air intake and removes foul, moist, & warm air. It helps remove pollutants, VOCs, and other compounds to improve indoor air quality. A quick metal garage ventilation guide includes types of vents [natural & mechanical], proper placement [yes, it matters!], and maintenance [yearly].
3# Climate Control
Heating & Cooling Solutions
Installing insulation helps you regulate heating and cooling inside the garage. Add a heating system for winters [forced air heater, convection heater, portable heater] and cooling solutions for summers [portable air conditioner, evaporative cooler, window mounted A/C unit] to make the space usable all year round.
Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier helps prevent mold and mildew and protects tools and vehicles, as excess moisture can cause rust and corrosion. It also improves air quality, making the garage a comfortable place to work and reducing the sticky and clammy feeling.
4# Install Functional Features
Workbenches & Tool Racks
Have a dedicated work area for workshop-related activities to avoid cluttering. You can place an organizer close to this area for easy access to tools & equipment.
Car Repair Lifts
If you like DIY working & repairing your vehicles, opt for extra height when designing your metal residential garage. You can easily lift your car, clean/ replace tires, and lift, which makes maintenance easier.
5# Declutter With Organizers
There are many organization tools you can install in your garage to keep items organized. You can either hang, store in clear bins, use labels, or choose closed cabinet space for storage. Some tips & tricks to organize a two car garage include:
- Hooks
- Floating Shelves
- Pegboards
- Slatwall Panels
- Cabinetry
Tip: Add personal touches like murals, signage, and finishing touches like polished floors to create a versatile place for DIY and other household activities.
6# Assign Zone For Different Types Of Items
A residential garages steel building with multi-functional space must have designated areas for specific activities. Divide your two-car garage into zones like:
- Workspace
- Parking
- Storage
- Entertainment Area
- Refreshment Station
This will make workflow easy, help declutter space, and create room for easy maneuver.
7# Integrate Smart Technologies
Security Features
Every homeowner has concerns about vandalism. With smart IoT devices, one can integrate smart technologies to keep vehicles and belongings safe. Some common metal garage security techs are motion detection, video monitoring, remote garage access, smart door openers, alarms, and alert sirens.
Automatic Lighting
Motion sensor lights can deter potential intruders by illuminating areas when any movement is detected. They are also convenient, as you don’t have to look for switches when your hands are full. Installing LED motion sensor lights reduces power consumption and lights up only when needed.
8# Storage Solutions
Hidden Compartments
You will need space to sit & work or rest for a while. Why not double this furniture as hidden storage compartments to keep items that you use less often? If you have a small space, try storage hacks for one car garage, such as using a sidewall, bins instead of cabinets, and behind-the-walk-in door space. If you have windows, use a sill area to keep potted plants, books, or small stuff.
Overhead Storage
Choose a taller garage for car repair work. You can install sturdy overhead racks to store seasonal recreational gear or holiday décor items. However, before installing an overhead rack, consult with your metal building dealer to check if the roof can bear the load or if your warranties will remain intact.
Boost Home Value With Residential Garages Steel Building
Schedule a regular inspection and annual cleaning regime for long-lasting metal garages. Metal garages usually don’t require high upkeep. A well-maintained garage on your property can give you an ROI of up to 80%. And most new homeowners search for parking space or dwelling units when hunting for a house.
Maximize Efficiency With Viking Metal Garages Customization Solutions
From adding insulation that keeps you warm and toasty to selecting colors for aesthetic appeal, metal garages come with a number of custom features inside out. By implementing these simple custom tips, you can create a residential metal parking space—a functional and efficient area for all your needs! So, what are you waiting for? Get your metal garage today, call us at (704)-741-1587, and customize your parking shed your way.
Alabama