Most people wouldn’t mind a little extra space in their home. If you have an unfinished basement, that can often be the best place to start. If that’s not an option, or your basement is already finished, you’ll likely need to add-on somewhere. Rather than building out, you may want to consider building up.

We’re talking about building a loft above your garage.

Garage lofts provide a great space that’s often somewhat separated from the rest of the home. This can make it perfect for guests, work areas, or even a rental space. Some go as far as adding a kitchenette and even a bathroom, turning the loft into a full mini apartment.

The question is…

Where Do You Begin?

The first thing to do is to check with your city on zoning, as well as any permits you might need. There shouldn’t be any major issues here, but it’s always important to first get clearance from the city before taking any actual steps.

It’s common for garages to have a little bit of space above the car bays, but chances are, it’s not enough to stand up in. If you do happen to have standing room above your garage already, congratulations, you’re already well on your way.

Most, however, will need to build on-top of the garage.

This may seem like a lot of work, but it can be well worth the investment. And, since you’re building on-top of an established structure, it’s not as expensive as you might think. You will almost certainly need to bring in a professional, of course. Before any work is done, you’ll be able to get a quote, as well as a proper understanding of what it will take to make your lofty dreams happen.

Still, it’s good to have a general vision before speaking to a professional.

If your garage is disconnected from your home, heating and cooling can pose a particular challenge, as it will likely need its own system. Loft spots can get very hot in the summertime, and we strongly suggest you don’t skimp on the AC.

Another thing to think about is the outside design. You will want the add-on to be seamless. If you’ve been considering residing your home, this might be the time to do it.

Keep It Sealed

Though the room is above the garage, it’s important that it feels entirely separate from your garage. This includes smells, sounds, and especially fumes. Exhaust fumes from your vehicles can pose a serious danger. There needs to be a sealed vapor barrier between the loft and the garage space below.

Many people will have the loft be accessible from outside the garage rather than from inside to create further separation. This not only protects against fumes, but it can help reduce noise in the loft as well. You don’t want to be hearing and feeling every time the garage door opens or an engine starts up.

Upgrading Your Garage

If you’re going through the effort of building a loft on top of your garage, it might be a good time to update the rest of the garage as well. Insulated overhead and entry doors can help control both temperatures and noise. New garage door openers can provide further noise control, especially if they’re belt driven or wall mounted.

For all your garage door and opener needs, Springfield Overhead Door has you covered. We offer a huge selection of the highest quality entry doors, overhead doors, and garage door openers. Our staff makes it easy to ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for. We also take care of installation, so you can trust your new equipment is setup correctly.

For garage door openers, overhead doors, and entry doors in Ohio, contact Springfield Overhead Door today!