The Perfect Garage for You
You’ve decided that you want a garage, but you’re not sure how to get started. Fair enough, as there are many things to consider, many options and it’s important to get it right because you’re only going to do this once!
To help with the process, we’ve created a step-by-step guide of what to consider.
Step 1: Placement on your property
The placement of your garage will be determined by setbacks on your property, above ground hydro lines, if there are any, and ease of access to the garage based on other structures on the property, most importantly, your house.
We recommend checking with the City of Ottawa to determine the setbacks on your property specifically. Setbacks can vary by area of the City or based on the location of your property on the street (e.g. a corner lot). You want to make sure that you’re getting information in writing that is specific to your property.
Armed with accurate information, you’ll be able to map out the setbacks for your garage to see if you’ll be able to comfortably drive into the garage.
2) Right Sizing your Garage
Generally speaking, the City allows accessory buildings up to 55m 2 /592 ft 2. This can be a detached garage (e.g. up to 24’x24’) or it can be the sum of two structures. This doesn’t mean that a 24’x24’ garage will fit on all properties. The setbacks from property lines need to be factored in; only 50% of the property can be built up, including the house and any other structure on the property (e.g. a shed); and, only 50% of the yard in which the garage will be constructed can be built on.
To determine the “ideal” size, consideration has to be given to how you plan on using the space. Will it only be for parking – how much space does your vehicle need? Do you want room for additional storage and/or for a work area? Will the lawn mower and snow blower be kept in the garage? Do you need space for bikes, tires, a stroller, patio furniture in winter?
Thinking through how you’ll use the space and what needs to be accommodated is time well spent. The biggest mistake that people make is building for their current needs, without considering the fact that new items will be acquired over time. For example, families’ needs change as the kids grow.
Once you think you’ve figured out the size that will meet your needs, measurements can be taken, including the setbacks to access what is possible.
3) Design
The design of your garage is an important consideration. From an aesthetics perspective, most clients want it to integrate with the look of their house so that it doesn’t look like an afterthought. There are many options for design and exterior finishes, even with older homes, so don’t get stuck on this aspect.
Most importantly, during the design phase, real thought needs to be given to how you’ll conveniently access the space, where large items will be placed, where you need unobstructed walking space, etc. Do you need more than one side entry door? How much natural light do you want? Are you leaving enough wall space for hanging items? Functionality and practicality are key considerations, and there may be some trade-offs (e.g. less natural light and more wall space), so you need to figure out your “must have” and “nice to have” design features.
A lot of thought goes into planning the right garage for you. It’s not just about the appearance, though this is important. It’s about understanding your needs, the options for your property and making the best use of the yard space.
If you need help with this process, give us a call. You’ll only be doing this once, but we do it every day!
