Building a garage on your property is a great investment. It will protect assets like your vehicles, offer you more usable surface area on the property, and ultimately bolster your property value. However, like most things, if it’s not done right, not only can you make some costly mistakes, but you probably won’t get a garage with good energy — it’ll just be a garage. To help you, we’ve collected a few of the most common mistakes garage builders make so you can avoid them, and optimise your home’s functionality and feng shui.
1. Not planning properly
Planning is an integral part of the construction process of any project. There are multiple facets to the planning process, and when it comes to building a garage, a variety of issues can arise due to a lack of planning. Not only that, but creating a harmonious space requires some forethought. We often see three common planning errors:
- Not considering local regulations
- Not factoring in future needs
- Not providing enough space for your current needs
2. Skipping the design process
During the design process, you can spot issues and alter them before starting the build. Throughout the design process is the time to ensure that your garage not only looks good, but that it also has good feng shui. Some feel that it’s unnecessary to include the garage in your Bagua map (energy map), however, this would be like going to a doctor and them telling you it’s unnecessary to check your blocked liver.
When you need to create a good balance and flow throughout the whole house, like it or not, your garage is a part of the house, and therefore it’s necessary to include in your Bagua map (this will differ if your garage is unattached, though). Here are four things you can do to incorporate intelligent feng shui in your garage design:
- Enhance or neutralise the garages bagua area influence
- Design the garage to be as well-lit as possible
- Design it to have optimal storage to keep it clear and organised
- Ensure your garage’s placement doesn’t silence your front door, so preferably it needs to be place where the front door remains a strong presence
3. Trying to do it DIY
Before diving into building a garage DIY-style, we must clarify that we aren’t against DIY jobs. However, they do often pose more risk to the homeowner than having a professional build their garage. Going the DIY route can save you money on labour and upfront costs, but a professional must do certain construction tasks to ensure they meet regulations and are done properly. For example, a professional can help you get the right permits for building a new garage. In addition to that, they’ll also have insurance in case of any mistakes. If you’re doing it yourself, any mistakes will come out of your pocket.
4. Budgeting incorrectly
There are two sides to this. Firstly, you must factor in all current and potential expenses into your budget before starting construction. This includes all the materials, labour costs, license fees, and even the additional fees on your electricity bill from the construction phase using your electricity. Secondly, budget for potential costs. This includes catering for materials that accidentally break and quantity issues.
Then, there’s the issue of buying cheap materials. There’s a saying that says, “The poor always buy twice.” This implies that those who don't have the money to buy quality materials and up spending double regardless because the cheaper products break, causing them to replace them. Building a garage is a significant investment, one you want done right. While you don’t need to buy premium materials, opting for strong, reputable materials is the way to go.
So during the construction of your garage, you will need different types of materials, such as sealants, to ensure the structure is properly protected. Choosing high-quality sealants is also important for long-term maintenance. Depending on your location, there are various types of options available. For example, you can choose from a wide selection of sealants in New Zealand , including silicone, polyurethane, and acrylic-based options. These kinds of materials generally offer better long-term durability compared to cheaper alternatives, helping to protect your garage from wear and tear with less maintenance. In comparison, countries with more extreme climates, such as Canada or Scandinavian regions, might prioritize specialized sealants designed for freezing temperatures or heavy snow. Meanwhile, in warmer climates like those in Southern Europe, sealants resistant to UV damage and heat would be essential. Opting for the right sealants upfront, specific to your region, can save you time and money in the future, ensuring your garage remains in top condition. It's a smart investment that pays off in the long run, keeping your garage in optimal shape for years to come, regardless of your location.
5. Not setting a good foundation
This may sound a little philosophical, but having a good foundation is essential to having a strong structure. The stronger your foundation, the longer and more durable your garage tends to be, and it can weather the heavy rains, winds and other elements better. Again, there are two considerations to factor in here. Before laying a concrete slab, the soil underneath needs to be properly prepared, compacted, levelled, and graded.
Once the concrete slab is thrown, it needs to be sturdy and done right. A half-job on the slab will lead to it cracking further down the line and presenting you with other issues with your garage as a whole.
6. Not considering drainage
We’ve seen too many flooded garages because homeowners and those they’ve hired haven’t included adequate drainage systems. If your garage is built at the bottom of a hill, on a slope, or often receives rainfall on its face, installing a drainage system that catches the runoff is the best way to avoid water getting into your garage and potentially damaging your belongings. Make sure you consider drainage!
7. Choosing the wrong contractor
Finally, make sure you choose the right contractor to build your garage. Often, we’ve heard of contractor scams or some builders doing half jobs and not finishing. While trusting people is good, you don’t want to gamble on your building. Instead, do your due diligence and research contractors with a reputation for high-quality workmanship and a good rapport with customers. This should ensure you find the right contractor.
Final thoughts
Whether you want to use your garage as a workshop or a storage facility for your motorised toys, having one offers you a diverse range of functions and opportunities. But not if it’s not done right. Take the mistakes above into consideration and watch out for them during the construction of your garage, and you’ll come out the other end with a smile on your face.