
When designing a home, sizing a garage is generally treated with little regard. However, it is just as important to design a garage layout with the same attention to detail as the rest of the house plan. It must be well planned because this huge amount of square footage cover a large footprint in the overall home design.
You can design a garage layout as an integral part of the floor plan, or it may be a separate building (or what is called a detached garage). A carport, a garage by another name, has one or more open sides. Much the same as a enclosed garage, the carport can be a part of the house or free standing.
When planning to design a garage layout, you want to have at least 18 inches (1′-6″) of clear space on both sides of the garage door on a single car garage. With two or more garage bays, it is acceptable the have a minimum space of 1′-0″ between garage doors. This allow enough room for cars door to open when it is pulled into the garage.
Factors to consider when you design a garage layout
Garage Function
The garage is designed to provide storage and shelter for your automobile. At times it may serve other purposes in addition to sheltering your cars. If you design a garage layout right, it can include a workshop, storage for lawn equipment, and other storage needs. In addition, it becomes functional. Garages are usually adjacent to mudrooms.
Location
A garage is part of the service area of the home. Therefore, the ideal location of the garage is to have it positioned near the kitchen, mudroom, and utility room. The garage placement on a floor plan is dictated by the home plan site. Should the garage be on the front or back of the house? Should you locate the garage on the left or right side of the house? Will it be a front load, side load, or court yard garage entry? You must answer these questions in order to design a garage layout.
Size and Shape
You should determine your garage size by the number of vehicles and the additional room needed for storage and workshop space. Below are measurements that are typical of garages and carports. Take the measured dimensions from outer wall to outer wall. To get the clear space measurement, subtract seven (7) inches from the width and depth.
Single car garage
Use an eight (8) foot or nine (9) foot door with any size single bay garage.
Small – 12 feet by 20 feet (240 sf)
Midsize – 14 feet by 22 feet (308 sf)
Large – 16 feet by 24 feet (348 sf)
Two car garage
Small – 20 feet by 20 feet (400 sf)
w/ two 8 foot doors or one 16 foot wide door only
Midsize – 22 feet by 22 feet (484 sf)
w/ two 8 foot or 9 foot single doors/ one 16 foot or 18 foot door
Large – 24 feet by 24 feet (576 sf)
w/ two 8 foot or 9 foot single doors/ one 16 foot or 18 foot door
Three car garage
Small – 30 feet by 20 feet (600 sf)
w/ three 8 foot doors only
Midsize – 32 feet by 22 feet (704 sf)
w/ three 8 foot or 9 foot single doors/ or one 16 foot and 8 foot door/ or one 18 foot door and 9 foot door
Large – 34 feet by 24 feet (816 sf)
w/ three 8 foot or 9 foot single doors/ or one 16 foot and 8 foot door/ or one 18 foot door and 9 foot door
Homeowners should use these dimensions as suggested minimums. You can adjust the width or depth to fit your particular design situation.