What Makes a Garage Truly Useful in a Southwest Colorado Home?
In Southwest Colorado, a garage can be far more than a place to park. Buyers can find a home that provides the storage and protection they need with an appropriately sized garage that takes up less square footage in the home. Come all seasons that Southwest Colorado typically sees in a year, a garage can be an asset to their home, particularly those that are farther away from nearby towns.
In this article, we will explore what features make a garage useful in Southwest Colorado homes for those who are relocating to the area.
A Useful Garage Begins With an Appropriate Size
A standard two-bay garage works best for smaller vehicles, but buyers should consider large trucks, SUVs, and roof racks. Beyond the listed “number of garages” for a property, the clearance and opening size, ceiling height, depth, and interior space should be measured for bays, too. There should be enough room to open doors, bring in groceries, and reach the shelves without squeezing between vehicles. An extra-deep bay provides room for a workbench, freezer, and recreation equipment, while keeping a parking bay.
How Much Storage Does a Colorado Garage Require?
Storage space will depend on the amount of outdoor equipment that the household uses. Things like bikes, skis, snowboards, camping gear, fishing tackle, and tools can quickly take over a finished garage if not stored on wall racks, in the ceiling, and on sturdy shelves. Storage should be easy to access, which means that frequently used gear shouldn’t be tucked inside a ceiling rack that requires a person to climb up on the garage walls in order to reach it. Special storage areas for boots, helmets, backpacks, and wet gear keep undesirable things out of the home.
Insulation, Heating, and Drainage
An insulated garage can better protect vehicles, tools, plumbing, and stored items from the weather. Insulated doors and sealed gaps prevent excessive cold air from creeping inside, especially in a garage that has shared walls with the home. Having a heat source can be helpful for a workshop or for winter projects, but buyers should examine the functionality, ventilation, and costs for the systems, too. Draughts and drainage are also very important. The melting snow brought in by vehicles will pool on the garage floors if directed improperly, so a buyer should ensure that the grading, visible drains, and floor conditions are appropriate for the local climate.
“In Southwest Colorado, a garage has to do more than shelter a car. Buyers need room for trucks, tools, and outdoor gear, along with practical features such as insulation, drainage, and easy access. A well-planned garage can make the entire home work better throughout the year.”–Bill Stanley, Broker/Owner
Does This Garage Accommodate Trucks, Trailers, and Gear?
A garage with two bays listed still might not be appropriate for larger vehicles. Any buyer who owns a truck should bring a measuring tape to viewings and take note of the length, width, and height of their vehicles rather than relying on “typical bay sizes” advertised in an MLS listing. Roof racks, cargo boxes, and lifted suspensions can result in clearance issues. Trailer owners should also bring a measuring tape and take note of the driveway space, gradients, turning radii, and distances before doors. HOA rules or local covenants may dictate where a boat, trailer, or recreational vehicle can be placed, even if there is an appearance of space on a property.
Everyday Access Makes a Difference
A well-positioned door between the garage and the home can be essential in the winter months, as well as for everyday errands. The most practical garage layouts connect the home to a mudroom, laundry area, or hallway rather than an open-concept, connected great room. Lighting and the placement of electrical outlets can make a difference as well. Buyers who plan on using electric vehicles should ask the home inspector and electrician if the panel and wiring in the garage will be able to handle the requirements for a charging station.
What Should Buyers Look At Before Making an Offer?
Take a close inspection of the garage door, opener, tracks, and safety sensors. Does the weatherstripping look in good condition, or is there rust, daylight showing around the edges of the door, or odd motion when the door opens and closes? Look at the garage floor for large fissures, bumps, or areas where water accumulates. Buyers should also look at the walls and ceiling for signs of staining, pests, or unauthorized changes. If there is a heater, sink, floor drain, or wiring changes present in the garage, it is a good idea to ask for information and to include these items in the professional home inspection.
A Garage Should Suit the Home and its Users
A useful garage in Southwest Colorado supports the way in which a buyer intends to use their home. For some, that means secure storage and the space for two vehicles to be parked inside. For others, it might mean a heated workshop, oversized bay for a truck, or additional parking bays for a trailer. Buyers should ask themselves what has to be kept inside a home, and what can be placed in a garage, during the winter months. Blue Sky Homes and Land can assist a buyer in comparing garage configurations, property restrictions, and storage options before choosing an appropriate Southwest Colorado home. Reach out to the professionals at United Country Real Estate if you are interested in exploring how garages can benefit those relocating to Southwest Colorado.
What Do Buyers Ask About Southwest Colorado Garages?
Q: Is a heated garage necessary in Southwest Colorado?
A: A heated garage is not necessary for every buyer, but it can be an asset for those who want to store certain items and for those who wish to do more projects during the winter months. For a family that mainly uses a garage for storage, insulation and weather stripping might be a more important consideration than a heated garage. Buyers should also consider the costs, ventilation, and condition of the existing garage heater before paying extra for this feature.
Q: How can I tell if a garage accommodates my truck?
A: Measure your truck from bumper to bumper, and include mirrors, roof accessories, and any hitch equipment. The buyer should compare the garage opening and the clear interior space to these figures. An appropriate garage will have additional clearance so that the buyer has room to walk around their vehicle and to open the doors. It is a good idea to bring the tape measure to see if an oversized-looking bay will actually work for the truck.
Q: Can I use a residential garage as a workshop?
A: Many garages can be used for a hobby workshop, but it will depend on the intended work and whether the work meets residential and insurance guidelines. The required electricity, lighting, ventilation, heating, and fire safety precautions will influence the decision as well. Buyers should look at commercial and residential zoning regulations, as well as HOA restrictions, if the work requires more intensive equipment. The modifications should also be permitted and professionally installed if the buyer plans more serious commercial endeavors.
Q: Do HOA rules affect garage and trailer use?
A: They can. Community rules might dictate overnight street parking, visible trailers, recreational vehicles, garage conversions, and outdoor storage. Some HOA communities also dictate that garage doors should only be opened when actively using the space. It is a good idea for a buyer to read the rules in a covenant before closing, rather than relying on how other properties within the community appear to operate.