Often when a homeowner needs more garage space, their first impulse is to simply clean out the garage. And if your space problem is caused by too much clutter, that’s a good strategy. But sometimes the problem is deeper than that. Your garage may simply be too small to accommodate a workbench, an additional vehicle, or whatever else you need space for. Take a look at some of the things that you need to know about expanding the garage to give yourself more space.
Start With the Simplest Solutions
There are definitely garage expansion options that can help you make the physical space bigger. However, it’s worth finding out if you can take advantage of options that don’t require any construction on your garage first.
For example, if you need to fit an additional car into your garage, you might want to look into residential car lifts. A lift can turn a one-car garage into a two-car garage without any need to knock out a wall. If you need to add a workbench to your garage, you could install one that folds up into the wall when you’re not using it, so that you can fit your vehicle into the garage when you’re not using the workbench. If you need more storage space, installing tracks along the ceiling that allow you to slide in storage totes can open up a whole new realm of storage space. It’s definitely possible to make your garage bigger if you need to, but it’s worth considering options that don’t require a building permit first.
Consider a Bump-Out Addition
Another way to give yourself more space in your garage is with a bump-out addition. This method of expanding your garage is easier than you might think – if you have ever built a deck, shed or patio, you can probably manage a garage bump-out as well. If you were going to knock out a wall of your home to expand, you would need to be able to work with concrete, but that’s not necessary for a garage.
You’ll start by building what is essentially a deck, then add the walls and roof. A skilled handyman can build a bump-out addition as a DIY project, but you’ll probably need a helper to ensure that things are done correctly. Depending on where you live, you may also need a permit for this kind of addition.
Know When to Hire a Professional
Although building a bump-out is relatively simple, you can damage your home’s foundation if you incorrectly attach the pier and beam footings needed to expand the foundation in this area. Unless you’re a contractor yourself, this is when you need to bring in a licensed contractor to help you properly enlarge your garage without damaging your home.
It’s also important to know when to start from scratch. In some cases, particularly with older homes, it may be more practical to demolish the old garage and build a new one in its place. If you’re not sure what’s best for your home, have a garage renovation specialist take a look and give you an informed opinion.
For more helpful garage renovation ideas, schedule your free design consultation . 
