Best design to replace garage doors when converting garage heavy front
kroche70
3 years ago
We are puzzled on best way to close in the garage doors when we convert one of the two car garages on the house. It is so significant to the facade we want it to blend in and create interest that is sorely missing now with all the garage doors today.
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Louise Smith
3 years agoAn interesting look is to install glass doors or sliders and landscaping.
You could always just replace the garage door with a wall and windows that match your house so that it loses the garage look. (area with window)
kroche70 thanked Louise SmithRelated Discussions
Convert only HALF a garage into living space - mid construction
Comments (2)I would think about why you designed with a garage in the first place. I think your answer is there....See MoreDoorbell for front of garage/in garage?
Comments (21)Actually, DH doesn't like us to use the opener(s) unless we're pulling a car in or out - we have 3 cars, the third gets parked outside, and whenever we use that (oldest but best gas mileage) he has us use the back door of the garage and walk around to the side. He doesn't like us using it as the main door, esp. for things like going outside and working in the front yard (though our faucet is there rather than on front porch, so I have to open the door to water). I don't trust Ds with a key, so he knows the combo and if I've got the garage door closed when he gets home from school, he'll open it rather than going around, but if I've gone out and come back, I'll just leave it open for the rest of the day. I have noticed it's a bit noisier than the one that doesn't have the keypad - maybe we should reprogram it to give that other door some time? Maybe we need to grease the one that gets used all the time? As far as notice, I'm going to think about mentioning a phone call first, hope my dad doesn't take it the wrong way, but DH and I came up with the solution this AM - a driveway alarm. That way I'd have notice of *anybody* coming down the driveway - we have a long driveway, can't see the road (and some people have decided since they can't see the house from the road, they'd drive or walk down to take a look)....See MoreConverting Garage to gain more livable space
Comments (80)^In both plans immedialy above, you could change the swing on the front door so you have a better view at the entry. You could also put up a small wall, half or full, to get that foyer entry. Something interesting....See MoreSplit Level & Converting Garage - Design ideas...
Comments (17)I know this is an older post but I am completing a garage conversion so I thought maybe I could help and hop off what others have mentioned. #1 DO YOUR RESEARCH!! Our garage conversion has taken over a year because of zoning and permit nightmares. As someone else has mentioned this is not an easy transition and not only is it costly up front, if you are thinking of selling within the next 10-15 years you may be better off relocating instead of renovating.....also for sanity purposes! If you are eliminating a garage it's a good idea to think about how you will replace it. We built a 32x24 pole barn in the corner of our back yard and are putting in a driveway next year. However, you have to look at the blue print of your lot and zoning. For example, we have a decent size corner lot but we still have to abide by the 60/40 rule for greenscape: we cannot build on more than 40% of our "greenscape" on our lot. In addition, the structure had to be so far behind the house so when any of our neighbors stood on their front porch they wouldn't be able to see it. Because split levels are laid out so awkwardly and we have 4 kids and another on the way we decided to make our oversize 2 car garage a kitchen, living room, and dining room so all the bedrooms are upstairs and living space is downstairs. When it comes to the entryway it seems silly to get rid of the driveway since the main entrance is still in the front. You don't want to give up off street parking. Even if you build a garage in the back and have a sidewalk leading to the front door think about walking groceries all that way....that's what a buyer would think: too confusing. I agree with what others have mentioned about the windows. You want to create a seamless look in the front so definitely try to keep the same style windows. Adding some flower boxes along the front or some sort of retainer wall that matches the current style leading to the door could work just be sure there's room for proper grading so you don't end up with water or rot around the base of your new structure. The floor inside will have to be leveled and a new footer installed for that same purpose but best not to add any unnecessary obstacles. If I were you I would consider hiring an architect to go over what you're thinking in terms of design inside and out. It's worth the extra couple hundred dollars to pay someone with experience and knowledge of zoning for your area to lay it out for you. Best of luck!!!!!...See More
houssaon
3 years agokroche70
3 years agokroche70
3 years ago
PROFlo Mangan
3 years ago- PRO
kroche70
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoInteresting idea to turn garage into a side load. Maybe for round two of reno. In the meantime, I do like alot what houssaon proposes. Breaking up the concrete really does shift the perspective away from "former garage". The plan inside is to convert the garage into a kid zone. This aesthetic is not exciting to me but the lot/location are fabulous. I was wondering if painting it a different color would help although I'm not sure my husband would be up for a non-essential update like that.
Here is a closer shot of front entry too.
kroche70
3 years agoEvaElizabeth
3 years ago
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