Your garage protects against the elements and helps keep your house and belongings safe and secure. In some cases, it may also be the main entrance into your home. Here are a few tips you can incorporate to make this area a pleasing entryway.
A perfectly functional entry point
If you are building a home with a garage entry, see if you can position the door from your garage into the home between cars. This gives you a clear path inside without having to navigate your way around the vehicles.
Consider adding a mudroom between the garage and your living space. Install benches, shelving, and hooks in this dedicated area. You’ll have the ideal space for storing your jackets, shoes, and bags.
Convenient and beautiful access
If you have a detached garage, consider adding a breezeway. A breezeway is a covered walkway between the garage and your home. It will protect you against snow, rain, and heat.
Installing a man door within your garage is perfect for pedestrian traffic. It allows you to easily enter and exit the garage without using the main garage door. This saves wear and tear on the garage door opener and helps save energy. Adding an arbor over this doorway will create a beautiful entrance. You can combine it with climbing vines that will make this area visually appealing.
Upgrading safety and security
It’s important that the door between the garage and the house is fire-rated to comply with safety codes. For example, you can install a solid wood door that’s at least 1 3/8 inches thick. You could also go with either a solid-steel or a honeycomb-steel door. There are also 20-minute fire-rated doors available.
You might want to upgrade your garage door opener, too. Smart technology allows you to monitor and control the main garage door remotely. They can ensure the door is closed and provide you with activity alerts.
Motion-sensor lights over the exterior garage entrance improve safety. They’re a great way to deter intruders.
Layout options for better access
A side-load garage has the main garage door at the side of the house. This can improve curb appeal and allow for a more private entry area.
Rear-access garages move the main entrance to the back of your home. This separates your vehicles from the main traffic, and it provides a more attractive frontage for your house.
For maximum convenience, try to have the door between the garage and house as close to your kitchen as possible. You’ll truly enjoy this when it comes to carrying your groceries inside.
Once you’re ready to incorporate any of these ideas into your own home and garage, you can find a local contractor by visiting TheHomeMag’s Marketplace. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more helpful design ideas.