Garage Matters

Keith Sawlor, April 23, 2013 | Posted in Plan; Tagged Design Considerations

The addition of a garage to a new home design is appealing to many homeowners. Whether it’s used as a shop, for storage, or to keep your vehicle out of the elements, a garage is convenient and functional—not to mention it’s a great way to enhance the value of your home. 

However, the ability to build the ideal garage is sometimes limited due to lot size or overall design considerations. Many homeowners wish they could take advantage of the space under their garage, or build a bigger garage than what their lot would typically allow. 

An option to consider is a suspended slab, as it does not change the look of your house from the street view and allows you to access all of the space under the garage floor. This area can be used for additional garage space, or as a finished living space.

 A suspended slab can be built using various construction methods, but the pictures show a pre-cast concrete slab. The pre-cast slabs require minimal centre support, and only slightly reduce the amount of headroom available.

 While a suspended slab can be pricey to build, it costs much less than an expanded house and garage design. It is certainly a factor you may want to consider as you start to design your new home.

Keith Sawlor

Keith Sawlor is the second generation Owner of Sawlor Built Homes. With more than 35 years experience building custom homes in Nova Scotia, Keith has built a team that mirrors his professional knowledge and values.

Keith is a Certified Residential Builder who is also certified with many leading industry organizations. He is a Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Certified Builder, a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Certified Builder, a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) R-2000 Certified Builder, and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

Keith is a Past Board Member of the Atlantic Home Warranty Program as well as the Canadian Home Builders' Association Nova Scotia. He is involved in many other industry programs and associations, such as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association National and Better Business Bureau.