Read the Signs: Atlanta Garage Repair and Replacement
Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about our Atlanta garages, but they’re still an integral part of our homes. The garage provides shelter for our toys and vehicles—not to mention extra storage. Sometimes it's also used as a workshop, recreational area, or even a place to socialize.
We love our garages, but as time goes on, the garage can start to show signs of wear and tear. This leaves you, as a homeowner, with a decision to make: is it time for a new garage? Once you answer that, there are factors to consider when choosing between repairs or replacement.
Join us as we discuss how to best answer these questions. Whether it's because of structural concerns, safety issues, or wanting an upgrade, knowing when and how to address garage-related problems is part of maintaining your property.
Do You Need a New Atlanta Garage?
Demolishing and building a new garage is a complex and costly project. Before committing, make sure you understand your reasons behind this decision and consider various factors. Alternatively, you could explore a simpler remodel that better suits your needs.
When your Atlanta garage starts showing signs of wear and tear, will you replace it completely or go for repairs? The choice depends on the specific problem you're facing. For instance, cosmetic issues with your Atlanta garage door can affect the home's appearance and potentially lead to more damage. Mechanical problems, on the other hand, can affect functionality, safety, and security.
Are Your Concerns Aesthetic or Structural?
If you want to spruce up your Atlanta garage, you can start by addressing issues like a faded or outdated door. These are fairly easy to address without completely rebuilding the garage. However, if you notice sagging or cracking walls, it could mean there are problems with the foundation. Sometimes, the damage is so extensive that repairing it isn't practical and a complete replacement is necessary.
How Is Your Atlanta Garage Door?
Is your garage door making a lot of noise when it opens? This could be due to dirt and debris in older doors. Simply cleaning or lubricating them should fix the issue. If you hear a loud screeching sound, it might mean there's rust on the chain. In that case, you may need to get a new garage opener for smoother operation.
Sooner or later, every garage door gets stuck on the track—which can cause your Atlanta garage door to move slowly or even stop moving altogether. This could be because of the weight of various moving parts in the garage. In such cases, it might be more practical to replace the entire system instead of trying to figure out the specific problem.
Every garage door opener is equipped with an automatic reversal system. This is a safety feature designed to stop the door from closing on people or objects in its path. If this feature is missing or not working properly, it’s crucial to address and fix the problem right away to avoid potential injuries.
Older garages can also pose security issues. If you’re concerned about unauthorized entry, consider replacing access doors and upgrading to a smart garage door opener for better security.
Is Your Atlanta Garage Roof Damaged?
The shingles of your garage roof require maintenance just as much as the shingles on your house. While a bad roof doesn't mean you need to replace the entire garage, it's smart to compare the cost of installing a new roof to the expense of a brand-new Atlanta garage. This will help you decide which option makes more financial sense for your long-term budget.
Renovating vs. Rebuilding Your Atlanta Garage
Atlanta garages are built to last, just like the rest of your home. Before making any changes, ask yourself a few key questions. How long do you plan to stay in your current home? Do you need more space for cars or living? The answers will help you decide how much you want to invest in garage improvements. If you're not planning to stay long, a simple remodel might be more practical.
A general rule suggests that if you plan to stay for five years or more, a complete garage rebuild is an option. Once you've decided, assess the overall structure of your garage. Look at everything from the floor to the ceiling, inside and out. Small cracks in the floor or walls (less than a quarter of an inch) can usually be fixed easily. But larger problems could indicate more serious issues that could get worse over time.
The Case for an Atlanta Garage Rebuild
There are several good reasons why you might want to think about rebuilding your garage. First, if your garage isn't structurally sound or if the foundation is messed up, it can be a safety hazard. While it might not suddenly fall down, other problems can creep up.
For example, a roof that leaks can cause mold and mildew, which could lead to health problems for you and your family. Poor framing can create insulation problems, which can let in moisture and animals. Cracks in the floor might mean there's a sinkhole forming under your home.
But you don't have to rebuild your Atlanta garage just because something’s wrong. You can also rebuild it just because you want to. Having a new garage can make part of your home exactly the way you want it—and you can build it with the newest methods and most energy-efficient materials, which can save you money in the long run. Plus, a new garage can get you a 64–81% return on your investment.
Choose to Rebuild or Renovate Your Atlanta Garage
By exploring all your options, you can turn your garage into an amazing extra indoor or outdoor space that's perfect for you and your family's lifestyle.
Know the Rules, and Play by Them
Make sure you know your requirements and limitations before you start building or renovating your Atlanta garage. This means understanding your town's regulations and, if you have a homeowners' association, theirs too. These might affect where and how big you can build, and even what style and color your garage can be. Don't worry—a good remodeling company can help guide you through this.
Think about Your Family’s Needs
Know exactly why you want to transform your Atlanta garage. What does your family need from this space? You might need room for one, two, or more cars. Or maybe you need some extra storage space in the attic.
Perhaps you're thinking of transforming that extra space into something new like a gaming area, a workspace, or even a play area. And let's not forget how this could boost the resale value of your house. It's all worth considering.
Now, get specific. What exactly do you want the new space to look like and how big do you want it to be? Do you want it to be separate from the car storage area, maybe even on a second floor? Some people turn that extra space into a laundry room, a home theater, or extra living quarters.
Attached vs. Detached
Choosing between an attached and detached garage comes with its own set of pros and cons. An attached garage, being part of your home, makes it easy to access your car, especially when the weather's bad. It can be cheaper to build an attached Atlanta garage—it’s easier and less expensive to build three walls instead of four. Plus you might end up with more space in your yard. But it can be tricky to construct, especially with an older house.
On the other hand, a detached garage gives you more freedom with space and design. It can give you more privacy and less noise and smells from the garage. If your property is narrow, this might be a good fit. However, it can shrink your yard space and cost a bit more. You also have to walk outside to get to your car, rain or shine. And you might face some restrictions from your local homeowners' association.
Pick the “Best” Materials
Picking the right materials is a key step when upgrading your garage. It's about working together with your contractor to select the right stuff for the best price. The quality and cost of materials will greatly affect how much you'll spend on the project. For the exterior, you could use aluminum or go for something like brick or stone. The doors, windows, and main garage door can range in price too. For the inside, you can keep it simple with drywall and cement floors—or you can jazz it up with a personalized design.
Don't forget about important materials like insulation, plumbing, and electrical parts. These should match what you need. Outlets are a given, but how many and where they go depends on what you're planning to use in your garage. If you want running water, radiators, or a heating or cooling system, these are all things to think about when deciding what your garage will be used for.
Your Garage Deserves Love Too
Don't neglect your Atlanta garage—give it the attention it deserves and keep it in top shape.
When faced with the decision between repairs or replacement, it’s essential to consider factors such as the overall condition of the garage, safety concerns, and desired upgrades. Proper maintenance and regular inspections can also help prolong the life of your garage.
Ultimately, choosing the right solution for your garage will not only ensure its longevity but also contribute significantly to the overall value and functionality of your home.