Columbus Home Builders Columbus, OH

Get extra storage by building a garage or shed

Angie's List asked to talk to three experts about trends, maintenance and what not to do when building a garage or shed.

Columbus, Ohio, garage and shed experts

Shawn McNeil, owner, The Garage Gurus, Columbus, Ohio, thegaragegurus.com

Kathy Snyder, vice president, Palmer Builders LLC, Hilliard, Ohio, palmerbuildersllc.com

Tom Gardner, owner, Best Home Improvements & Construction, Mount Vernon, Ohio, werbest.com

What trends have you encountered for building garages, shed or barns?

McNeil: I've seen a lot of people requesting garages with built-in attic space and pull-down ladders. Because of the economy, people are keeping and repairing what they have, rather than building new.

Snyder: The trend is to focus on function versus decoration. Oversized, custom-built garages with storage above are most popular.

Gardner: Homeowners are paying more attention to aesthetic appearance, including features like vinyl siding with soffits, as opposed to basic utility storage.

When's the best time to build the structure?

McNeil: We build all year round, especially between April and November. However, if you call in January and get on the schedule for March, it gives you more time to plan.

Snyder: Spring through fall is the busiest and best time to build.

Gardner: We work all year round, but you should wait until spring to have concrete floors poured.

What kind of light source works best?

McNeil: We usually do electrical work for garages, but sometimes people opt for skylights.

Snyder: Natural light from windows or skylights are good options. Electricity costs more, but it's worth it if you want light at the click of a switch.

Gardner: Homeowners minimize windows for security purposes, but we can install a light band in the eaves to enhance lighting.

How can I maintain the life of my new building?

McNeil: Clean your gutters and keep all water away. Water is the biggest enemy of any building. Also keep wood piles and brush away from siding, because moisture attracts insects.

Snyder: Depending on the siding, you can paint or power wash the structure to maintain its life.

Gardner: Clean off the roof and siding regularly, or get vinyl or steel components, which are relatively maintenance-free.

What other advice can you share?

McNeil: Get an opinion from a professional garage builder before building so you can learn things you wouldn't even have considered.

Snyder: Recycle windows and decorative shutters from your other home projects to save money.

Gardner: Consider the size of the structure you need and anticipate what your future needs may be.