With limited square footage, tiny house owners face a dilemma when needing storage for vehicles. But with creative designs and multi-functional spaces, tiny homes can accommodate garages without sacrificing living space. This article explores innovative tiny house floor plans that incorporate garages while maximizing every inch. We’ll look at real-world examples of compact yet practical designs, storage solutions, and tips for making a tiny garage work in a tiny home. For tiny house enthusiasts looking to park their car without giving up their dreams of going tiny, it is possible to have both.
Benefits of Adding a Garage to Your Tiny House
Extra Storage Space
Adding a garage to a tiny house provides much-needed additional storage space. A tiny house typically has limited square footage for storage, so a garage can be used to store larger items like bicycles, tools, gardening equipment, and recreational gear. The garage space also allows tiny house owners to declutter living areas inside the home.
Protection From the Elements
A garage protects vehicles and stored items from exposure to the elements. Harsh weather like rain, snow, and extreme heat or cold can damage unprotected items over time. An attached garage provides easy access to vehicles and stored goods without having to go outside.
Increased Home Value
A garage can significantly increase the resale value of a tiny house. Homebuyers expect garages for parking and storage, so a tiny house with an attached garage is more appealing and will command a higher selling price. For tiny house owners looking to eventually sell their home, a garage is a worthwhile investment.
Additional Living Space
Some tiny house owners finish part of their garage to use as extra living space. A garage can be converted into a home office, guest bedroom, living room, or recreational space. Converting a garage into living space is an affordable way to gain more usable square footage in a tiny house. With some renovations, a garage has the potential to become a truly multi-purpose space for a tiny house.
Types of Tiny Houses with Garages
Attached Garage
An attached garage is directly connected to the tiny house, sharing one or more walls. This style maximizes square footage but requires careful design to incorporate the garage space without compromising the home’s living area. Attached garages are best for those wanting maximum garage access and prefer a more traditional home layout.
Detached Garage
A detached garage is a freestanding structure separate from the tiny house. This style requires additional land to accommodate the detached building but allows more flexibility in design and placement. Detached garages can be designed to match the tiny house’s architectural style. They provide storage space at a distance from the living area.
Underneath Garage
Some tiny houses are built on a foundation with extra height to allow for parking and storage underneath. The underneath area is enclosed and can fit a car, recreational vehicle, or serve as a workshop and utility space. This style maximizes the tiny house’s square footage by utilizing an area that is often unused. However, the additional foundation height can make the structure more difficult to move and transport.
Portable Garage
For tiny houses on wheels, a portable garage provides covered parking and storage that can be moved along with the home. Portable garages come in standard sizes to fit a single vehicle or can be custom designed for a perfect fit. They provide shelter without requiring a permanent foundation. However, portable garages may require additional permits or fees at RV parks or campsites. They are best for those who move frequently or wish to take their garage with them when relocating.
Design Considerations for Tiny Houses With Garages
Tiny houses with garages require careful planning to maximize the limited space available.### Door Placement
The placement of the garage door is a key consideration. A garage door on the side of the house, rather than the front, helps the structure blend in with surrounding homes. It also provides more wall space for windows in the living area. Folding garage doors, rather than roll-up doors, have a smaller profile and require less headroom, which is useful in a tiny house.
Multipurpose Space
In a tiny house, every square foot counts. The garage should serve multiple purposes, not just vehicle storage. It can double as a workshop, gym, or storage area. Designing the space to flow openly into the main living area helps it feel more integrated and less like an afterthought. For example, rather than a solid wall with a door between the garage and living room, an open wall or folding wall can connect the spaces.
Storage Solutions
Creative storage solutions are essential for a tiny house with a garage. Wall space can be used for shelves, cabinets, and racks. The ceiling is ideal for racks, pulleys, and hoists to lift gear, bikes, kayaks and other large items up and out of the way. A loft space above the garage, if ceiling height allows, provides useful storage or even an extra sleeping area. Under-stair storage, slide-out drawers, and built-in furniture with hidden storage help maximize every bit of available space.
Tiny houses with garages require innovative space planning to serve a homeowners’ needs. Careful door placement, multifunctional use of space, and custom storage solutions allow these small structures to function efficiently as both living space and vehicle storage. With some creativity, a tiny house with a garage can provide all the amenities of a full-sized home.
Clever Space-Saving Garage Ideas for Your Tiny Home
There are several innovative designs that can maximize limited square footage in a tiny house garage. Folding and multifunctional furniture are optimal solutions for compact spaces.
Folding Workbench
A folding workbench attached to the wall can provide a functional workspace when needed but fold up and out of the way when not in use. This is an ideal option for hobbyists or those who only occasionally need a work area in the garage. The benchtop folds up against the wall, leaving the floor clear.
Lofted Storage
Constructing a lofted platform at ceiling height provides extra storage space. Items that are not frequently accessed can be stored overhead. The lofted area is ideal for seasonal goods, holiday decorations, infrequently used tools, and other gear that does not need to be easily reachable. A sturdy ladder provides access to the storage loft.
Multipurpose Furniture
Choosing furniture that serves more than one purpose is key for maximizing limited space. A table that folds out into a bed, benches with built-in storage, and cabinets that double as a work surface are all excellent options for a tiny house garage. Multipurpose pieces allow the space to be reconfigured as needed for different uses.
Wall Organization
Effective wall organization and storage solutions keep necessities off the floor and within easy reach. Magnetic strips, rails, hooks, and shelving attached to the walls provide spots for tools, gear, gardening equipment, and other items. Keeping objects stored vertically on the walls creates an uncluttered floor area, making the garage space feel more open and functional.
Optimizing available space in a tiny house garage requires creativity and multifunctional solutions. Folding and wall-mounted furniture, lofted storage areas, and multipurpose pieces are all innovative designs that can transform a compact garage into an efficient and useful space.
Building a Detached Garage Next to Your Tiny House
Size and Design
When building a detached garage for a tiny house, homeowners should carefully consider the size and design. A garage that is too large will dwarf the tiny house and disrupt the aesthetic. Typically, a single-car garage between 100 to 200 square feet is ideal for a tiny house. The garage should complement the style and exterior of the tiny house. For example, if the tiny house has a rustic, wood exterior, a wood garage with similar architectural details is a good choice. Metal or steel garages can also pair well with many tiny house styles.
Foundation and Floor
The garage foundation and floor must be level for the doors to function properly. Concrete slabs are a common choice and can be poured when the garage is built. Gravel, asphalt, and packed earth are more budget-friendly options, but may require more maintenance. The flooring inside the garage is less important but should be durable. Concrete, stone, brick, and sealed wood or wood composites are good options.
Doors
For a detached garage, an overhead door or double doors are necessary for access. Manual doors are more affordable but less convenient than automatic openers. When selecting doors, consider the width of the opening needed for the vehicle, material, insulation, and budget. Steel and aluminum doors are low-maintenance, while wood doors must be properly sealed and maintained.
Building a detached garage provides extra storage space and shelter for a tiny house. By carefully considering the size, design, foundation, flooring, and doors, homeowners can construct a garage that complements their tiny house and meets their needs. Proper planning and construction will allow the garage to withstand the elements and function well for years to come.
Conclusion
In summary, tiny houses with attached garages are an innovative solution for homeowners wanting to maximize functionality in a minimal footprint. By planning thoughtfully and prioritizing multi-purpose spaces, much can be accomplished within a couple of hundred square feet. With creative storage solutions and moveable features, a tiny home garage addition can allow you to comfortably park a vehicle while also providing space for hobbies, laundry, or extra sleeping quarters. While limited square footage presents challenges, it is possible to have both a livable tiny house and a usable garage on a compact lot if you do your research and make smart design choices. Careful planning is the key to taking advantage of every inch and fulfilling your needs in a tiny home with garage.
Contact Rhino Garage Conversion San Francisco
Rhino Garage Conversion is a reputable company in San Francisco that specializes in converting garages into usable living space for tiny homes. They have over 15 years of experience helping homeowners maximize their limited square footage.
At Rhino Garage Conversion, we collaborate with licensed contractors who are seasoned experts in residential construction and renovation. Our team manages all the necessary permits required to transform garages into functional spaces such as bedrooms, home offices, guest suites, or recreational areas. We also enhance these spaces with upgrades to plumbing, electrical systems, flooring, and lighting, and can install new windows to ensure the addition blends seamlessly with any tiny home.
We provide custom-designed garage conversions tailored to meet the unique needs and style preferences of each client. To help visualize the transformation, we offer 3D renderings. Every project incorporates energy-efficient and space-saving materials, maximizing the available square footage while preserving the architectural integrity of the existing home.
Our team of experienced professionals is ready to transform unused garages into functional and valuable new rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiny Houses With Garages
Can a tiny house legally have an attached garage?
According to building codes, a tiny house can have an attached garage. However, the total square footage of the structure must not exceed the maximum size for tiny houses set by local regulations. Some homeowners may need to obtain permits to build a garage onto an existing tiny house.
How much does a tiny house with a garage cost?
The cost of a tiny house with an attached garage can vary significantly depending on the size and features. On average, a basic 100 to 200 square foot tiny house with a single-car garage costs between $30,000 to $60,000 to build. The garage itself typically accounts for $10,000 to $20,000 of the total cost. Pre-built models from companies specializing in tiny houses with garages are on the higher end of this range.
Can a tiny house garage be used for parking a vehicle?
Yes, a tiny house garage can be used to park a vehicle. The most common types are single-car garages, which provide enough space for one sedan or small SUV. Some tiny house models offer extra-long single-car garages that can fit slightly larger vehicles. A few builders also produce tiny houses with double-car garages for multiple vehicle storage.
What are some other uses for a tiny house garage?
In addition to parking a car, a tiny house garage may be used for:
• Storage space for items that won’t fit inside the tiny house like bicycles, tools, gardening supplies, etc.
• A workshop or hobby area.
• Shelter for pets. The garage can be an enclosed space for doghouses, litter boxes, food bowls, and pet beds.
• An extra living space. Some homeowners convert part of the garage into a home office, guest room, or recreational area.
Can solar panels be installed on a tiny house with a garage?
Yes, solar panels can be installed on a tiny house with a garage. The slanted roof of the garage is an ideal surface for mounting solar panels to capture sunlight. The energy generated from the solar panels can power the entire tiny house structure including the living space and garage. Excess energy can even be stored in batteries for use when sunlight is not available.