At Dave Johnson Construction, we’ve spent over 30 years designing and building high-quality detached garages and custom garages for homeowners all across the Salt Lake City, UT area. That extensive experience gives us a unique perspective on what people really want when they invest in a new garage. When homeowners come to us for a custom garage, they’re looking to maximize their investment and create a space that perfectly suits their needs. Based on countless projects and consultations, here are some of the most frequently requested custom garage features by Salt Lake City residents:

It Starts with Space: Going Beyond Standard Dimensions

While “one-car” or “two-car” are standard terms, many clients realize modern needs require more generous proportions.

Extra Width and Depth

This is incredibly common. With larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks being popular in Utah, extra width is essential for comfortably opening doors without dings. Added depth provides crucial space for longer vehicles, storage cabinets in front or behind parked cars, or a designated workbench area without feeling cramped.

Taller Ceilings and Doors

Requests for higher ceilings and taller garage doors are increasing. This accommodates taller vehicles, roof-top cargo boxes (common for skiers!), potential car lifts (a growing trend for enthusiasts), or allows for the inclusion of valuable storage lofts.

Mastering Storage: The Most Common Request

Hands down, optimizing storage is a top priority for nearly every custom garage client in Salt Lake City. Homeowners want to declutter their homes and need dedicated space for tools, bins, and Utah’s abundance of recreational gear.

Built-In Cabinetry and Shelving

Moving beyond flimsy standalone units, clients request sturdy, built-in cabinets and shelving. This creates a clean, organized look, keeps items off the floor, and maximizes wall space for efficient storage.

Overhead Storage Racks

Utilizing the often-wasted space near the ceiling is key. Heavy-duty overhead racks are perfect for storing seasonal items like tires, holiday decorations, or camping gear, keeping them accessible but out of the way.

Garage Lofts

Perhaps the ultimate space maximizer, storage lofts are hugely popular. By leveraging vertical space, a loft can nearly double the usable square footage without expanding the garage’s footprint. Perfect for extensive storage, a home office, or even a small workout area. As experts in custom garages, we can design and build structurally sound and easily accessible lofts.

Creating Functional Zones: Workshops and Hobby Spaces

Many homeowners envision their garage as more than just parking and storage.

Dedicated Workbenches

A sturdy, well-placed workbench is essential for DIY projects, repairs, or hobbies. We often incorporate built-in workbenches with durable surfaces and nearby outlets into our custom garage designs.

Enhanced Electrical and Lighting

Standard garage lighting and minimal outlets often aren’t enough. Clients frequently request additional, brighter overhead lighting (like LEDs), task lighting over work areas, and significantly more electrical outlets, including 220v circuits for heavy-duty tools or equipment. Pre-wiring for EV chargers is also becoming a standard request.

Gray attached garage door with four rectangular glass windows

Comfort and Finish: Making the Garage Livable

The garage is increasingly seen as usable square footage, leading to requests for more comfort-oriented features.

Insulation and Climate Control

Given Salt Lake City’s hot summers and cold winters, insulation (walls and ceiling) is a must-have for anyone planning to spend significant time in their garage or store sensitive items. Many clients also opt for heating and sometimes cooling solutions to make the space comfortable year-round.

Finished Interiors and Upgraded Flooring

Moving away from bare studs and basic concrete, many homeowners request finished drywall and paint for a cleaner, brighter look. Durable flooring options like epoxy coatings or polished concrete are also popular for their aesthetic appeal, ease of cleaning, and resistance to stains and spills.

Enhancing Curb Appeal and Convenience

The garage’s exterior and access points matter too.

Architectural Matching

Clients want their detached garages or attached additions to look like a natural extension of their home. We meticulously match siding, roofing materials, brick or stone accents, and trim details for seamless integration and enhanced curb appeal.

Upgraded Garage Doors and Windows

Insulated garage doors improve energy efficiency and comfort. Doors with windows add natural light and style. Adding windows elsewhere in the garage also brightens the space considerably.

How Dave Johnson Construction Delivers These Features

Seeing these trends is one thing; having the expertise to execute them flawlessly is another. This is where Dave Johnson Construction excels:

  • True Custom Builds: We don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Our entire process is built around designing and constructing exactly what you need, incorporating any or all of these popular features.
  • Decades of Experience and Quality Craftsmanship: Our 30+ years in Salt Lake City mean we’ve built it all. We bring meticulous planning, precise execution, and superior quality craftsmanship to every project, ensuring features like lofts or complex electrical work are done right.
  • Consultation and Free Estimates: Our process starts with understanding your vision. During your free estimate and consultation, we discuss these popular features and how they can fit into your project and budget.
  • Our Guarantee: We stand behind our work with a 1-year warranty on all labor and ensure you are 100% satisfied. Our owner is involved from start to finish.

Build the Garage You Really Want

Your garage holds incredible potential. By incorporating the features that matter most to you, it can become one of the most functional and valuable parts of your Salt Lake City home. Ready to discuss incorporating these popular custom garage features into your project? Contact Dave Johnson Construction today for your free estimate! Let’s build the garage that perfectly meets your needs.

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We are a local full service garage enhancement company. Our goal is to provide homeowners with impeccable work and undeniable results.

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