Garage Styles for Home Additions

Gable Roof

• A gable roof has an inverted "V" shape that is visible from the front of the garage. This garage style is standard on many new home constructions, and the pitch in the garage roof lines up with the pitch of the home's roof. Gable roofs allow rain and snow to slide down the sides of the roof. The bottom of each side of the roof can be fitted with gutters. In larger garages with a gable roof, the builder can install one or multiple windows on the front above the garage door to add visual appeal and break up solid wall space. In smaller garages, the builder may simply add a vent below the peak of the roof.

Reverse Gable Roof

• Reverse gable is a style in which the inverted "V" shape is simply rotated 90 degrees. The "V" is visible from the side of the garage, and from the front, a person can see only one side of the roof. If the garage is large, the roof may have dormers inset. A dormer is a vertical window that protrudes out from the roof and has its own small roof. Dormers are ideal if there is a second floor to the garage. The side of the roof above the garage door may be a bit longer, providing an overhang.

Hip Roof

• A hip roof is a four-sided roof where the highest point is a peak in the center of the structure. This style is recommended for people who live in areas with extreme weather, since it is especially sturdy. The slopes of the roof are not steep, making the garage a shorter building. There are no windows built into this style roof.

Balloon Construction

• Balloon construction is a method of building that allows for a second floor to the garage. The builders use longer wall studs to create a taller, stronger frame. The second floor may be used for storage or as a bonus room. This type of construction can be used with any style of roof.

Garage Door Styles

• When choosing a style for a garage door, use the home as a guide. If the home is clean and modern-looking, choose a similar style door and stay away from doors that have a country or barn style. Choose a color that will complement the home. Use the home's trim as a guide for color. Some door styles include:

  Contemporary: Clean lines and simple design. Non-traditional.
  Carriage: Country look, often wood. Some made to roll up or swing open like barn doors.
  Raised Panel: Most common style. Horizontal panels roll up. Most cost-efficient.