Types of garages popular in New Zealand

When planning your new build or renovation, you have major decisions to make regarding the structure size and construction. Let's look at the most popular types of garages for New Zealand homes so you can choose the perfect solution for your property's needs.

Single garages

If your block has limited space, a single garage is the most efficient option. It allows you to maximise living space or bedroom count while still offering a place to park your vehicle away from the elements. For homes with a smaller footprint, a single garage can also reduce construction costs.

Single garages are common in high-density areas where parking space is a precious commodity. In this setting, they can significantly boost a home's resale value.

That said, if space isn’t an issue and you’re building a larger home with three or four bedrooms, a single garage may become a drawback. A lack of functional parking can negatively affect your property’s value because families, in particular, are looking for the convenience of parking and the added benefit of extra storage space.

Double garages

When it comes to garages, bigger is usually better. As long as the structure doesn't overwhelm the home's façade, double (or even triple) garages are a key feature that homeowners look for. A covered parking space, additional storage space, the ability to use it in place of a garden shed for hobbies, or somewhere to store all those tools or sporting equipment means that a bigger garage is more practical for a larger family.

However, size isn't all that matters; design is important too. When planning your garage project, opt for premium materials where possible, match the garage windows and cladding to your home, choose similar colours for the paint scheme and use the same roofing materials to create a cohesive look that won't detract from your home's beauty.

Detached vs attached garages

Beyond size, one of the biggest decisions is whether your garage should be attached to your home or built as a standalone structure.

An attached garage is often more cost-effective to build and certainly more convenient in poor weather. A detached garage can be positioned anywhere on your site and can help contain noise and fumes.

Whether you choose an integrated or external garage largely depends on how you plan to use it. If you plan to use your garage as a workshop, a detached garage is the most attractive option. If you can't bear the thought of carrying groceries through a storm, choose an attached garage.

Prefabricated/kitset garages

If you've decided that a detached garage is the most functional choice for your home, a prefabricated or kitset garage could be worth considering.

Manufactured off-site and delivered ready to assemble, these garages suit a wide range of needs, from parking a car to housing a tractor. There is also a huge range of NZ-based manufacturers to choose from. It's just a matter of finding one that offers the design flexibility that you're looking for.

Many kitset suppliers also offer customisation, letting you choose door styles, materials and features from leading manufacturers like Windsor Doors. This means you can still choose a sleek Sectional Door, durable Roller Doors, or traditional Tilt Doors.

Custom and specialty garages

In New Zealand, lifestyle garages are a hugely popular trend, serving as areas for home gyms, workshops, and even living spaces like granny flats.

Think a free-standing garage with a mono-pitch roof fitted with solar panels for the ultimate in energy efficiency for your workshop, or a high-end games room with durable Roller Doors that can easily roll open to transform it into an alfresco area.

Why garage choice matters in New Zealand

Whether you live on the South Island's soggy West Coast or in one of the windiest cities in the world, Wellington, New Zealand's wild weather not only makes having a garage essential, it also dictates the style of the structure. High-quality garages and doors that can withstand these weather extremes ensure the long-term reliability of your space. Remember this when choosing between the most cost-effective and the most durable - it's often a case of you get what you pay for.

Having a garage is also a hugely important consideration for potential homebuyers. Many people won't buy a home without one. By investing in a garage and doors made of premium materials, you're adding value to your home. Not to mention, having the extra room for storage or hobbies is a boon for buyers.

Popular garage door styles in New Zealand

It sets the aesthetic appeal of your garage and home, and it's often a main access point, so a lot is resting on your garage door. Therefore, it's important to select a garage door that complements your home and will remain functional for many years to come.

The good news is that there is a huge range of modern garage door styles to choose from beyond the traditional Roller Door options. From space-saving Tilt Doors that give you maximum overhead storage to flashy flush mounts and sleek Sectional Doors in a range of styles, New Zealand's own Windsor Doors can help you find a door that will effortlessly suit your home's architectural style. Simply visit our website to start searching for your preferred style.

Storage and functionality add-ons

Like all parts of our homes in this modern age, New Zealanders expect their garages to work harder and smarter. This is why features for garage doors like smart tech and insulation inclusions are now commonplace.

According to New Zealand's official data agency, Stats NZ, housing density has increased in every region over the past decade. As houses shrink, so does storage space. Garages kitted out with space-saving storage solutions are an ideal fix for the increasing problem of a lack of room.

When it comes to designing your new garage area, including automation, smart features and storage options will certainly pay off in the long run.

Choosing the right garage for your property

Whether it's a shed with a difference or a garage attached to your dream home, planning for your property's future needs is an essential consideration for all New Zealand homeowners when it comes time to select the right type of garage.

If you're after something out of the ordinary, you want a garage door with superior durability and workmanship; Windsor Doors should be your first point of contact. We make garage doors for the next generation of NZ families. Visit our website to book your free measure and quote today.