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Wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum are among the top building materials for a garage. Wood is highly customizable, naturally insulative, and durable in mild climates but can be expensive. Steel is lightweight, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, but it’s susceptible to rust. Fiberglass is low-maintenance and doesn’t shrink or expand in changing temperatures, but it can become brittle and crack from prolonged high winds and sun exposure.

Unlike steel, aluminum isn’t susceptible to rust and is low-maintenance, but its ultra-light weight makes it less durable than some materials, and it’s susceptible to saltwater damage, making it a poor choice for coastal homes.

For a garage to be included in a home's official square footage, it must qualify as livable space. This generally means it needs to be attached to the home and have permanent finishings like proper insulation, finished walls and ceilings, and adequate ventilation. To be considered livable year-round, it should also have heating and cooling. The specific legal requirements can vary by location, but if a garage is converted into a finished room meeting these criteria, it may be counted toward the total square footage.

Although the cost of glass garage doors is a concern, a bigger concern is safety against high-wind storms and burglars breaking the glass. If you use tempered or impact glass on your garage door, it’s more shatter-resistant than standard glass. This is safer in a storm where you don’t want shards of glass flying around. However, if a burglar wants to access your garage, the glass door is easier to break into than a solid wood or metal garage door. 

A garage door screen can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you frequently use your garage for activities like a home gym, workshop, or other hobbies. It allows you to enjoy fresh air and natural light without worrying about bugs. Additionally, a screen provides ventilation that can improve air quality when you're working with paints, varnishes, or producing sawdust.

The best option depends on your usage. For occasional use, a DIY fabric screen is a low-cost, simple solution that you can put up and take down as needed. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the space, investing in a customized, professionally installed garage door screen can help transform the area into a new hub for your household.