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This is a matter of personal preference. However, building a detached structure is generally considered better if you intend to rent out the new space. The advantage to going with an attached garage addition is that you may pay less for plumbing, HVAC, and other features because you can use the existing systems from your home to carry over piping and wires.

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.

Single and double garage doors have pros and cons, but it's all based on personal preference regarding which one is better for you. Two single garage doors give you more control over airflow entering your garage but double the system, which means double the upkeep cost. 

On the other hand, two-car double garage doors are more convenient but can stop you from leaving if a piece of hardware malfunctions.

On average, a garage door can last between 15 and 30 years. However, this lifespan is influenced by several factors, including the quality and material of the door, local climate conditions, and how frequently it is used and maintained.

Key factors affecting longevity include:

• Material: Wooden doors can last 20 to 30 years or more, while steel doors typically last 15 to 20 years. More robust options, like triple-layer steel, can last 25 to 30 years with proper care. The number of layers in a door also contributes to its durability, with each additional layer potentially adding five years to its life.

• Maintenance: Regular inspections, cleaning, and immediate repairs can significantly extend the life of your garage door.

• Usage and Climate: Doors in harsh climates or those used very frequently may wear out faster.

• Components: Individual parts have different lifespans. For example, automatic openers may fail sooner than the door itself without regular maintenance, and garage door springs typically need replacement every 7 to 12 years.

While the door panels are designed to last as long as the door, they should be replaced sooner if they become visibly damaged, impact the door's smooth operation, or create a security risk.