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A carriage house combines garage or storage space with living space, usually in two stories, while a garage generally does not offer any living space. Carriage houses are built with plumbing, insulation, and heating and cooling systems, which are usually features not found in traditional garages. Building codes and insurance requirements greatly differ between the two types of structures, and may make it difficult to convert a garage to a carriage house.

It’s not safe to install a pet door on your garage door. Garage doors that tilt upward can roll up with your dog inside the door without you realizing it, making them dangerous and potentially deadly. Most dog doors also won’t fit on traditional garage doors, as they would need to span the panels, compromising the door’s stability.

The most common garage door material is aluminum, but the best material for you depends on your budget and location. Wood is the most expensive to repair but tends to add the most curb appeal, while fiberglass or composite doors cost less to fix.

Aluminum won’t rust, so it’s a great option if you live somewhere humid or rainy. Steel doors are durable but are prone to rust. If you live somewhere with extreme temperatures, hot or cold, you might opt for fiberglass, which won’t split if the temperatures skyrocket or drop below freezing.

It is typically cheaper to build a garage than to buy a prefab one if you can provide most of the labor yourself. If you plan to hire a contractor for the entire build, a prefab garage or kit will likely be less expensive. However, even with a garage kit, you may still need to hire professionals to install the foundation, concrete floor, and handle electrical and plumbing work. If you are not an experienced builder, it can be a worthwhile investment to hire a local garage builder who can manage all aspects of the project, including coordinating other necessary professionals.