#garagedesign

Built with car enthusiasts in mind, the garages of the historic Kroehler Mansion units feature large-volume vaulted ceilings designed to accommodate future high-lift door setups and a car lift to maximize usable space! • • Design/build: @djkhomes

1. The Project or Problem The home itself had character in every corner—stone accents, sloping rooflines, and a backyard that seemed to whisper stories of summers past. But the garage? It was another story. The original single-car garage had become a bottleneck. Toys, tools, bikes, and two cars barely squeezed inside. For the homeowners, it wasn’t just about storage; it was about creating a space that could handle life’s ebb and flow without feeling like a construction zone.

They had dreams of a larger garage—enough room for two cars, storage, and a little workshop—but the property had constraints. Mature trees hugged the driveway, and the slope of the land added a subtle challenge. On top of that, they wanted the addition to feel like it had always belonged to the house, rather than an afterthought. It was a delicate balancing act: function, form, and flow all had to come together seamlessly.

Walking the driveway, sketchbook in hand, we talked through the family’s daily routines, imagining the comings and goings of mornings, errands, and weekend projects. Every detail mattered. The goal wasn’t simply adding square footage; it was ensuring that the garage felt integrated, welcoming, and practical for years to come.

2. The Discovery As we brainstormed, we found ourselves revisiting our Garage Additions page. Looking through examples of past projects, we noticed patterns: the most successful additions weren’t about building bigger—they were about designing smarter. From adjusting rooflines to match existing profiles, to choosing siding and trim that echoed the home’s original style, the best results were subtle, intentional, and thoughtful.

This helped shift the conversation. Instead of asking “How big can we go?” we asked, “How can we make this addition feel inevitable, like it was always meant to be?” The homeowners responded immediately to this perspective. They wanted their garage to be an extension of their home’s story, not a new chapter written in a different handwriting.

3. What It Made Us Think This project reminded us that home remodels are as much about people as they are about structures. A garage addition may sound purely functional, but it’s really about life logistics, comfort, and peace of mind. Observing the homeowners, we realized that every inch of space matters differently to each family. For some, it’s a corner for tools; for others, a place to tuck away seasonal items; for everyone, it’s about ease of movement.

The driveway, the slope, the way the garage door opens—these small details are often overlooked until you’re living with them every day. We found ourselves thinking more like choreographers than builders: how would someone maneuver a car in and out? Where could bikes and sports equipment be stored without cluttering the floor? How could we make it feel open even when full?

We also reflected on integration. Matching the home’s character—roof pitch, window style, siding color—wasn’t just aesthetics; it’s about preserving the rhythm of the property. A garage that feels like a separate box is alien to a familiar landscape, while one that echoes the home’s lines and materials quietly reinforces a sense of belonging.

In Great Falls, homeowners often face this dance between tradition and modern needs. Older homes carry stories and charm, but life keeps moving, and spaces must evolve. Every project teaches us that design decisions—big and small—can honor the past while embracing the future.

4. Small Wins or Plans Once the plans began to take shape, the small victories came quickly. Adjusting the garage’s footprint by just a few feet preserved two majestic oaks at the edge of the driveway. Repositioning the doors allowed cars to glide in without awkward turns. Choosing a panel style that mirrored the home’s original windows gave the facade subtle cohesion.

We also explored storage solutions that felt built-in rather than imposed. Shelving along the back wall, a dedicated corner for bikes, and a small bench with hooks for coats and bags created pockets of order within the larger space. These weren’t flashy changes, but they transformed how the family experienced the garage every day.

Planning the workflow mattered, too. From the morning rush to weekend DIY projects, each design choice considered how life actually happens. The homeowners could picture pulling in after soccer practice, unloading equipment without bumping into each other, and rolling the garage door down as the sun set over their yard. That kind of visualization is often the moment when a project clicks—it goes from abstract blueprint to lived reality.

5. Wrap-Up / Reflection By the time the final touches were installed, the garage felt like it had always been part of the home. It wasn’t just an addition—it was a thoughtful extension of daily life, blending function and design seamlessly. The family could see their routines unfolding effortlessly, and the house itself seemed more complete without losing its original charm.

This project reinforced a lesson we carry into every remodel: subtlety and observation often matter more than size. Listening carefully, watching closely, and imagining the flow of daily life can transform a functional addition into a space that feels essential, natural, and beautiful.

In Great Falls, where homes carry decades of history, a garage addition isn’t merely about storage. It’s about respect—for the property, for the family, and for the quiet rhythm of life unfolding in every corner of a cherished home.