How to Choose the Right Garage Style for Your Property

Your Complete Guide from the Home Building Experts at State Construction

When it comes to adding value, functionality, and visual appeal to your home, choosing the right garage style plays a major role. Whether you’re building a new home, expanding your property, or renovating an outdated garage, the design you choose will influence curb appeal, storage capacity, and long-term home value.

If you live in Illinois or Wisconsin, where weather, lot size, and architectural style vary widely, selecting the right garage type is especially important. This guide covers everything you need to know — from popular garage styles to building considerations — so you can choose a garage that perfectly fits your home and lifestyle.

Why Choosing the Right Garage Style Matters

A well-designed garage does more than store your vehicle. It can:

• Increase property value

• Improve functionality and storage

• Enhance curb appeal

• Add usable living space when expanded or finished

• Provide better protection against Midwest weather

Selecting the right style ensures your investment works for you today and adds value to your home for years to come.

1. Attached Garage vs. Detached Garage: Which Is Better?

Attached Garage

An attached garage is directly connected to your home and is the most common choice for modern builds across Illinois and Wisconsin.

Benefits:

• Convenient entry to the home

• Cost-effective construction

• Easier to heat during winter

• Great for homeowners who want extra interior storage

Best for: small to mid-size lots, families, and properties with existing driveway alignment.

Detached Garage

A detached garage sits as a standalone structure. While less common, they are extremely popular for custom homes, acreage properties, and homeowners seeking privacy.

Benefits:

• More flexible placement

• Ideal for workshops or hobby spaces

• Helps reduce noise transfer to the main home

• Excellent option for older homes needing expansion

Best for: larger lots, rural properties, or when adding a multi-purpose garage building.

2. Popular Garage Styles for Modern Homes

Traditional Garage

A timeless design that matches most suburban homes.Features include standard gable roofs, classic siding, and simple layouts.

Modern Garage

Clean lines, large windows, horizontal siding, and minimalist design elements create an upscale appearance.

Perfect for new construction homes or homeowners looking to upgrade curb appeal.

Carriage-Style Garage

Inspired by old carriage houses, these garages feature decorative hardware, wood-look materials, and charming aesthetics.

Great for historic homes, farmhouse builds, and custom properties.

Garage with Bonus Room

A growing trend in Wisconsin and Illinois is adding an upper-level bonus room over the garage. This adds livable space for:

• Guest suites

• Home offices

• Playrooms

• Storage lofts

3. Choosing the Right Garage Size

Your garage size should reflect both your lifestyle and long-term needs. Consider:

One-Car Garage

Ideal for small lots or homeowners who only need minimal storage.

Two-Car Garage

The most popular choice in Illinois and Wisconsin; provides room for two vehicles plus tools.

Three-Car Garage

Great for families, hobbyists, or properties with outdoor equipment.

4. Important Features to Consider Before Building

Choosing the perfect garage style isn’t just about appearance — the details matter.

Roof Style

• Gable roof

• Hip roof

• Flat/modern roofChoose based on your home’s architectural style and local weather conditions.

Exterior Materials

Match or upgrade your current home materials:

• Vinyl siding

• Fiber-cement siding

• Brick

• Stone veneer

Insulation & Heating

This is especially important for Midwest winters.Consider adding:

• Wall insulation

• Heated floors

• High-efficiency garage doors

5. How to Match Your Garage to Your Property

Your garage should feel like a natural extension of your home. To ensure the style fits:

• Match the roof pitch

• Use complementary exterior colors

• Choose door designs that suit your home’s architecture

• Consider existing driveway layout

• Evaluate your long-term needs (storage, workspace, vehicles)

6. Working With a Professional Garage Builder

Whether you're updating an existing structure or designing a garage from scratch, partnering with a trusted local contractor ensures the best results.

State Construction provides:

• Custom garage design

• Garage additions and expansions

• New garage builds

• Siding and exterior upgrades

• Roofing and structural improvements

With years of experience serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, State Construction helps homeowners build garages that are functional, durable, and visually aligned with their property.

Conclusion

Choosing the right garage style is one of the most important decisions you can make when improving your home. From attached garages to custom carriage-style builds, the design you select should match your property, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

If you're ready to build, renovate, or redesign your garage, State Construction is here to help you bring your vision to life with expert craftsmanship and exceptional service.