Build a Garage That Doubles as an Artist’s Retreat

One of the most important aspects of creating art is having a dedicated space in which to work. No matter what type of art you love to produce, it’s critical to have a space where you are free to think, focus, and take all the time you need to develop a masterpiece.

If you have been thinking about establishing an artist’s retreat on your property, building a new garage is the perfect way to do just that. You might not think that “art” and “garage” don’t really belong in the same sentence, but they can be a perfect match when you work with Carport Kingdom to develop a custom building that is ideal for your needs.

The first step is using our Build & Price tool to explore the possibilities and design something that suits your needs. If you need any help during the process, please feel free to contact our team and we’ll be happy to help right away. Thank you for considering Carport Kingdom!

Start with a Purpose

You’ll want to start this project with a clear vision of what type of art you will create within the garage. Of course, you probably already have a good idea of what you will do, but be sure to get as much clarity as possible to inform further decisions on that foundation.

For example, if you are painting and nothing else, you won’t need a very large building – just enough space to set up your easel, a stool, and some supplies. On the other hand, if you like to create sculptures, you could need a significant garage to walk around, store large tools and equipment, and more. Everything else about this project gets much easier when you are very clear on what it is you want to do inside this artist’s retreat.

The Red Tape

There is something romantic about the notion of building an artist’s retreat on your property, so it’s easy to get caught up in that beautiful image – but you still need to think about the cold, practical side of this project. Specifically, that means addressing any code restrictions that might apply to this project so you don’t wind up on the wrong side of the law after construction is finished.

The rules that govern your new garage will depend on where you live and where you plan to build the structure. Many cities and counties have setback rules regarding how close to the property line you can build, so that’s a starting point for your research. Also, you might face height restrictions or limits on how many square feet this structure can take up on your land. Get ahead of the game by figuring out what rules will apply in your case and then plan the building accordingly.

Make It Comfortable

The nature of an artist’s studio is such that you are planning to spend some significant time in the space. This is not just a storage space, although you might use it for some storage – you will also be there creating art, perhaps for hours at a time.

With that in mind, the garage needs to be as comfortable as possible. One good way to improve the comfort of the building is to add a window or two. The window will let in natural light and could be opened up to give you fresh air when the weather is nice. You’ll be far more likely to utilize the new garage for art projects if it is a comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your time.

Beyond the Basics

If you get a standard metal garage in place on your property, you could probably make it work as-is for an artist’s studio. However, this space will become far more useful and enjoyable if you upgrade it with modern touches and amenities. For instance, having an electrician add power so you can run lights and some appliances would be a good start, and you might want to have running water available. Depending on what supplies you need and how much you keep on hand, including some storage space in the design, will also make your new studio far more functional.