Gone are the days when a garage was just a cold and empty storehouse for your vehicle. In recent years, the entire concept has undergone a major transformation, from the technology used to operate garage doors to how the space is utilized and, yes, even decorated. Below are a few design trends that are revolutionizing how homeowners think of their garages.

Smart Garage Doors

No more fumbling around for that boxy remote-control garage door opener or, even worse, scrambling outside to lift the garage door by hand. Today, more people are taking advantage of smart technology for their garage doors. In the same way you can control your home's thermostat or lighting through a mobile app, garage door manufacturers are increasingly offering this same convenient, smart technology. Some manufacturers let you smartly monitor other aspects of the garage as well, such as smoke alarms, moisture detectors, and lighting, all from one app.

Extended Living Spaces

With growing families, new hobbies, or just an increase in possessions, we require adequate space to utilize and store our belongings. Many are making their garages natural extensions of their home. In addition to the extra storage many garages offer, they can also be ideal spaces for putting that extra fridge or deep freeze, a play area for the kids, or even a full-service laundry room. And, of course, garages have long been the original "man caves,” a place to store tools, have a workshop, or just take a break from the world.

Charging Stations

Electric vehicle sales are growing by leaps and bounds with every passing year. A home charging station is a must for an electric or electric-hybrid vehicle, and there's no better place to put that station than in the garage. There are a variety of home car-charging options on the market, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so you can be sure to find one that fits your needs and budget.

Fred C. Johnson Co. has been providing residential and commercial garage door services to the Jessup, Maryland, area since 1964. They will install the garage door best-suited to your design scheme and your goals. Call (410) 792-2126 or visit their website to schedule an estimate today.