The existing garage was too small and had inadequate headroom in the rear. It also had a column dead center inside which was constantly in the way. The slab and foundation walls were badly cracked as a result of inadequate reinforcing.

The new garage doors allow light to enter and are more attractive. The short roof over them keeps water and snow away.

As generously sized as the existing house is, it did not have a proper mud room or laundry room. The owners added these components as part of rebuilding the garage. The laundry room is nestled between the garage and the existing den. The attic space above, currently used for storage, can easily be converted to finished space as heating and electrical components were roughed in during construction.

The completed project appears as a natural extension of the existing house rather than an element which was added on. The slate used for the roof on the addition was recycled material.

The new garage incorporates a small shed which is accessible from inside and is used to store firewood. The mud room is connected to the garage, allowing the owners to get firewood without going outside.

This view of the rear of the house shows the covered mud room entry just to the left of the grille, mud room (behind the three windows to the left of the entry), and back of the garage.

The covered entry also provides exterior access to the garage.

Detail of mud room entry