Today's Garages Are Not What They Used To Be

The garage is a relatively modern structure, but essential to most new homes. Once, it was hidden behind the house, but today it is usually at the front, with stylish garage doors that add beauty to a home. Only a hundred years ago, many people still relied on that dependable means of locomotion, the horse. Prior to that time, whether one rode horseback or in a wagon, the horse was necessary, and the horse, along with the wagon, was kept in a barn.

The barn housed horses, other livestock such as cattle, and all the accoutrements associated with farming in general. Stored within the barn were feed, harnesses, wagon, plows, and much more. The barn was often built before the house and was typically much larger than the house. Sometimes the barn was built so the animals lived in the lower level, and the people lived above.

Not only was it convenient to go to the barn for chores, but the animal heat would rise, keeping the dwelling warmer. That all changed after the motor car was invented. At first, the iron horse was parked in the barn or, for town-dwellers, the carriage house. Over time, the garage emerged to house the automobile.

In our primarily urban society, fewer barns are seen, but garages are everywhere. Early on, they were built at the back of the lot, often accessible from an alley. Then, they were built closer to the family home, and eventually garages became one with the house. In time, the attached garage became prevalent, and now double or even triple car garages have become popular.

Just as the barn housed more than animals, the garage is home to more than the car. Equipment to clean the car, maintain it, and tinker with it is kept in the garage. The garage also provides convenient storage for home maintenance paraphernalia such as ladders, buckets, rakes, brooms, and other tools. Because extra space at the side or back is often available, garages have become repositories of stored goods.

In fact, a drive past many garages reveals cars left outside because the garage is overtaken with stored stuff. While barn doors were necessary to keep animals safe, garage doors are sometimes needed for security. Typically, garages are not the cleanest, neatest part of the home, so if they were open to the street, the view could depreciate property values. Modern garage doors often reflect the style of the home.

Some styling is reminiscent of barn or carriage house doors. Garages have automatic doors, operated with remote openers and a motor and springs. Garage door companies install new doors, and are also prepared to assist in garage door repair. They are also adept at replacing garage door springs, servicing motors, or fixing openers.

Whether housing vehicles or junk, the modern garage is an integral part of today's house. Stylish doors add beauty to the whole structure. The garage has evolved along with the modes of conveyance. It functions similarly to the barn, providing shelter for whatever mode of transportation is inside, yet it bears little resemblance to its predecessor.