Designing the Perfect Garage or Shed for Your Caravan or Trailer

So, you’ve got a caravan, and you’re all set to hit the open road. Awesome! But let’s not forget, your caravan needs a home too. That’s where a perfectly designed garage or shed comes into play. Let’s dig into the nuts and bolts of designing one that suits your caravan or large trailer, shall we?

Why You Should Care About Design

First off, design isn’t just about making it look good; it’s about functionality and efficiency. A well-designed space means easy storage and maintenance, which is pretty darn important when you’re dealing with something as big as a caravan.

Things to Consider Before Starting

1. Zoning Laws & Approvals: Check local regulations. You don’t want to get halfway through and find out your dream garage violates zoning laws.
2. Budget: Consider all costs—materials, labor, and any extras like plumbing or electrical work. Stick to it!
3. Space: Enough room for the caravan, but also for any other gear, like fishing equipment or tools.
4. Accessibility: Make sure there’s enough room to easily maneuver your caravan into the space.

Design Elements to Focus On

Height: At least a meter more than the caravan to account for storage or lifting.

Width: Minimum width should be the width of the caravan plus a meter on each side for easy access.

Flooring: Go for a strong, durable floor—plain concrete is a solid pick (pun intended) but you could consider epoxy if you want to dress it up a little. You might also need drainage, especially if you’re going to be washing your caravan in there.

Doors: Choose a door that’s wider and taller than your caravan. Roller doors or sliding doors are a solid bet. Allow at least 200mm above the highest point of your van for clearance & the wider the door the easier it will be to reverse in.

Lighting & Electrical: You’re going to need good lighting, not just overhead, but also some task lighting for maintenance work. Also power points should be considered for charging your trailer batteries when not in use.

Ventilation: Consider installing a whirlybird or a vent; caravans can carry a lot of moisture, and you don’t want mold or dampness.

Pro Tips for Efficiency

1. Multi-Functionality: Add cabinets or shelves for storing fishing gear or tools.
2. Pre-Fabricated Kits: If you’re looking to save time, these are quicker to assemble.
3. Skylights: Natural light saves on electricity and makes the space feel bigger. This can also charge your solar panels while the van is in the shed.
4. Security: Don’t skimp on this—good locks and a security system are worth the investment. You will sleep a lot better at night knowing your pride and joy is safe!

Final Thoughts

Designing the perfect home for your caravan isn’t just a project; it’s an investment. So, take your time, plan it right, and you’ll have a functional space that makes life easier for both you and your caravan or trailer. Happy designing! Hope this helps you on your journey to build the ultimate caravan palace!

Speak to the professionals when you want to build your shed

Upspec have a variety of options for you to choose from with design, colour and the type of shed you need. Our design experts can help you design your perfect shed. Council approvals and all applications are sorted for you making the process so much easier. We specialise in undertaking projects from approvals to handover. 

For more advice or to book in a free design consultation you can call us on (02)7209 4210