Room Behind Garage - Need Some Ideas!

[Super Sport]

Alright guys, I need some ideas! My garage has a screened in "porch" behind the garage. It's an 8'x24' room that was cut out from the back of my garage, framed and finished on the inside walls with plywood. The exterior walls consist of 4"x4" posts every 4' except on the end, and then removable screen sections were installed between the 4x4s.

This room is nearly useless to me in it's current form. It currently stores my jet ski and yard tools, such as my lawnmower, shovels, etc. However, it isn't secure in the least, nor is anything really protected from the weather.

Basically, what I would like to do is replace the current screen sections with 2x4 framing, leaving the 4x4s every 4'. I would like to then put some wood siding on the outside and paint it a close match to the vinyl siding. This would close the room in and make it more of a usable work room. I think I would also like to find a 6' or 7' industrial roll up door and install it on the end wall to make it easier to get larger items in and out.

The thing is, I have a couple issues with this. First, I think it might look a little funny, especially on the side. It's not visible from the road or anything, but it is facing my neighbors' house. Secondly, I'm either going to sell the house in a few years, or I'm (more likely) going to rent it out. I'm very close to a college campus and think this would be a great investment property. I don't want to get into a debate about whether or not that is a good idea. It is worth mentioning however, because I would like the room to be somewhat usable to future owners/renters.

With the great wealth of knowledge here, I am asking for some opinions or ideas on what to do with this currently wasted space!

P.S. I have already considered ripping it out and making my garage 8' deeper, which I like because it's currently only 19' deep...but I don't really think this is a viable option.

 

[rsanter]

Get the matching siding and close it in with that or it just won't look right

Bob

 

[Super Sport]

Get the matching siding and close it in with that or it just won't look right

Bob

The siding on the house is probably 20 years old and definitely faded. I don't think matching it is an option here.

I'm thinking of a vertical wood siding. I know it won't look the best, especially on the side, but I think it will look better than a failed attempt at matching the vinyl.

Something like this:

 

[nolimits76]

I would also try to match the siding. Or if the siding is as bad as you say, rip it off and reside the entire structure. Either way, it needs to match so it looks right. Especially if you are considering selling/renting in the future. Last thing you need is grief from someone thinking you did a "hack job" of sorts.

If you enclose the 8' structure, I am confused why you couldn't extend your garage the additional 8'? Is the wall that supports the screened patio and garage a LOAD BEARING wall? I wouldn't think so, but it is a question that needs confirmed. If it's not, it should be pretty easy to knock out the wall and open up your garage.

You could still add on your 6' or 7' utility roll up door and store your toys there. But really think about this, because in the end you want a really great space, not a small garage and weird room that no one knows how to really use.

 

[darthchurro]

You could also do a brick veneer fascia if you don't want to reside your entire house this year. Something like this wouldn't be too bad.