As garages become all-around utility spaces, we’re asking more and more from them. In addition to heavy-duty work, we also use them as staging areas for muddy or wet clothing, for example. Adding plumbing becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

As you plan for plumbing, consider how you’ll use the space: doing laundry, bathing a pet, taking a shower, cleaning paint brushes or tools, potting plants. An all-purpose utility sink can keep your kitchen or bath from becoming a catch-all cleaning site. A half-bath might also be handy, particularly if you want your garage to function as a man cave (adding a urinal is not unheard of). If you’re thinking of adding a refrigerator with an icemaker, you’ll need a water line for that as well.