8 Recommendations for Building the Garage of Your Dreams
Many homeowners strive to create or remodel an existing garage since it provides so much more than just a place to park their car. Garages can provide additional family space, allow you to develop your abilities or pursue new hobbies, and much more. However, it is a major undertaking that demands meticulous preparation and attention to detail. Consider these eight suggestions as a homeowner's checklist to ensure you've considered all of the variables to consider while building a new garage.
Note: Constructing a garage on your own can be dangerous, not to mention confusing. The following information is intended to assist you in planning your project like a pro. This is one that we strongly advise against doing yourself. Instead, speak with a local garage builder about creating a unique area for you.
Local garage zoning regulations
Zoning laws govern how and what you can develop on your property. Before you build a garage, learn about these regulations and make sure you're in the clear. The best source to learn about local regulations is usually the office of your city or town's government (either in person or online).
A permit is almost always required for home additions. Although it's possible that rebuilding an existing facility on the same footprint would not require any permission, it's always a good idea to double-check. In some places, zoning infractions can result in harsh penalties and even brief prison sentences. This is another area where your professional can likely assist you.
Detached or attached?
Attached and detached garages are the two main types of garages. A detached garage is separate from your home's construction, whereas an attached garage is connected to it. An attached garage is around 10% to 15% less expensive to construct. A garage for one to two cars typically costs between $16,000 and $39,000 to construct. The cost of a three-car garage can exceed $57,000.
Attached garages: pros
● Convenience
● Can use existing electricity and plumbing to save money
● Property value increases
● Most HOA agreements are followed.
● On winter mornings, you won't have to scrape ice or snow off your windshield!
Detached garages: cons
● More freedom to design how and what you want because vehicle noise and pollution are kept further away from the house
● More area
● Some homeowners prefer a detached garage because it is easier to extend or add to.
● It increases the value of the home.
What is your garage going to be used for?
When planning any home improvement job, it's usually a good idea to start with the end in mind. So, how will you utilize your newly acquired garage space? A workshop? A greenhouse? A gym? Storage? Or are you just going to use it for your car?
Make a list of the objectives you want your garage to fulfill. If resale value is important, think about any individualized plans before enacting them. Many homeowners, for example, are ready to spend more for more storage space, but they may not care about (or even want) an entertainment system in their garage.
Determine the number of stalls required
How many cars will you be able to fit in your new garage, and how big will they be? Because not all parking spaces are created equal, heavy vehicles and SUVs may have difficulty squeezing into ordinary stalls. Take measurements and discuss dimensions with your garage construction professional.
Two- or three-car garages are usually the best bet for resale value; however, a garage that is too tiny or too large may turn off some potential purchasers.
Think about the garage door design
One thing that many homeowners overlook until it's too late? The height of their new garage doors, specifically the door style. Installing a garage door costs between $750 and $1,600 locally, so make sure you get exactly what you want.
The gold standard for garage door measurements is 8 or 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall. However, depending on your lifestyle, constructing a place with taller ceilings and doors may be necessary. For example, if you frequently go camping and strap outdoor gear to your roof, having higher garage ceilings and doors may be beneficial.
Don’t forget about the ventilation
In a garage, trapped automotive fumes can make you and your family sick. If your garage's airflow is static, dangerous carbon monoxide could seep into your home if you're building a connected garage.
Installing an exhaust fan is one alternative, but in cold-weather climates, make sure your new garage design incorporates windows, vents, and a healthy mix of insulation and ventilation.
Take into account the price of your new garage
It's a significant undertaking to construct your own garage. When you consider the number of initiatives that go into installing equipment, it could also be risky (think motorized doors that involve wiring electricity and hooking up loaded springs).
Those who pursue the DIY route, however, will save money. A self-installed aluminum garage kit might cost anywhere from $3,000 to $11,000. A garage contractor typically charges between $16,733 and $38,913, but has the advantage of prior experience (and even potentially existing layouts to choose from).
A local garage builder can provide you with an accurate estimate for constructing or remodeling your garage.
How will your driveway be affected?
Your new garage may alter the layout of your present driveway, rendering it ineffective or too small for your needs. A new driveway costs roughly $4,500 to build from the ground up, but simply altering it can cost several thousand dollars (particularly if you're enlarging or lengthening it). It's also crucial to include this in your budget.
A reasonable rule of thumb is that a new one-car garage requires approximately 10 feet of driveway, whereas a new two-car garage requires at least 20, if not more.
When designing your new driveway, keep your usage plans in mind. If you're constructing an entertainment area in your garage, for example, you can consider installing a flatter driveway so that you can put up a basketball court.