Building a Garage
Garage Building & Remodeling; Garage Building & Repairing;
General Contractors
Including a garage as part of the home is a solid investment. Many potential buyers consider this a must-have and may not consider the home if it doesn’t have one. Because of the valuable benefits of the extra square footage, it will not be difficult to recuperate the costs when it is time to sell. According to Remodeling Magazine, a
garage remodel can expect to see a 74% return on investment.
Most homes built today include a garage. However, if you are looking to upgrade an older home or you’re building one for the first time, seriously consider including a garage. Aside from providing a place to keep
cars protected from climate elements, extending their longevity, a garage offers a number of other benefits. As you contemplate the optimal garage, consider the following information to develop a plan that fits your needs.
Develop Objectives
In addition to housing cars, what other functions do you want the garage to perform? Are you looking for increased storage space? Would you like to build a work area for
hobbies and projects? Is there a side business it needs to serve or would you like to turn the upper level into an additional room? Determining the objectives behind the garage provides direction to develop a solid plan and ensure the garage of your dreams becomes a reality.
A
garage provides extra space for storing
tools,
lawn care equipment ,
recreational vehicles,
holiday décor,
sports equipment and other items your family wants to keep. If project space is a must, building a larger garage accommodates the room for work benches, heavy duty
shelving, and larger
tools. If the garage needs to support a side business of fixing cars, build in a mechanic’s lift or a home office to support a home based business.
For homes that can accommodate more space, consider including a second level to the garage. The second level can be developed as a much needed master bedroom, a mother-in-law suite, or a fully functioning apartment that can be rented, providing addition income.
Determining Size
Once the garage objectives are set, determine how large it needs to be. How many vehicles will it hold? Will it have a work shop or storage rooms? This determines whether a single, double, or triple garage is required. Will standard sizing accommodate all of the storage or will the garage need to be over-sized for
workbenches and storage?
Current lot space and the size of the home play a large role in determining the total square footage available. An oversized garage next to a modest size home is an eyesore. The size of the
garage should blend with the lot and the home, while seeking to meet design objectives.
Building Zone Restrictions
Prior to building, plans need to be approved by the local building department. You may discover that zoning restrictions may prohibit some desired garage enhancements. The local building department will also verify if a second story, adding a rental unit, or bringing in
plumbing and
electrical is allowed in your area. Speak with the local
building inspector once objectives are set. Depending on the feedback, reset expectations if certain elements are not permitted. A building permit is also required before any work can begin. Knowing what is allowed upfront saves time and effort, eliminating the need to submit plans more than once if they are rejected.
Creating Plans
As a permit is required, the local building department may require a full set of plans as part of the submission. If using an
architect or
contractor, they will supply the plans as part of the project. If handling the project yourself, a number of online software options are available to create the necessary plans. Several sites offer free home remodeling software that includes creating a garage, or download specific garage building software.
Attached or Separate?
Is the garage of your dreams attached to the house or does is stand alone? Each option has its own set of pros and cons. Attached
garages are ideal for staying dry on cold rainy mornings and detached garages allow for the use of loud mechanical equipment any hour of the day. Building a detached garage also offers the ability to hide it from street view. This aids in privacy as well as curb appeal if an oversized garage is desired. Building code and lot size may make this decision for you. Code may not permit
electrical and
plumbing if the garage is not attached and a rental unit may not be allowed if attached to the house.
Keep the Look Consistent
The look and style of the garage should match the style of the home. Use the same
siding,
roofing material,
trim, etc., to ensure the look stays consistent and part of the overall property.
Choosing a Builder
The majority of
general contractors have extensive experience in building garages. However, you can also choose a contractor who specializes in
designing and
building garages. If you already have a general contractor who helped with other
remodeling projects and you trust them, keep using them. If the garage build is the only project you are considering, a
specialist may be ideal. Using a
garage builder who specializes in garages only ensures they are up-to-date on the latest offerings and luxuries available in garages.
Regardless of contractor, seriously consider using a professional to build a new garage. The extensive code requirements and scale of this type of project merits the need for professional help. Even for the knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer, the time commitment itself may be more than you want to tackle. To find a professional in your area, visit the
General Contractors or the
Garage Builders heading at
MyYP.com.
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