Building a new garage is a big project that requires careful planning. First, you’ll need to consider the size and style of your garage and its location on your property. You’ll also need to get all the necessary permits from your local municipality before beginning construction. Once you’ve attended to every last detail,you can focus on the enjoyable part: picking the ideal garage door to go with your new area.
There are a few things to remember when selecting a garage door. Selecting the material is the first step. Fiberglass, steel, aluminum, or wood are all acceptable materials for garage doors. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, therefore picking one that’s right for your needs is essential.
Wooden garage doors are classic and elegant but require more maintenance than other materials. Steel doors are durable and low-maintenance but can be dented or scratched. Aluminum doors are lightweight and won’t rust, but they can dent easily. Fiberglass doors are energy-efficient and low-maintenance, but they’re not as strong as other materials.
Once you’ve decided on the material, you’ll need to choose the right size for your garage. Garage doors come in various sizes, so measuring your space before making a purchase is essential. You’ll also need to decide on the style of your door. There are dozens of different types, so take some time to browse your options before deciding.
Once you’ve found the perfect garage door, it’s time to install it. This is a relatively straightforward process, but hiring a professional is always best if you’re not confident in your abilities. However, by making a few preparations and plans, you build the perfect garage for your home.
Eight factors to think about before building a Garage
Many homeowners strive to create or renovate an existing garage because they can use it for much more than just storing their automobiles. Garages can increase your family’s living space, give you a place to showcase your skills or discover new interests and do a lot more. It’s a massive project, though, and successful completion calls for meticulous planning and attention to every last detail. Consider these eight suggestions as your homeowner’s checklist to ensure you’ve considered every critical aspect of building a new garage.
1. Recognize regional garage zoning regulations
What and how you can construct your property are governed by local zoning restrictions. Before building a garage, educate yourself on these issues and make sure you’re in the clear before installing one. The best place to learn about the laws in your area is typically the city or town government office, either in person or online.
For home additions, you almost always require a permit. It may not need permission to rebuild an existing structure on the same footprint, but it’s still a good idea, to be specific. Zoning infractions may result in severe fines or brief jail terms in some states. Your expert might probably be of use in this area as well.
2. Decide whether an attached or detached garage is what you want.
Attached and detached garages are the two primary types of garages. While a connected garage becomes an addition to your home’s construction, a detached garage stands alone. The construction cost of an attached garage is reduced by 10% to 15%. A garage can accommodate one to two cars and typically costs between $16,000 and $39,000. More than $57,000 can be spent on a three-car garage.
Advantages of Attached Garages
- Convenience
- Can connect to existing plumbing and power
- Less expensive
- Rising home value
- Complies with the majority of HOA rules
- Bonus: You won’t need to scrape snow or ice off your windshield every morning in the winter!
Reasons to Have a Detached Garage
- Distances the house from the sound and pollution of vehicles
- Greater flexibility to construct how and what you desire
- More room
- For some homeowners, a separate garage is more appealing.
- Easier to add to or grow
- Raises the value of a property
3. Think About Usage
You should always plan any home renovation project with the objective in mind. What will you do with your new garage space, then? Is a question worth addressing?
Almost everyone wants to be able to park automobiles inside. However, other uses might be possible:
- Workshop or construction site
- Recreational space Storage
- Greenhouse
- Space for a small business or passion projects
- A workout facility
- RV parking
Make a list of the purposes you hope your garage will fulfill. If resale value is essential, make sure to take any highly customized plans into account before putting them into action. For instance, many homeowners are prepared to spend more for adequate storage, while some would not give a hoot about having entertainment equipment in their garages.
4. Estimate the Number of Stalls You Need
How big will the cars you intend to fit in your new garage? If you drive a large truck or SUV, you may have difficulties putting it within an average stall because not all parking places are made equal. Take measurements and discuss dimensions with your garage-building specialist.
The most excellent garages to build for resale value are often two or three cars, as too tiny or large of a garage may turn off some potential purchasers.
5. Think about the garage door design
What is one item that many homeowners overlook until it is too late? Specifically, the height of their new garage doors or door design. Make sure you get what you want because a local garage door provider typically charges between $750 and $1,600 for installation.
The ideal garage door measurements are 8 or 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall. However, establishing a place with higher ceilings and doors can be necessary, depending on your lifestyle. For instance, higher garage ceilings and doors can be desirable if you routinely rope outdoor equipment to your roof when camping.
6. Give garage ventilation careful consideration
You and your family may become ill from automotive fumes trapped in a garage. If you’re creating a connected garage, dangerous carbon monoxide could even seep into your home if the airflow in your garage is stagnant.
One solution is to install an exhaust fan, but you should also make sure that the design of your new garage includes windows, vents, and a well-balanced amount of insulation and ventilation in colder areas.
7. Keep Driveway Ramifications in Mind
Your present driveway’s layout may change due to your new garage, rendering it inefficient or too tiny for your area. A brand-new driveway costs around $4,500 to construct, but even minor changes might run you several thousand bucks (particularly if you’re expanding or widening it). So it’s crucial to take this into account while creating your budget.
A two-car garage needs at least 20, if not more, driveway space, while a modern one-car garage only needs roughly 10 feet.
When designing your new driveway, take your usage plans into account as well. For instance, if you’re constructing an entertainment space in your garage, you can decide to install a flatter driveway so you can erect a basketball court. (Swish!)
8. Take Your New Garage’s Cost Into Account
Owning a garage requires a significant investment. Considering the number of tasks that go into installing equipment, it could also be risky (think motorized doors that involve wiring electricity and hooking up loaded springs).
Nevertheless, individuals who choose the DIY way might expect to save some money. The price range for a DIY metal garage kit is only $3,000 to $11,000. The typical cost of a garage contractor is between $16,733 and $38,913, but they have the advantage of experience (and even potentially existing layouts to choose from).
A local garage builder can provide an accurate cost estimate for building or improving your garage. We at Better Built USA is here to help you with the things to think about before constructing a new garage. So give us a call right away!
