About three-quarters of homeowners believe that having a garage is extremely important, with 65% of them owning two-car garages.
At its most basic level, a garage will serve as a place to safely park your vehicle but can also serve as a storage space and a workshop.
You can even make it an extended living area or a man cave, and it’ll add value and curb appeal to your property. The thing is, though, there is so much more to building a new garage than just the idea
What kind of garage will you build? What factors should you consider before finally coming to the last decision? Well, these are the issues we’ll address in this post and help you make informed decisions.
Consider Zoning Laws, Building Codes, and Local Codes
The first things you have to consider before building a new garage on your property are local codes, zoning laws, and building codes. It’s mandatory for you to get a building permit before you can start any kind of construction on your property. It’s also essential for you to have a plan that follows all the zoning bylaws and local codes in your municipality.
These requirements vary with location, and it’s necessary for you to review the specific guidelines you must follow. Everything from excavating to grading, drainage, and other similar issues have to be addressed. This makes it vital to have the right paperwork when planning your construction.
If this process sounds too involved, you can always hire a professional and licensed home improvement contractor to get things in order for you. This will ensure that you need all the specifications and requirements when building a new garage.
Do You Want an Attached or a Detached Garage?
There are two types of garages you can choose from: attached and detached garages. Both options come with their pros and cons, which makes it important for you to weigh your options before you make a decision.
Building a garage is one of those things you do once in your life, so you want to make sure that the final project gives you the functionality you desire. Both an attached and a detached garage will offer you an enhanced curb appeal and a beautiful appearance to the exterior of your home. However, a detached garage will be separate from your home, which means you can have a segregated space for something else.
You can make it a home business office, in-law quarters, or a workshop that would otherwise be too noisy to be close to your house. Still, you have to consider the fact that it may be an inconvenience when it is detached from your home. You also have to consider the fact that since it’s a separate structure, it will require its own four exterior walls, as well as its own foundation.
This means that the final price will be a lot higher compared to that of an attached garage, even if it would have the same features and be of the same size. Consider the best building materials for your detached garage depending on your budget. There is a wide array of materials, but for security purposes, you can build the best metal structure or consider bricks.
Consider How Many Bays You Want
You can use your garage for a wide variety of activities, so before you start construction, you have to decide exactly how you want to use it. Would you like it to serve as a storage space, an office, a workshop, or something different? Consider all the top uses of a garage and decide how much space you need and how large a garage to build.
Number and Size of Vehicles
One of the most important things you have to consider before building a new garage is the size and number of cars you will be parking. This will determine your garage layout because the more cars you have and the larger they are, the bigger the garage you have to build. For instance, SUVs take up more headroom as well as more floor space compared to compact vehicles.
You also have to consider whether you will be parking other recreational vehicles such as quad bikes or things like motorbikes and bicycles. If this is a permanent home, consider the possibility of purchasing an additional vehicle in the future. For instance, if you currently have two vehicles for you and your spouse, you may have to get an additional vehicle for your children, and you have to consider where you park it.
How the Garage Will Affect Your Driveway
When planning the layout, size, orientation, and shape of your new garage, it’s vital to consider how it will impact the rest of the property. How will building a new garage affect your driveway? Will you have to alter it?
Is it possible for you to incorporate the new garage with your driveway? Will property boundaries allow you to do this, or will you interfere in your neighbors’ property?
For example, you may be considering having your garage doors on the side of the structure instead of the front. You need to ensure that there is enough room to maneuver your vehicles into the garage through side doors in such a situation. Additionally, you need to consider a turnaround spot and how it will affect your plans and your budget.
Garage Entrance Placement
Access is an incredibly important factor when it comes to building a new garage. You have to think about the functionality and efficiency of your garage, regardless of whether you choose an attached or detached structure. You may want to build an outside entrance so you don’t always have to use the overhead door for pedestrian traffic.
If your property doesn’t have a garage currently, you have to consider the best position for it depending on where the entrance to your home will be placed. It would be ideal to have the entrance in a place separate from the general traffic in your home. Consider turning the space close to the entrance into a mudroom to avoid getting dirt into the house.
Considerations When Building a New Garage
These are some of the most essential considerations you have to make when building a new garage. It’s also important for you to research the best construction company in your area for the best possible outcome. While you may feel that building a new garage can be a DIY project, it can be tricky to tackle alone, so hiring a licensed professional is the best course of action.
Was this information helpful? Is it possible for you to make a final decision now that you know what you have to consider? If so, then please check out more content on our blog section today for more informed articles.
