Building a New Garage? Plan Ahead
Yet another super way to improve upon your home is to build a new garage. A garage is not only a place to shield your car(s) from the mother nature, but also somewhere to keep tools, garden tools, sports equipment, and boxes of sentimental rubbish that you have a hard time getting rid of. In addition a garage provides additional room to work on a variety of your important projects - anything from hobby woodworking to potting plants to repairing and restoring a hot rod.
The Evolution of the Garage; Garages aren't just for cars anymore!
By building a new garage, you will add square footage to your home for less cost than a standard home addition - for instance, as a playroom for the kids, game room, or as a home office. A garage can be a reprieve for a musically-inclined teenager or not or a place for mom to pot her plants with piece and quiet or Dad’s small workshop for weekend projects.
Check local building regulations
When building a garage addition, it is vital that you begin by consulting your local planning department for information about building permits, zoning regulations and set back requirements, which regulate how close you can build to bordering property or to the road. Be aware that failure to comply with these building regulations, and failure to acquire a building permit (when necessary) could mean having to dismantle your new garage, perhaps only to move in a few feet. In order to build your garage you will need garage plans or construction plans and a plot plan, which indicates the location on your land, the garage will be built.
Consult with a municipal building inspector - it's free!
A building inspector can be a great resource and it is a good idea to consult with your local city building inspector before you start your project. It may make all the difference in developing a great relationship for future projects or a nightmare that will never make you want to look at a hammer again. Their advice is free, and they can help ensure your project is up to code.
What is a good size for my garage?
How big should you build your garage? A single car garage should be at least 20 feet long and 11.5 feet wide, measured on the inner walls. The minimum width for a 2 car garage should be 18.25 feet, but you will need additional room if you're planning on putting in a workbench or if you'll need to store bicycles, tools or shop equipment. Whatever size you choose to build, a new garage will cost approximately $40 per square foot. Keep in mind that you can take full advantage of the height in your garage by using the trusses or by creating a loft area to store your seasonal stuff.
Your contractor will organize the building project
Building a garage addition can be a difficult job, so it's imperative that you hire a sound, licensed contractor. Garage plans can be purchased inexpensively online. Your contractor will help you obtain the proper building permits. But more importantly, your contractor will need to manage the various phases of the building project, and bring in qualified specialists at the appropriate times.
