While a garage is not always a mandatory feature of a house, it certainly is an important one. All of those who have a garage at home can testify to its many merits. It not only serves as a safe space for your vehicles but can be multipurpose based on how you decide to design it. It helps to increase a property’s value, but it can be a much needed extra space for all homeowners, too.
If you’ve got yourself a brand new vehicle and are planning on building a home for it, or even if you want to build one for extra storage, we recommend you plan ahead. To successfully build the perfect garage, there is a lot to consider and think about before starting the process, but don’t let that scare you.
If you’re confused about where to begin, here is a comprehensive guide of everything you should know before you begin constructing your dream garage.
The Purpose It Will Serve
Before you do anything else, you need to think about what purpose the garage will serve. Will it be solely used to park vehicles, or will it be used as a storage space?. Knowing the idea behind the garage will help you understand what the requirements are in terms of designing the room accordingly.
For example, if you also plan to use the space as a workshop, you will need to be sure that you have proper electricity and plumbing built in. You will also need to build in shelves and cabinets for your tools. On the other hand, if you simply plan on parking your vehicle, you will need to pay attention to space and wide garage doors.
So think about why you need a garage and have a clear idea about what you want to achieve from it. Not having a clear direction often leads to confusion during construction and causes unnecessary delays.
The Estimated Cost Of Building
Once you decide on how you plan to use your new space, you need to think about finances and the exact cost to build a garage. At this point, you need to think about whether you plan on building it yourself or through a contractor.
We recommend that you hire a professional team for the job. While you may be skilled at DIY projects around the house, constructing a garage is a big task that will require the right expertise.
So, think about the cost of hiring a contractor to do the installation as well as the cost of materials and labor. Once you get this estimated cost, you can inflate the amount to account for extra costs that can come along the way and set the money aside. Having this budget in mind will help you stay on track and avoid financial roadblocks.
Building Permits and Licenses
Before starting a construction project that involves building an extension to your property, you need to be sure if you are even allowed to do so. Imagine being told midway that you do not have legal permission to build. Sounds like a nightmare but this can be avoided if you plan properly.
Speak to your local authorities and inquire whether or not you will need a building permit. In case you do, you should acquire it before doing anything else. Different areas have their own zoning and construction laws, so it is always best to have a clear understanding of everything before you begin. Hiring a contractor will also be helpful in this regard because they take care of such tasks and ensure that the construction is done per local codes and regulations.
The Design And Style
Having taken care of the technicalities, think about the type of garage you want to build. This involves thinking about the various styles of garages that are out there and selecting what suits your needs the most. Remember that while this is an addition to your property, it should blend in seamlessly with the overall aesthetics. Have a look at the space available to you and select the perfect location to begin construction.
There are essentially two different types of garages, depending on how they are connected to your house. You could go for either an attached or a detached one depending on your budget and available space.
Attached garages are an extension of the house. They are cheaper to build because you already have one wall up and the plumbing and electrics close, but they should be well-ventilated to keep fumes away from the house. On the other hand, detached garages keep such fumes completely away from the main house. They are also easy to expand if your needs change some years down the line.
Other things to think about are the type of garage door you want to install, the flooring, and the driveway design. Nailing these features will help boost your property’s curb appeal.
Parting Thoughts
A garage is an excellent addition to your home that can serve more purposes than protecting your car, which is why you need to consider building one if you have space on your property. But we do understand that doing so is not an easy task and can be challenging, especially if you have not taken on a construction project before. If you’re ready to start building your ideal garage, plan ahead and keep in mind these essentials, and we promise you success.
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