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Build a Detached Garage From The Ground Up

Friday, July 11th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Introduction

As in every endeavor, creating a custom built detached garage starts with a well-laid plan. There are numerous components to build a detached garage, a systematic approach to materials, site planning, and construction is essential. Even before these considerations, be sure you understand the cost to build a detached garage. Plan your budget ahead of other considerations.

Planning to Build a Detached Garage

Once you have identified your over all budget, you’ll want to identify a site for its construction. The site will dictate the maximum size. In building a detached garage, consider the size door you will need. Will you need a single or double door or two singles? Shape and sizes of doors often dictate the over all garage design and dimensions. Visit your local retailers to make a choice on door design. Identify these needs before the rest of the garage.

To further identify what shape and size of door, you need to consider the cars you plan to store in the garage. You will need to have width and height measurements firmly indicated. As a rough rule-of-thumb you will want to have a foot on either side of the cars width. You will also want to consider how much space you need in front of the car for work space. In terms of height, add another foot beyond the height of the car and then 18 inches beyond the height of the door for storage or contingency space. These numbers should now give you an idea of the over all dimensions needed to build a detached garage.

Once you have over all dimensions, you can begin to consider the floor of your custom built detached garage. Please see the post “Extend the Life of Your Garage: Protect the Garage Floor” for further information. After this, you need to consider cabinetry and work areas within the space allotted. Keep in mind that steel or metal cabinetry is a better choice, as garages tend to be moist or open to the weather; this promotes decay in wood cabinetry. Also, rubber covered metal hanging storage is better than plastic or wood.

As a final but still important consideration, find a color theme for the garage and work it in throughout. Perhaps a sports team color, for instance (assuming you have the cooperation of the spouse). Many of the on-line or brick and mortar auto parts dealers have interesting miscellaneous items to be used when you build a detached garage. Things like tool storage containers with team logos seem to be in vogue at this time.

To Recap

Remember the following when you decide to build a detached garage:

1. Plan your budget first
2. Decide on the type(s) of garage doors you want
3. Measure the space around your car(s) to determine minimum garage size
4. Allow for work space and storage in your calculations
5. Decide on garage floor type, storage containers/racks, and overall garage design

Lets us know how you came out!

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