Garage

The main steps involved in planning the construction of an attached or detached garage are the following:

1. Determining your needs
2. Determining the size of the garage
3. Designing the plans

Now let’s look more closely at these planning steps.

1-Determining your needs

Start off by deciding how much money you wish to invest in this project. Think about the reasons that justify building a garage and how you plan to use it.

• * Will you use it to park cars?
• * Will it become a large storage room or a workshop?
• * Will you add a workbench to it?
• * Will you need several electric outlets?
• * Will you need a service door?
• * Will you need windows or heating?

At this point, it would be appropriate to visit your town’s department of urban planning to know more about the local building codes regarding an attached garage. For example, there might be setbacks to take into account when choosing a location or even a maximum height to consider when the time comes to design the plans.

2-Determining the size of the garage

The size of your garage is unquestionably one of the most vital aspects of the planning. An unnecessarily large garage will reduce the available space on your land while a garage too small will greatly limit possible uses.

Generally, the minimum size for a single garage is 12 ft. wide by 22 ft. long (3.7 m x 6.7 m) and 18 ft. wide by 22 ft. long (5.5 m x 6.7 m) for a double garage. However, these numbers are a strict minimum. Many home owners choose to make their garages wider so they can open their car doors freely, and longer so they have enough room to put in a workbench.

When it comes to garage size, the rule of thumb is this: build bigger when in doubt. You will appreciate having extra storage space for bikes, the lawnmower, gardening tools and sports equipment, especially since it is impossible to predict what your needs will be five or ten years from now.

If you plan to park cars in the garage, keep in mind that car sizes vary considerably. For example, you could one day replace your subcompact car by a larger family van. Would you have enough room in your garage to accommodate this type of vehicle without having to change its interior design completely? Do a sketch to better visualize the layout of your garage.

3-Designing the plans

Once you have determined your needs and the required size for your garage, consult BAE and we will help to design the construction plans.

The designer will make sure the garage does not clash with the house, but rather complements it. A garage that does not match the house, either because of its size, its finish or its architecture, could even reduce the property’s resale value.

A garage and a house should have several common elements, including the slope of the roof, the exterior finish and the type of doors and windows.

One thing is sure, planning the construction of an attached garage is not a luxury, but a crucial step that will help make this important project a success.

If you plan to add an attached garage to your house, do not hesitate to contact Bae Builders. Working from pictures or sketches provided by clients we can suggest ideas and offer advice that will take into account your needs and budget.