A side garage is typically more expensive because it needs to be built as an addition to an existing home, while a front-entry garage is often included in the original construction costs. Side garages require more site work and additional structural elements, and are often much larger than detached garages, making them more expensive.
Additionally, side garages can come with expensive interior finishes and higher-end garage doors. While a basic side garage with no interior finishings may be more cost-effective than a front-entry garage, higher-end side garages can be much more expensive than their front-entry counterparts.
Are detached or attached garages better?
The best type of garage for your home depends on several factors, including the size and shape of your property and your budget. Generally, attached garages can be less expensive to build and provide easy access to your home, but may be limited in size and require matching the exterior of the home.
Detached garages, on the other hand, can be customized in size and style, giving you more options for storage or transforming the space into a separate “room” in your home. They can also be more secure, as they are separate from the main home, but they may require more a more extensive foundation and more time and money to build.
Depending on your property and budget, either type of garage can be a great addition to your home.
What is side load garage?
A side load garage is a type of garage that is located on the side of the house, rather than in the back or front. Usually, these garages will have a large double door at the side of the home, near the driveway.
Inside is typically an area for one to two car parking and storage space. The advantage of a side load garage is that it can be more aesthetically pleasing than an attached garage, since it won’t add bulk to the front or back of the house.
Additionally, having the garage entrance on the side greatly reduces the need for entry driveways, which can save time, space, and money. For instance, when visiting friends, one won’t have to worry about backing into a long drive if the house has a side load garage.
Why are detached garages popular?
Detached garages are popular for many reasons. The main benefit is privacy – with a detached garage, you don’t have to worry about nosey neighbors or nosy passersby looking through your garage windows or viewing your belongings stored inside.
This increased privacy can also offer additional security, as a detached garage door can include extra locks and security measures, giving you peace of mind that your vehicles and belongings are safe and secure.
Another great benefit of having a detached garage is increased storage options. As you’re not limited by the size of the walls of your house, you can use the extra space to store large items and tools, with the ability to organize and tidy your garage exactly how you wish.
The options for what you can do with a detached garage are endless – you could use it as a workshop, turn it into a ‘man cave’ for entertaining, store your vehicles, or even potentially use the space as extra living space.
Having a detached garage gives you the flexibility and freedom to create something unique to your living environment and add extra value to your property.
Why do older homes have detached garages?
Older homes typically have detached garages for several reasons. One reason is due to zoning laws, which were more restrictive in the past. When zoning laws became more lenient, it became more common for garages to be attached to the house.
Second, home construction technology was more primitive in the past. Framing and plumbing materials were less advanced, so it was difficult to safely attach the garage to the home.
Third, budget constraints sometimes limited the ability of homeowners to move beyond detached garages. By the time they had enough money to afford an attached garage, it was too late to retrofit their existing home.
Finally, detached garages are often favored for aesthetical reasons. They provide separation between the home and the garage and can make the home feel more open by providing a bit of distance between the two structures.
Detached garages are often seen in historic neighborhoods, where the unique look has been preserved.
Can I design my own garage?
Yes, you can design your own garage! Depending on your needs, you can decide if you want to build a detached structure or an attached extension. You can also choose the size, shape, materials, and features.
To get started, think about how you will use the space and what kind of budget you have to work with. Then you can start to develop a plan, decide on a location, create a budget and timeline, and select the materials and features to include.
You can also consider a design-build firm to help with the entire process from design to construction. With some planning and research, you can design and build your own custom garage.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a garage?
If you’re unsure whether you should build or buy a garage, it’s important to consider both the short and long-term cost implications. While buying a garage might cost more up-front, it could end up being more cost-effective over time.
On the other hand, building your own garage may be cheaper initially, but you may have to invest in more materials in the long-term to keep it in good condition.
If you decide to build a garage, you’ll need to take into consideration the cost of materials, such as wood, nails and paint. You may also need to hire a contractor to help you with the task, which can increase the cost significantly.
Depending on your budget, you may be able to find a pre-fabricated garage kit which can make the process easier and less expensive.
If you choose to buy a garage, you’ll need to think about the cost of hiring a contractor to assemble it, or if you plan to tackle the job yourself. The price of a prefabricated garage can vary depending on the size and features, such as electricity and additional storage.
It’s important to shop around and compare prices, as you may find deals or discounts from certain companies.
Overall, building a garage is likely to be cheaper than buying one, but there are a lot of other factors to consider. Before making a decision, it’s best to research the various costs involved, such as materials and labor, to ensure you get the best value for your money.
How do I plan to build a garage?
Planning to build a garage is a great way to add extra storage space, a hobby spot, or a workshop to your property. Before getting started on building your garage, it is important to plan for the project.
The first step is to check with your local building codes and zoning regulations to determine the requirements for constructing a garage. You will also want to budget for the project and create a timeline for the construction process.
Once you’ve clarified all of the legal and budgetary restrictions, you will want to consider the practical elements of the construction process. Take time to develop detailed drawings and a blueprint of the garage.
That way, you will be able to figure out how you want to lay out the foundation and the structure itself.
Another step to consider is whether or not you need to hire contractors for parts of the project. If so, you should begin looking for professionals who have experience in building garages. On the other hand, if you think you can do most of the work yourself, make sure to research the materials and tools you will need to complete the job.
Your final step before breaking ground should be to secure the necessary permits and licenses. Once you have acquired the paperwork, you can begin the work of building your garage. Take your time, and enjoy the experience of constructing your own project!.
How thick does a concrete slab need to be for a garage?
When determining the slab thickness you plan to use for a garage, it is important to take into consideration the type of equipment you plan to store in the garage, the soil conditions, and the climate of the location.
Generally, a typical residential garage requires a 4 inch thick concrete slab. However, if you plan to store heavier equipment, such as large vehicles and machinery, a thicker slab may be needed. In this case, the slab should be at least 6 inches thick, but could go up to 8 inches thick depending on the weight of the equipment that will be stored.
Additionally, if the soil conditions are poor or the climate is particularly harsh, a thicker slab may be needed to ensure that the concrete remains strong and long-lasting.
Can you use a shipping container as a garage?
Yes, it is possible to use a shipping container as a garage. Shipping containers are extremely sturdy and durable, making them ideal for use as garages. Their external construction makes them resistant to weather and their large size allows for plenty of space for vehicle storage.
Depending on your needs, you can customize the interior of the container with insulation, lighting, and even HVAC systems for temperature control. Additionally, you can customize the exterior by painting it or adding windows and doors.
With some modifications, you can turn the container into a fully functioning garage. The benefit of using a shipping container is that it’s much less expensive than a traditional garage and it can be set up quickly and easily.
If you’re in need of a storage option and have limited space and/or resources, a shipping container is definitely worth considering as a garage option.
Is it cheaper to buy a metal garage or build one?
The cost of materials and labor to either buy a pre-made metal garage or build one will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and design of the structure, the number of doors, windows and other features, and the location of the project.
Generally speaking, buying a pre-made metal garage will cost less in the short-term. Pre-made garages are often displayed for sale in stores and can be assembled in 1-3 days or less. On the other hand, designing and building a custom metal garage from scratch requires more labor and materials, and these costs can rise depending on the complexity of the design.
Also, custom designs often require a permit, which incurs additional costs for engineering drawings and inspections. In terms of long-term cost, a custom design may be the most economical option as increasing the size of an existing structure can be difficult, costly and even not allowed.
A custom design with expandability may be the best selection if future expansion of the structure is likely. Ultimately, it’s important to consider the budget, local regulations, and future needs before deciding to buy a pre-made metal garage or to build one.
Are prefab garages worth it?
Whether or not a prefab garage is worth it really depends on the individual’s needs and budget. On the plus side, prefab garages are easier to install compared to a traditional garage, as most are delivered as a complete kit that just needs assembly.
Prefab garages typically also have lower costs associated with installation and can be built faster than a traditional garage. In addition, they often come in a variety of styles and designs, so you can easily find a prefab garage that meets the look of your existing home.
On the downside, prefab garages may not be as strong and durable as a traditional garage, and may also lack some of the amenities of a traditional garage such as overhead storage and insulation. In addition, prefab garages may carry smaller warranties than a traditional garage and may not be as resilient in extreme weather conditions.
So, while prefabricated garages can be a great alternative to a traditional garage in the right circumstances, it’s important to consider all pros and cons before choosing which option to go with.
How much does a garage cost to build UK?
The cost of building a garage in the UK can vary significantly depending on a variety of different factors, such as the size and specifications of the garage, the materials used, access to the site, and the availability of local tradespeople.
Generally, the cost of a single garage built by a tradesman in the UK will typically range from around £2,000 – £3,000+, but the final cost will depend on the aforementioned variables, as well as any additional costs such as building regulations approval, plumbing, and electrics installation.
For instance, a simple attached single-story garage that is made from timber and is approximately 16ft x 8ft, can cost around £5,500 – £7,500 to build. If you wish to have a more complex building constructed with blockwork, grills, and a reinforced roof, then this can cost significantly more – up to £10,000+.
For a single-story detached garage with blockwork, a cost of around £10,000+ is usual and for a two-story detached garage, a cost of around £20,000+ is to be expected.
Getting multiple quotes from different garages and tradespeople is often the best way to ensure that you fully understand the costs of your new garage and that you are getting the best possible deal.