If you don’t have the deed available, you can visit the your area’s zoning department. They will have maps displaying your property.
The space available on your property, as well as local regulations, can influence where you place your garage.
Writing down these measurements is recommended. Show them to any architects or contractors you hire.
You will need space to put the garage next to the home as well as space in your home to install a door. For this type of garage, you also need to consider how the garage’s roofing connects to the house.
Since the garage isn’t attached to the house, you have more leeway in the design. You still want it to fit well with your home, but it doesn’t have to look identical to the home. Detached garages can still be positioned right next to a home. The garage will be a free-standing structure not connected to the home.
For example, you can build a dormer. A dormer is a small projection on the roof, but isn’t technically a second floor. Depending on your garage, you may even be able to build a separate room above it. Remember that you will also need to install stairs or a ladder. If you don’t want your garage to have a second floor, consider including wall and overhead storage in your design. [6] X Expert Source Robert RybarskiOrganizational Specialist Expert Interview. 31 January 2020.
Also consider the number of doors you need. You may want separate doors to park multiple cars, but you can get 1 large door instead. Features like electronic door openers cost extra, but they can be installed at a later date.
You can research the costs for most features and services online before speaking with contractors. You can discuss building costs with any contractors you need to hire. They can offer alternatives if you exceed your budget. Adding a storage loft, for example, may cost you $1,000 USD. You may then need to pay extra for a pull-down ladder to reach it.
If you want space for a workshop, for instance, you may want a smaller garage without car parking. The space you have available depends on the zoning regulations in your area as well as the size of your property.
Freestanding windows are placed away from garage doors and attachment walls. You may be able to place windows on your doors to let in more light.
You may want to install a sub panel if you plan on having air conditioning or using power tools. It acts like a second circuit breaker.
For example, you may want a radiant in floor heating system or a water drain. These need to be installed before the floor is finished.
Building a retaining wall is similar to setting up the garage’s foundation. You will need to dig and level the ground in addition to cutting and assembling the wall material.
Try to get a plan that shows exactly what you want your garage to look like. You can always make adjustments to the plan, such as if you want a bigger garage or extra features.
Architects and drafters can match your garage to your home or add custom features to existing plans. If you get plans elsewhere, you can still hire a drafter to make alterations. Sometimes you can have them customize an existing plan for as little as $50.
Depending on where you live, you may still be required to get a plan from an architect. They can often copy your sketch. If you don’t draw, having a photo of your ideal garage can help. You can find images online or snap photos when you see garages you like. Take the pictures to your architect.
The location of your garage and its size can affect the chances of getting your application approved. If you hire an architect or other contractors, they can usually help you get your application approved.
You will typically need to pay by check or with a credit or debit card. You may also need to pay additional fees for inspections. Many times, contractors handle these fees and include the cost in the final bill they give you.
Most objections come from the building authority and have to do with local building regulations. You may need to adjust your proposal to get the permit. If the review seems to be taking a long time, call the building authority to speed up the process.
If you hire contractors, they will often contact an inspector for you. You may need to have an inspector review the work at other times, such as when electrical wiring is installed and after the garage is completed.
If you want to build over a line, you will need to ask the utility company to move it first.
Double check to make sure the utility lines aren’t in the building area.
The foundation is the garage’s concrete base. The soil around it may be shifted to form a slope, which helps water drain away from the garage.
Unless you have experience constructing building foundations, you are better off hiring a professional with an excavator instead of doing it yourself.
If you have contractors working on the garage, make sure they know that you want these features in your garage.
Let a building company handle this if you don’t have much experience creating foundations. A good foundation ensures your garage is stable.
