The Garage Plan Shop Blog

If you’ve decided to build a detached garage, take some time to do a little planning ensuring you’ll get the most out of your new garage in terms of storage and function.  Below are a few steps that will help you get started planning the construction of your new garage.

1.     Select a builder and seek his or her advice. Have the builder measure your lot or the available space to be used for the garage making sure you find a design that fits appropriately on the lot.

2.     Discuss the purpose and function of your new garage with your builder. Knowing how you plan to use your garage may determine what size the garage should be or what features the garage must have.

3.     Plan ahead. Think about the future. Will you need extra storage space 10 years from now? Do you plan to store tools, bikes, sports equipment later? Will you be purchasing a third car when your teenager starts driving? Consider these possibilities. Maybe a 3-car garage would be a better choice than a 2-car garage in the future.

4.     Check with your local government and find out if you must obtain a building permit. Ask for a list of building requirements up front so you know what is expected when it is time to build.

5.     Select a garage plan to satisfy your needs and ask the builder to provide a building estimate.

6.     Purchase your garage plans.

7.     Obtain building permits.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to begin construction. With thorough planning, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new garage.

Tags: Choosing a Garage Plan, tips

Enhance any piece of property with this classic outbuilding design. Farm-like styling gives it outstanding appeal.  The floor plan delivers a large covered storage area, a shop area and two tack rooms.  The shop area is ideal for a workshop or storage and offers three service entries and an overhead door allowing you to store a vehicle, farm equipment or machinery. With 1728 square feet of sheltered space and 672 square feet of covered outdoor storage, this outbuilding plan will satisfy a wide range of needs.

Tags: Outbuilding Plans, outbuildings, storage space

If you are planning to add a new garage to your home, there are many reasons why you should consider a detached garage rather than an attached garage. Consider the following:

1.       A detached garage offers extra parking in addition to the attached garage of the home, ideal for a family with multiple cars and drivers.  Or, it offers sheltered parking for a smaller home that may not have an attached garage.

2.       Detached garage plans come in a wide range of sizes and styles offering plenty to choose from and ensuring you’ll find just the right one to match your home, satisfy your needs and fit your lot/available space.

3.       A detached garage can be positioned at an angle to the house, beside the home or tucked in the backyard giving your lot and home dimension.

4.       A detached garage is a more visually pleasing option for smaller homes. An attached garage may dominate the façade of a smaller home.

5.       Detached garages offer safer storage options for items that you shouldn’t store in your home or in your attached garage such as pesticides, gasoline for the lawn mower and other hazardous chemicals and materials. The detached garage offers storage space away from the home.

6.       By situating a detached garage in the backyard, think of what you can do with the space beside the home where an attached garage would ordinarily be located. This space might works well as a vegetable or flower garden, a patio or a deck  for your enjoyment.

7.       If you are in need of extra storage space or finished living space, sometimes it is easier to add these areas with a detached garage. Consider a storage loft above for all of your basement or attic overflow, or a garage apartment design for guests or the in-laws. Some detached garage plans provide the perfect place on the second floor for a home office or game room that you may not have space for in your home.

8.        Some home owners prefer a detached garage with a nicely landscaped walk connecting the garage to home. Nothing like starting the day with a quick walk from the house to the car with beautiful flowers and shrubs to view.

If you are planning to add a garage to your home, take some time to consider the benefits of detached garage and browse this collection of garage plans. You’ll be pleased to discover the flexibility you will have with a detached garage.

Tags: Building A Garage, Detached Garage Plans, detached garages