The Garage Plan Shop Blog

If you are considering building a detached garage, this checklist will be a handy tool for you. It lists many of the items, features and topics of concern that you should consider or research before choosing a garage plan and/or beginning construction. Review the below list and make note of the items that you need to think more about, make decisions about or research with your local building department and or builder.

Does your city/municipality have any restrictions on the size, height or roof pitch of the detached garage?

Do you need building permits?

Where do you apply for the building permits?

How much will the permits cost?

What size garage will your yard or lot accommodate?

How much space do you need for parking and/or storage?

Do you need extra storage space, a workshop or a loft?

What items do you wish to accommodate? Cars? Boat? RV? Riding mower? Other items?

Do you have an oversized vehicle? How deep must the garage bay be to accommodate it?

What roof style do you prefer?

What architectural style blends best with your home?

What ceiling/wall height do you need or prefer?

What type of wall framing do you prefer? Or does your city/municipality require a particular type of wall framing?

How many overhead garage doors do you prefer?

What style garage doors do you want?

What size overhead doors do you need? (Note the size of vehicles and other items you want to store.)

Do you want windows?

Will one or more service entries be handy or necessary? How many? Where should they be located?

Will you need extra electrical outlets or lighting inside the garage? For what purpose?

Could you use a half or full bath?

How do you plan to use the garage several years in the future? Will your needs be the same or will they change?

While there are many more things to consider before building a detached garage, this handy checklist will help you get you started and point you in the right direction when it is time to purchase your garage plans.

Tags: Building A Garage, Choosing a Garage Plan, Detached Garage Plans

I recently heard a friend talking about the need for a garden shed. He is looking for a large shed that will easily accommodate the riding mower, lawn equipment such as rakes and the leaf blower, and a planting table for his wife. After much research and several stops at many home improvement centers, he has come to the conclusion that there isn’t a shed out there that is large enough to satisfy his needs and offer room for storage.

A single-car garage may be the perfect solution. In most cases, a detached garage fits nicely in the corner of the backyard. These designs are available in various widths, depths and styles making it easy to find just the right one to match any home and fit almost any lot. Added bonuses come with a one-car garage that a garden shed cannot offer. The overhead door is perfect for accessing the riding mower and other large items. A service entry is just right for grabbing a small tool quickly. Plus, a one-car garage offers more wall space for storage cabinets, hooks and shelving and usually a taller ceiling height that a garden shed might not deliver. Furthermore, there will be plenty of room for a planting table.

It is easy to understand that a one-car garage may make the ideal garden shed.

Tags: 1-car garage plan, garage plans, garden shed, one-car garage, Shed plans

If you are looking for a 3-car garage to complement you home, consider this design. Its 38’x24’ floor plan offers three overhead garage doors and interior stairs leading to a spacious unfinished loft above. This detached garage accommodates a variety of needs. Park three cars, store a pair of cars and an ATV, golf cart or riding mower, or use the entire garage for a workshop. The unfinished loft neatly handles boxes and other large items, or you might prefer to finish the space as a recreation room, home office or exercise area. The choice is yours.  Check out this triple garage with loft.

Tags: garage loft, Garage Loft Plans, loft storage