The Garage Plan Shop Blog

Just like home plans, detached garage plans are available in a wide range of architectural styles. This diverse selection of styles ensures you’ll find a garage plan, carport or shed plan to blend with the architectural style of your home. Below is a list of many of the architectural styles represented in The Garage Plan Shop’s collection of detached garage plans and other structures.

• Barn
• Cape Cod
• Contemporary
• Country
• Craftsman
• European
• Mediterranean
• Modern
• Traditional
• Unique

When you are choosing a detached garage plan, keep in mind the architectural style of your home and its surroundings to ensure your new garage will complement your home.

Tags: architectural styles, detached garage, Detached Garage Plans, garage plan, garage plans

If you are considering building a detached garage plan, there are a few things to consider before you begin. Taking the time to work out the details before construction begins will ensure a smooth building process and result in a useful and sturdy and durable garage. Review the list below. Think about each item mentioned and have a plan about how you will address each of these important aspects of the garage building process. Being prepared and developing a plan is a necessary part of a successful building project.

1. 1. Obtain a building permit. Many cities, counties and municipalities require a building permit for new construction. Check with your building department or building official to find out if you need to obtain a building permit and what the necessary requirements and fees are to do so. Often people build a new garage or backyard shed only to discover they should have obtained a building permit first. In some instances, the owner is forced to tear down the new structure or pay a fine. Such hassles and expenses can be avoided if you check with the proper building authorities ahead of time and obtain the correct paperwork or documents.

1. 1. Next consider where you are going to build your detached garage. Have your property checked for underground utilities to make sure you won’t be digging up or damaging any utility lines during construction. Also make sure your garage is located within property set-backs and easements and the structure is truly going to be positioned on property you own. Finally, make sure you are building on solid ground in an area where water does not pool after a hard rain.

1. Purchase quality blueprints. Even if you consider yourself a top-notch, do-it-yourselfer, a professional set of garage blueprints will be necessary. Good garage plans will guide you on every aspect of garage construction without taking the risk of making a mistake during construction. Garage blueprints like those offered at The Garage Plan Shop are drawn to national building codes and reflect all of the necessary information for a qualified builder to construct the garage from the ground up. Not only do garage blueprints contain elevations, a foundation plan and framing information for construction, but they also serve as a handy tool for obtaining bids and estimates for materials and labor. A great way to speed up the whole construction process of your garage is by purchasing Metal Building Packages. In addition, you may consider adding a metal roofing system so it matches your garage’s style. You may hire a roof services contractor to install or build the roof of your new garage.

Tags: Building A Garage, building tips, detached garage, garage blueprints, Garage Plan Information, garage plans

Detached garage plans are an ideal option for a homeowner who needs an outbuilding or just extra usable space. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles from a 1-car garage to a 3-car garage or larger and their uses are just as varied. Here are 16 things you can do with a detached garage plan:

1.    The most obvious is to protect your vehicles from the elements and theft. If your home does not have a garage or you have more cars than garage bays, a detached garage plan is the right solution.

2.    If you own a motor home or RV, then a detached garage plan with RV bay is what you need. RV garages provide a place to protect your investment when not on the road and they are designed to accommodate the height and length of motor homes.

3.     For fishermen and boating enthusiasts, a boat storage garage is a great option. Garage plans for boat storage have extra deep bays accommodating the length of boats and even trailers. Instead of renting a boat slip at the marina, especially though the off season, you can keep your boat close by and completely enclosed in your new detached garage. Once the garage is paid for, you’ll start saving your monthly payment for the boat slip.

4.     Any type of detached garage is perfect for extra storage accommodating basement and attic overflow. If necessary, use the entire garage for storage, or park the car inside and use the remaining space for storage. Don’t forget garage loft plans provide additional storage on the upper level.

5.     For those who own lots of “big boy toys” a detached garage works well for extracurricular vehicle storage, including ATVs, motor cycles, jet skis, a golf cart, etc. If you already have an attached garage filled with these things, maybe you can build a detached garage for your “toys” so you can actually park the cars in the attached garage.

6.    Garage apartment plans offer extra living space. They combine typical garage parking with a finished living space. The living space can be used as a guest or in-law suite, rental property or a place for boomerang children to stay until they get back on their feet. If you choose the rental option, you’ll earn extra income to help you pay for your new garage.

7.    If you are the kind of person who enjoys restoring old cars, a detached garage gives you a place to store your car out of sight instead of parking the ole’ eye sore behind your house. Furthermore, you’ll have plenty of room for tools and auto parts and you can work on your favorite car no matter what the weather.

8.    Woodworkers might prefer to have a wood shop for woodworking projects and small crafts. You’ll have a place to store your tools and supplies so you can work on your projects anytime you wish.

9.    With more and more people working from home, building a garage is becoming a popular choice for those who need a home office, a quite place to work without actually leaving home. A garage can be turned in to finished living space for use as a home office. This can be done with a simple 1-car garage, but don’t forget the option of a garage with loft or flex space giving you room to work and extra parking.

10.  Crafters and hobbyists might find a detached garage is perfect for a craft or sewing room. This is another instance where the garage can be finished to suit your needs giving you a place to store supplies and leave project out so you don’t have to clean up each time you finish working. 

11.  For those who have a creative mind, a detached garage plan is well suited to be finished for use as an artist’s studio. It provides a quite place to get away from it all and just create. From pottery to painting and everything in between you’ll love having a studio.

12.  For gardening enthusiasts, a small garden shed may not offer the storage that a garage plan can offer. Garages are the ideal solution for those who need a large gardening shed to store the riding mower, garden hoses, gardening tools, flower pots and other related items.

13.  Garages can serve as an outbuilding for seasonal storage accommodating pool supplies, patio furniture, the snow blower and other miscellaneous items than need to be stored away during the off season.

14.  Families with small children understand the need for the kids to have an open and safe place to play. An empty detached garage is the perfect place on rainy and cold days. A space heater can keep things warm while your kids kick balls, ride tricycles or jump rope. The empty garage gives them an opportunity to exercise while staying safe and warm.

15.  Auto mechanics might appreciate an RV garage plan. With extra tall ceilings, some allow enough room to install a call lift to work on automobiles giving you an opportunity to enjoy what you love.

16.  Don’t forget the family handyman. A detached garage can easily serve as a workshop plan instead of parking for the family vehicles. With a little effort you can add a work bench and tool organizers creating a great workshop to take care of home repair projects.

No matter what your needs might be it is clear that detached garage plans are well suited to handle a broad range of tasks. Carefully choose the type and design of your detached garage. Make sure that the roofing, flooring, and other elements suit your needs. What will you do with a detached garage?

Tags: detached garage, Detached Garage Plans, garage plans