From functionality to style, there are many things to consider when choosing a detached garage plan to build on your lot . Furthermore, there is a vast array of garage designs to choose from, so selecting the perfect plan may seem challenging. These quick tips will give you the insight you need to select the best garage floor plan for your needs.
Overall Size
One of the first things to determine when choosing a garage plan is what size garage you need and if it will fit in the space you have available. Take time to determine:
- Dimensions of your buildable space
- If your property has any easements or setbacks that must be considered
- Any restrictions or building regulations set forth by your building department such as overall height or square footage limitations
Once you know the overall dimensions of your usable space and what limitations you may have to work with, use our advanced search tool to narrow down the selection of garage designs to those that will fit your lot and comply with any local building requirements. If your construction project is not limited by lot size or other building rules and ordinances, you will have more flexibility in the size and type of garage plan you choose.
Function
Consider how you plan to use your new garage. Detached garages can fulfill a variety of needs including:
- Parking
- Storage
- Workshop
- Garden shed
- Hobby space
Knowing how you plan to use your new garage will help you compare the various design options available on our website. If you need to park two cars, a single-car garage will not suit your needs. If you need to park two family cars and store the riding mower, recycling bins, and the kids’ bikes, skateboards, and helmets, a three-car garage plan will likely provide ample space for your needs.
Do you need to store mechanics tools, lawn and garden equipment, and outdoor toys? These items will require storage closets or room for storage shelves.
Do you need room for a workbench? Or a place to pot plants? Garage plans with storage space along the side or rear walls can accommodate your needs.
Depending on how you plan to use your garage may dictate what size garage design you choose.
Features
Determining the function of your new garage will likely influence the features you will need. Detached garage plans have much to offer from drive-thru styles with front and rear overhead doors to those with finished living space. Below are some of the most popular features many of our garage floor plans offer:
- A full or half bath for easy clean-ups after dirty outdoor projects (can double as a pool bath)
- Laundry facilities
- A mud sink
- Workshop area for woodworking, hobbies, and craft needs
- Storage closet to keep power equipment locked up and out of the hands of children
- Workbench for small DIY projects
- Finished flexible space such as a home gym, office, or art studio
- Unfinished loft for storage space
- A finished loft for a man cave or game room
- Garage apartment with full living quarters to use as a guest suite or rental property
Use of Space
When working with a limited lot size, it is important to maximize the use of space. If you have a narrow strip of land beside your home, a tandem garage plan will utilize the space better than a simple one-car garage, by doubling the depth of the garage bay. A deeper garage bay means more parking or storage space.
If your lot limits you to a 22’x22’ two-car garage but you really need storage in addition to sheltered parking for two cars, consider a garage plan with loft. Choosing a plan with a loft above the parking area could potentially nearly double the usable space of your new garage.
Architectural Style
In most cases, a detached garage is built as an accessory structure, so it is important that it matches the architectural style of your home or other buildings on the property. Consider garage plans that include similar decorative details or a matching roofline to complement your home and other structures. Likewise, if the garage will be visible from the roadway, decorative details will enhance curb appeal. Finishing the garage with the same or similar exterior materials used for your home, barn, shed, or other buildings on the property will help the structures blend together.
If architectural style is not important, or your new garage will not be visible from the street, perhaps a simple, no-frills garage design will be sufficient. Additionally, a simple garage is best for those on a tight budget. Keep in mind, decorative details often increase the final construction cost of the garage, so if you have a limited budget, choosing a simple garage plan will help keep costs down.
Budget
Sometimes the building budget is the determining factor when it comes to choosing a garage plan. As mentioned above, simple designs are typically less expensive to build when compared to more elaborate garage floor plans of similar size. In most instances, the more features and details a plan includes, the higher the building cost.
Take time to determine your building budget. Before purchasing plans:
- Talk with a few builders and lumberyards to get ballpark estimates for labor and material costs. These costs vary greatly throughout the US and Canada. If you are planning to build your detached garage in an area other than where you currently live, be sure you inquire about building and labor costs in the city/county/municipality where you plan to build rather than in the area where you are currently living.
- Talk with your lender and secure your financing if you need a construction loan.
Choosing the perfect garage plan is no easy task. Take plenty of time to consider the elements discussed above and carefully decide what type of garage your family needs. A little thought and effort now will save you time and headaches later.