Garage 101: FAQs and Information

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The size of your garage is unquestionably one of the most vital aspects of the planning. It is important to pick a garage size that will suit you and your family’s needs. Plan not only for now, but into the foreseeable future as well. Consider the following ideas when choosing the size of your new garage.

I always tell people if I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard I wish I would have gone another two feet, I’d be a rich man now. The key is to go as big as you can afford. Another 2’ in either direction will not really make a difference to the look or feel of your yard. The part of your yard you use most often is the area closest to your home, not the area by the alley or rear yard. If you hold a tape measure out 2’ in your yard, you will see that it doesn’t seem like much yard space. But in your garage that 2’ can make a huge difference. Two feet gives you more room to walk around your car, additional storage, or makes it easier to drive in and out of. Before your garage is built, an additional two feet will only add a few percent to the cost of the garage. After the garage is built, that two feet will cost thousands more.

Two cars does not always mean a two-stall garage. Not all vehicles are the same size, and some car doors open wider than others. A 6’ wide car may need 9’ of space to get in the car door. Consider how many vehicles you have and how those vehicles would all fit into one space. Is there anything else outside you would like to protect from the elements like a boat or motorcycle?

A new garage is an investment not only in the value of your home, but also in your family’s quality of life. Are there any vehicles that could be added in the future? Do you have children that will start driving in the next 5-10 years? If you plan on living in the same home, when that happens, you may want to consider their garage needs as well.

Now, think beyond just cars. Is your current storage space in your home overflowing? If you have closets stuffed full of medium to long-term storage items, consider adding extra space to store them in the garage. The ability to have a less cluttered home is one of the many benefits of having a professionally built one, two, three, or more stall garage.

You may want additional space for a workshop inside of your new garage. If you or any member of your family is tired of their hobby materials taking over the kitchen table, family room, or basement, it may be a good idea to plan extra garage space for a workbench.