Garage AdditionWill yours be attached to the home or detached ?So you are considering a garage addition. Will it be attached to the home or a free standing structure? Let’s weigh the options, starting first with the attached version.Attached Garage ConsiderationsWith an attached garage addition you gain the advantage of having direct access to the home if outdoor climate is an issue. You must take into account the need to design the garage so it is both easily accessible when you drive up and allows you to enter the home at a convenient point. In other words, will you have to redesign the existing room lay-out to create access from the new garage? You must also make sure that you have adequate distance to any property line set backs to meet local code requirements. The last thing to consider before pursuing an attached garage will be how it affects your property taxes and insurance rates as it tends to raise both more for an attached garage than detached.
What Help Will You Need?
Once you have determined that you can meet these needs then you will have the task of designing the garage addition so it blends well with the existing home. This is the point where you might want to find local professional help to create a plan and exterior views so that you can visually see the attached garage. The designer must take into account the existing home details like existing lay-out, wall heights, roof pitches and over hangs. I have found that another concern that arises from time to time is a home having a second floor area might experience a problem with the new garage roof conflicting with existing second floor windows. Since these windows are typically bedroom windows and required for emergency egress or escape use they can not be removed. So as you see, it is very important to make sure all these aspects are taken into consideration and this is why I encourage you to spend the comparatively small amount of money to use the resources of a qualified designer.
I Get New Product Updates Before The Public...Sign Up Now To Learn About New Home Improvement Products Before Anyone Else!What Comes After the Design?Once you have a set of plans in hand you are prepared to get the needed estimates for work like concrete, framing and finishing material and labor costs. You also have the document you will need to acquire a building permit for your project as well as meet with your lender for a construction loan if needed.
Detached GarageWhen considering a detached garage the requirements are a little different. Once again you will need to consider the topics of access and property line set backs but you may also need to consider overall height since there may be restrictions on some design heights where you live. You will need to check into whether building an additional structure on your property is even allowed. Many sub-divisions and homeowner associations have restrictive covenants regarding construction of second buildings or there may be a limit to how much yard space can be devoted to buildings.
Assess Your NeedsWe will assume you have cleared the above hurdles so now what is next. Again I recommend assessing your current and future needs when selecting a garage plan that will both compliment your home and also provide the space you need. Will it be a single level or will it include a bonus space in the trusses above. A detached garage will be much simpler from the standpoint that there is an unlimited variety of existing plan sets to choose from so the need to prepare custom plans should be avoidable for most people. I still encourage you to buy a complete plan set as you will need this information for all the same reasons listed above when it comes to estimates, permits, and a loan.
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