Garage Building Buying Guide

First, you'll want to determine the garage size. Depending on your needs, garage buildings can accommodate up to three vehicles.

Single-Car Garage
Single-car garages vary from 8 feet to 20 feet in width and 8 feet to 44 feet in length. The most common size for a single-car garage is 12 feet wide by 24 feet long.

Two-Car Garage
These garages vary from 12 feet to 20 feet in width and 12 feet to 31 feet in length. The most common size for a two-car garage is 12 feet wide by 24 feet long.

Three-Car Garage
These three car garages are approximately 20 feet in width and 32 feet in length. These garages are made of metal and are wind and snow-rated to protect your vehicles or belongings.

Determine the Location
If you're considering a garage building, you'll need to first determine where it'll be located.
Typically, garage buildings sit next to your home. If you have access, they can also be placed behind your house.

Measure
Before you purchase a garage, you'll need to measure the space carefully to ensure there's room on your property for the size that you want. You'll need to determine the following:

• What's the desired width and length for the garage?
• How wide and high does the opening need to be?
• How tall do you want the ceilings to be?

Purpose
Why do you want a garage building? Are you using it to store cars? Is it being used as additional storage? Are you storing farm equipment? Or are you using it as a workshop space? Depending on what you're using it for will also help determine the features you'll need. (See the Features section below for more information.)

Permitting
Before placing any large structure on your property, you'll need to check with your county about zoning restrictions. If you have a HOA, you'll also need to inquire about rules and regulations in your neighborhood.

Access
Do you have easy access to a new garage building? Will it require a driveway or extending a driveway? Will you need to remove brush or cut down trees to make room? If so, you'll need quotes from a concrete contractor or a tree service.

Warranty
As you're looking at garage buildings, check the warranty to ensure you're adequately covered. You'll want to purchase a garage building from a reputable company that stands behind their parts and materials.

There are numerous features you'll want to take into consideration when selecting your garage building. Here are a few to keep in mind.

Materials
Garage buildings are typically made of metal or wood. Metal garages can withstand harsh weather and are resistant to pests and termites. They're also low-maintenance and won't fade or crack as easily as wood. Metal also reflects heat, so it'll stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the hot summer months. Metal garages are usually the more affordable option.

Wood garage buildings will require more maintenance than metal, but they're often the more attractive option. Wood is durable and these buildings can be customized to blend in with the aesthetics of your own home.

Roof Style
There are a couple of roof styles that you can choose from. The first type is a peaked roof or you can select an arched roof that has more of a barn-like appearance (as shown).

Colors
Garage buildings typically come in white, green, gray, brown and black. But if you purchase an unfinished wood shed, you can paint it to match your home's exterior.

Whether you're using a garage building for automobiles, as a workshop or to store extra belongings, you'll need to keep it organized. We'll show you a few ways to keep your space tidy, yet functional.

Shelves
Metal, wood or plastic freestanding units are perfect for storing household essentials, tools, holiday items and more. If you're a DIYer, try building storage shelves for the garage.

Cabinets
If you'd like to conceal the items in your garage, cabinets are a great solution. You can purchase freestanding or wall-mounted units. Garage cabinets are typically made of steel, but you can also find units made of composite wood, plastic or aluminum. Are you handy? Learn how to build cabinets for the garage.

Workbench
If you're using a garage building as a workshop, a work bench is essential. They're usually made of steel with a wood top. Purchase one with multiple drawers to have your tools nearby. If you need it to be a custom size or you'd like specific features, learn how to build a work bench for your garage.

Purchasing a do-it-yourself garage is a worthwhile investment, but it's a big project that requires numerous tools and helping hands. Our professional installers can help you design and build your new garage in no time. Find out more.