What To Do Before You Build A Garage

Our garage plans customers often ask about what to do to get the garage building project started - what are the usual things required?  Here is a scenario typical in most locations:......


 1. Determine feasibility of building a garage on your property - in terms of zoning, building department and community development standards and parameters.

>>> Important:  Design parameters for wind speed, wind exposure, seismic risk category and snow loads will be available at your local building dept. as they pertain to your building location. You will need to know them when looking for your garage plan.

2. Determine your requirements for the new garage - such as  number of garage
bays, extra work area, ceiling/wall height, dimensions, features and architectural style.

3. Select a garage plan (or plans) suited to your requirements.

>>> Important:  The garage plan you buy should have design parameters that
meet or exceed the parameters required for your project. Most professional quality garage plans use prescriptive compliance with the IRC building code (the basis code for nearly all states' codes) so they are usable in most locations. Additionally, if your local building dept. requires that plans be certified and stamped (which is rarely required)  then you would need to find a local engineer to review and certify (professional registration is state-by-state) before submitting application for building permit .

4. Determine approximate cost of the garage construction - obtain materials list for supplier to make preliminary materials package estimate, contact concrete foundation/slab contractor for estimate, check with framer/builder for labor costs. Alternatively: have general contractor estimate total project cost (as turnkey project)

5. If financing is involved set up the loan for the garage construction

6. Acquire building plans for garage

7. Have construction costs verified with the building plans to negotiate and finalize bids (guaranteed cost for work and/or materials)


8. Apply for building permit - submit garage plans for permit review (if required) -
building permit and administrative fees are usually involved - you will need to
submit either paper or PDF document for the review, whichever the building department requires.

9. Upon building permit approval: finalize/convey funds - might need escrow

10. Upon building permit approval: finalize contracts, begin construction

>>> (it is recommended that no excavation, work or materials be purchased until AFTER building permit has been approved/issued)