A post-frame building with beige and dark brown metal siding. It features a large white overhead door, indicating potential use as a vehicle or equipment storage facility. The structure has a gabled roof and a covered open-sided extension supported by woo

Residential Garage Size Planning

Planning the size of a residential garage involves understanding local regulations, your parking requirements, and the impact on property value. Local regulations may pose limitations based on zoning and lot characteristics. Typical garage dimensions range from 12 x 20 feet for one car to 36 x 24 feet for three. Carefully considering your needs and abiding by local zoning laws guarantees a suitable, valuable addition to your home. Continue exploring to unearth innovative design solutions and impactful factors affecting garage construction costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Local regulations can influence the size and placement of both attached and detached garages in residential areas.
  • A typical one-car garage measures 12 x 20 feet, while a two-car garage is around 18 x 20 feet, ensuring sufficient space.
  • For safety and ease of movement, maintain at least 3 feet clearance on each side and 5-6 feet in front of parked cars.
  • The choice between attached and detached garages impacts the building code allowances and size restrictions applicable.
  • Proper garage size planning can significantly influence property value, with a two-car garage potentially adding $30,000 to $50,000 more in value.

Understanding Local Regulations for Garage Construction

Often, the first hurdle homeowners encounter when planning a residential garage is understanding the local regulations governing construction. These rules can profoundly impact Garage Sizes, dictating the maximum feet and size of both attached and detached garages. Many local regulations cap detached garages at 720 square feet or 50% of the house's heated space. Height restrictions are also common, with most allowing 1.5 stories or 16 feet above grade. In contrast, attached garages, while not subject to these size limits, must comply with primary residence construction requirements. Comprehending these regulations is fundamental as the lot's characteristics, such as size and zoning, as well as flood zone mapping, can affect the permissible square footage and placement of the garage. Post-frame buildings can also be an option for residential garages due to their cost-effectiveness and flexible design.

The Basics of Garage Size Planning

After acquiring a detailed understanding of local regulations governing garage construction, it becomes crucial to focus on the specifics of garage size planning. The size of a garage is largely dictated by the number of cars it will house. The average one-car garage is 12 feet wide by 20 feet deep, providing ample space. For households with more cars, a two-car garage, typically 18 feet wide by 20 feet deep, or a three-car garage, usually 32 feet wide by 22 feet deep, may be necessary. Regardless of the garage size, it is imperative to allocate at least 3 feet of clearance on each side of parked cars and 5 to 6 feet of depth in front. This guarantees enough space for comfortable movement and storage. Post-frame construction is a budget-friendly option for garage needs.

How to Determine the Right Garage Size for Your Needs

How does one determine the ideal garage size to meet their specific needs? It begins with understanding average garage sizes and identifying personal needs for parking and storage. A standard one-car garage dimensions are typically 12 x 20 feet, providing ample space for storage and parking. For homeowners with more vehicles, a two-car garage, which measures 18 x 20 feet, may be more suitable. The garage doors for these sizes generally range from 8 x 7 feet for single-car garages to 16 x 7 or 18 x 7 feet for double-car garages. When planning, remember to allocate at least 3 feet of clearance on each side of parked cars and 5-6 feet in front. Post-frame construction provides a cost-effective and durable option for residential garage building. Careful consideration of these factors will guarantee your attached garage meets your needs.

The Differences Between Attached and Detached Garages

Continuing from the previous discussion on determining the right garage size, it becomes equally important to understand the differences between attached and detached garages.

  1. Regulations and size: Attached garages are seen as part of the primary residence and are generally not subject to accessory building size limits. In contrast, detached garages must adhere to specific square footage and height restrictions.
  2. Construction requirements: Attached garages must meet the same construction standards as the main house, whereas detached garages can sometimes have more flexible building code allowances.
  3. Classification: Features like breezeways connecting the detached garage can sometimes classify it as attached, which can also influence the applicable regulations.

Ultimately, understanding these differences can guide you better in your garage planning process.

The Average Dimensions of One, Two, and Three-Car Garages

Understanding the dimensions of one, two, and three-car garages is a crucial aspect of residential garage planning. The average one-car garage size is typically 12 feet wide by 20 feet deep, offering 240 square feet of space. This garage size is sufficient for accommodating a single vehicle, with minimal room for storage. A standard two-car garage is larger, measuring 18 feet wide by 20 feet deep, providing a total of 360 square feet. This garage size accommodates two vehicles comfortably. For homeowners with multiple vehicles, the three-car garage size is ideal. The average three-car garage dimensions range from 32 feet wide by 22 feet deep to a more spacious 36 feet wide by 24 feet deep, offering between 704 to 864 square feet. Post-frame construction is more cost-effective than traditional building methods.

Considerations for Garage Storage Space

When planning a garage, a significant factor to ponder is the allocation of storage space. To guarantee the garage as an extra storage space, a few critical measurements are needed.

  1. A wide garage, which can fit one or more cars, should have at least 3 feet wide clearance on each side of parked vehicles for easy door opening and maneuvering.
  2. The garage should be 5 to 6 feet deep in front of parked cars to provide enough space for access.
  3. Consider additional square footage beyond vehicle storage for workbenches, storage shelves, and other uses.
  4. Post-frame construction can provide a cost-effective and durable storage solution for the garage.

The Impact of Garage Size on Property Value

Having established the importance of thoughtful space allocation in garage planning, it's equally significant to evaluate the impact of garage size on property value. An average-sized two-car garage can add $30,000 to $50,000 more in value compared to one-car garages. However, choosing a garage that is oversized for the neighborhood can have a negative impact on the property's value. Detached garages, particularly those accommodating three average cars, can increase a home's value by 13-15% compared to attached ones. Therefore, proper garage sizing that suits the homeowner's needs and aligns with market preferences can optimize a home's resale value. It is vital, however, to guarantee the garage design is well-integrated into the home's architectural style. Residential Vehicle Storage can also be a crucial factor in determining the value of a property.

Key Factors Influencing Garage Construction Costs

Several essential elements contribute to the overall expenses of garage construction. To begin with, garage size is a significant cost determinant; larger sizes require more materials and labor. A wider garage, extending over several feet, necessitates the additional cost of foundation work to guarantee a proper fit. In addition, post-frame construction offers a more cost-effective building solution compared to traditional methods.

  1. Garage Door Selection: The size, type, and automation level of the garage door affect the overall cost.
  2. Site Preparation: The expenses involved in preparing and grading the garage location are substantial cost factors.
  3. Foundations and Slabs: The requirements for garage foundations and slabs scale with the square footage, further impacting material and labor costs.

Creative Design Solutions for Garage Space Optimization

In an effort to enhance utility and efficiency, there are several creative design solutions that can be applied for garage space optimization. For a standard one-car garage, which typically measures 12 feet wide by 20 feet deep, vertical storage solutions like shelving or overhead racks can maximize useable area. Multi-functional furniture, such as workbenches with built-in storage, can increase workspace and organization. Natural lighting can be improved in the garage through strategic placement of windows and skylights, making the garage more inviting. Custom cabinetry and modular organization systems can be tailored to fit your garage's unique dimensions. Finally, optimize the use of your garage by positioning frequently used items near the entry for easy access. Fully insulated workshops can also be a cost-effective solution to enhance functionality and comfort.

The Process of Obtaining Permits for Garage Construction

Traversing the process of obtaining permits for garage construction can be a complex endeavor. It typically involves submitting detailed plans, meeting zoning regulations, and securing approvals from various municipal departments. BUILT-MOR Buildings not responsible for errors, omissions, or delays in the information.

  1. Permits: Required for new constructions or significant modifications to existing structures. They validate that the project adheres to local building codes.
  2. Zoning and Setbacks: These regulations guarantee the new construction aligns with the lot size, usage, and maintains a specified distance from property lines.
  3. Variance or Exception: In cases where restrictions are imposed on the size or height of detached garages, a special exception or variance may be necessary.

The approval process can span several weeks or months, stressing the importance of preemptive planning and understanding local requirements prior to initiating any garage construction project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Biggest Garage You Can Build Without Planning?

The biggest garage one can build without planning largely depends on local zoning regulations and permit requirements. Considerations include detached garage size, garage conversions, layout, and ventilation. It varies remarkably across different regions and localities.

How Big Does a Garage Have to Be to Be Considered a Garage?

To be considered a garage, the structure must provide adequate storage capacity, weather protection, and accessibility for a vehicle. Factors like renovation potential, architectural design, and energy efficiency also influence its classification as a garage.

What Is the Average Size of a 2 Car Garage?

The average size of a two-car garage typically spans 18 feet wide by 20 feet deep, providing 360 square feet. This accommodates garage door dimensions, storage space requirements, and allows for flexible garage floor plans.

What Is the Ideal Size of a Garage?

The ideal garage size depends on garage door requirements, space utilization, layout considerations, ventilation needs, insulation options, and lighting design. It should accommodate vehicles, storage, and workspace while providing efficient insulation, ventilation, and lighting.