Can You Build a Garage in Your Backyard?


Garage

Adding a garage to your house provides several benefits. First, it allows you to extend your storage inside or even create a space to work, such as an office. The question is, are you allowed to put a garage in your backyard?

Building a garage in your backyard is permitted as long as you follow the local zoning rules. Usually, the major restrictions you need to observe are the size, materials used, and type of garage. Before you start building a garage, consult the zoning department and ask about the laws you must consider.

In this article, we will discuss the things you need to know when constructing a garage in your backyard, as well as the steps and tips in planning for a garage addition.

 

Things to Know When Building a Garage in Your Backyard

Building a garage requires you to consider several factors to prevent violations. Planning and estimating the costs, type of garage, size, and driveway helps make the construction successful. That is why we compiled the things you should know before you start the construction of your garage.

  • Know the Zoning Restrictions

Before you start constructing a garage in your backyard, you should know and observe the zoning restrictions. Rules are stating the feasibility of a certain space you must use to put up a garage. We recommend you visit your local zoning department to ensure you get the required information.

Know how much space is needed in between the border of the house and the garage. This will help you avoid violations of the law. These zoning restrictions aim to administer and guide homeowners, so the properties and spaces are utilized properly. Without these governing rules, people would use spaces that are out of their ownership.

Apart from the spaces, ask the zoning department what the restrictions intended for garages are. One of these examples is the required distance of the garage door from the road or sidewalk. Some places implement these kinds of laws, so you should check if those apply to your area.

The usual rules you must observe are the size, design, and height of the garage. The materials you’ll use are also subject to some restrictions. If you have an architect, they can assist in observing the rules during the planning and construction.

  • Choose the Type of Garage You Want to Build

There are several types of garage you can construct at home, but the major ones are detached and attached. These two classifications present both advantages and drawbacks that may fit your ideal garage. Homeowners most commonly build attached garages.

As the name suggests, an attached garage is attached to the house. You can save money if you choose this kind of garage since the materials used are less expensive than those needed for a detached garage. Besides, when it’s raining, you won’t need to go out since this area is connected to your house.

Besides, you won’t need to walk far to reach your garage. Some parts of the garage can also be used for your laundry and many other things. You can ensure safety and security since it does not require you to go outside to access it.

As for a detached garage, it allows you to expand to a wider space in the future. It prevents noise from affecting your house if there are things that you need to fix with your cars. It is also a good option for your backyard.

  • Know the Lawful Garage Size

Nowadays, cars are huge compared to what they used to be. When planning for your garage, make sure you measure the size of your car. This will help you get the right measurement for the garage you intend to build.

If you only have one car, a garage measuring 14 x 20 feet is sufficient. For two cars, you can create a garage about 20 x 24 feet. Although this may fit your cars, an additional 8 feet in both height and width is better to provide more leeway inside the garage.

  • Driveway

A garage alone isn’t complete without the driveway to allow your car to access it. For a single-car garage, you can build a driveway about 10 feet away from the road. Provide a 14-foot driveway if there are any obstacles or structures on the sides that could damage your car if you passed by them.

Two-car garages require a driveway of about 20 to 24 feet to allow extra space for turning and prevent the obstacles on the sides from scratching your cars. Provide a 10 feet width and 12 feet depth in between the garage’s entrance and sidewalk.

  • Association of the Garage to the House

The garage you are planning to build should look like it’s a part of your house. Indeed, the designs of some garages ruin the visual appearance of the house. To prevent an ordinary look, you can add elements that will help enhance your garage’s outdoor features.

If you have an attached garage, you can put doors on the sides and windows in front, making it look like a room of the house. Put a roof overhang if the garage door is facing the front of the house. You can also use two one-car doors, which is ideal for most garage owners.

  • Garage Building Costs

Another factor you must keep in mind is the total cost of building a garage. It will depend on the size, materials used, and type of garage you want to construct. A single-car garage is estimated to cost $9,000 to $20,000, while a two-car garage may cost from $15,000 to $30,000.

Consult an expert on how to lessen your expenses. The estimations are flexible as long as you know how to compress the price of the materials, regardless of the kind of garage you are building.

 

Steps in Planning for a Garage Addition

You must plan your garage addition to ensure the structure doesn’t violate restrictions and fits your house architecture. Before anything else, check whether constructing a garage by your house is feasible. Know if an attached or detached garage will fit your structure.

  1. Determine if adding a garage is feasible

A garage can offer a multi-purpose space. It can also add to the property value. Compared to other home enhancements, a garage is more affordable and can raise the cost of the house if you ever sell it.

Before you decide to add a garage, wonder whether you need it to park your car or to build a working area. The construction of this structure in your backyard will cost you money and requires your time frame. Thus, know whether you need a garage for a specific reason and proceed with the next steps if you decide to go for it.

  1. Choose between a detached or attached garage

As previously mentioned, you should choose the ideal type of garage for your backyard. You should know what kind of garage is allowed in your house framework. Attached or detached garages are good choices to build in your backyard.

If you want to separate the garage from your house, you can construct a detached garage somewhere in your backyard. The only downside of this is the security and protection from the rain. Since the garage is not attached to your house, you can’t monitor whether there are intrusions in it. On the other hand, this type of garage allows you to expand its space, making it one of the best options for a backyard. Besides, a detached garage helps alleviate the car pollution that might enter your house.

On the other hand, building an attached garage can bring a lot of advantages as well. You may indeed access this type of garage without going out, but you must find an ideal space in your house where you can insert a car and driveway.

  1. Plan your garage’s size

If you have two cars, you can either choose a 20×24-foot or 24×24-foot garage. This will provide enough space to park your cars and to walk inside the garage. Of course, there are different measurements for other types of cars.

A minivan’s length ranges from 20 to 22 feet, while a passenger car is about 14 feet long, and a pickup truck, about 18 feet. Keep in mind to check the zoning rules to know if your planned garage won’t violate the rules.

  1. Multi-purpose garage

If you want to create a garage, why not make it a multi-purpose area? This type of garage is versatile for storage purposes and provides an extra workspace. Some homeowners add an office and studio to their garage, which is a wise decision to make use of the space in it.

  1. Adding a bathroom is convenient

A bathroom inside your garage is convenient but can raise the total cost of building a garage. Although the price will increase, you can ensure that the property value will also soar up.

  1. Decide on the materials

When you build a garage in your backyard, make sure the materials’ designs are harmonized with your house. Be attentive to the details of your backyard and make sure its style will fit. The materials will impact the cost you’re spending on the construction.

You can consult an expert or architect on how to coordinate the garage to your surroundings. They will suggest materials that suit your budget.

  1. Construct another property

The construction of another property in your backyard involves rules to follow. If you want to create a detached garage, it is ideal you also build a second floor on top of it for storage space or an extra room for your family. This requires you to install materials that can control the temperature inside.

A garage doesn’t require you to put up the medium for the temperature. You can install a fan if you plan to stay and work inside it frequently.

 

Tips When Adding Garage in Your Backyard

When building a garage in your backyard, you should also focus on how to make it beautiful. It impacts the overall appearance of the house and can increase the property value. This affects the materials you’re going to use and the purpose of the garage.

  1. Make your driveway pleasing to the eye

Since you already know the estimated measurements for a driveway, proceed to choose the materials to use. Pavers and concrete are ideal, making your driveway beautiful. The floorings will affect the area in the garage where you want to put the storage or workspace.

  1. Choose a beautiful garage door

In adding a door to your garage, you should decide whether you want to install one or two doors. Homeowners commonly use roll-up garage doors. You can decide which is the best door to use depending on the size of your driveway and garage. Since it is considered a home improvement, it can add value to your property if you want to sell it in the future.

  1. Decide on the garage’s floor

The most recommended types of garage floorings are polished concrete and epoxy. Tiles and vinyl are also good choices for floorings. Consult your architect or contractor on what kind of garage flooring is ideal for the garage’s purpose.

  1. Know if you need electricity in your garage

You may need an electrical source inside the garage, and thus, need to install it. If you have electricity at home, you can just connect it to your garage. However, if you need to use appliances or electrical equipment with a 220-volts requirement, you should build a separate subpanel. We recommend you hire an electrician to help you install this.

 

Conclusion

Building a garage in your backyard is a smart option. You can make use of the space without constricting the area in your house. The construction will expand the garage in your backyard and can provide you with more benefits in terms of extra space. A garage can also be used as a workspace, office, and even family room if you design it properly before starting the construction.

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