Building a garage is always a profitable investment.
In addition to offering sheltered parking space for one or more vehicles, a garage will also greatly increase your storage space and can be a great workshop for your do-it-yourself projects.
Laws and Bylaws
As with any large project, check local building code and permit requirements before beginning work. As a rule, the documents required for building a garage are the construction plans and a plot plan indicating the location or the planned construction project on your land.
Dimensions
Before you get started, your will need to choose the size of your garage according to your needs. A single garage should be at least 20 ft (6.1 m) long, measured from the inside of the front wall to the inside of the back wall and 11 ft 6 in. (3.5 m) wide. The minimum width for a double garage should be 18 ft 3 in. (5.55 m). If you're planning on putting in a workbench or using your garage to store bicycles, tools or firewood, you should build a longer garage.
Construction guide
With plans, municipal permits and a detailed list of the required materials in hand, you're now ready to begin construction of your garage. To help you along, we have prepared two checklists outlining the various steps you should follow to see your project to a successful conclusion. For a project that includes a garage with a superimposed room or a garage with extension, you should estimate costs ranging between $35 and $40 per square foot for the garage, while the room - bedroom, reading room, etc. - will cost you about $50 per square foot.
Construction costs
General costs
plan and estimate (consult the Plans Department)
construction permits (to be obtained from your municipality)
mortgage or loan (if required)
Demolition, excavation and back filling
demolition (trees, fences, etc.)
preparation of ground (remove anything that could get in the way during excavation
excavation
removal of top soil
removal of earth
filling with gravel and compacting
Form setting
foundation
footing
wall (anchoring to foundation wall of house)
back filling (preferably with sand)
Iron work
lintels
framing
Framing and carpentry
lumber (spruce, plywood, etc.)
roof trusses (to be ordered in accordance with the plan)
installation of asphalt shingles
pouring of concrete for garage floor
Insulation
fibreglass
vapour barrier
eaves troughs
Windows, doors, hardware
windows
garage door
Plumbing, ventilation (optional)
Electricity (optional)
Exterior siding
aluminum, vinyl, treated wood (your preference) |
