Building a Garage ? A Great Way to Expand Your Living Space ...

You have decided that building a garage should be your next home improvement project. If you want it to be a rewarding experience and ensure that the end product will add value to your home, we suggest that you do the following

1. Be very clear about why you are building a garage

- Do you need more (or more secure) parking for your vehicles

- Do you need more storage space (or a combination of parking and storage)

- Do you want an area for hobbies or a home workshop (e.g. auto mechanics, woodworking, furniture refinishing, sewing, building model planes, etc.)

- Do you want extra living space such as a bedroom for your youngest child who is going to a local college next year, a music or art studio, or a private home office

You can go in a dozens directions when building a garage. It is important to be clear about what you need and want to avoid wasting time, effort and money or the opposite ? to overspend unnecessarily. The goal is to have a finished space that meets your needs.

2. Decide how you want the space finished

Knowing exactly how you intend to use the space and the finished look you prefer will help you decide the type of garage building plans you want to use ? moderate, bare bones, or luxurious. There are a number of factors that will affect your choice. Listed below are some (but not all) of those factors:

- Walls and ceiling ? exposed beams, sheet rock (painted or unpainted), insulation, sound-proofing

- Flooring ? sealed, heated, carpeted, wood, etc.

- Electrical wiring and plumbing requirements

- Heating and/or air conditioning (HVAC)

- Number of windows and doors (How much light and accessibility do you want)

- Other amenities ? special lighting, compact kitchen, washer/dryer, workbench, secure storage

- Style of the exterior (architectural style should match your home)

3. Understand city building ordinances and obtain all necessary permits

Do not skip this step when building a garage! If you do, you can pay dearly for it down the road. If you use a contractor, they will probably take care of this step for you. But, we recommend that you know the rules and abide by them.

4. Find a good set of garage building plans

After you have obtained a good set of building plans, get estimates on materials and seek bids from a number of contractors. You should do this even if you think you want to build it yourself. Estimates give you the information you need to plan your budget and decide how to move forward. Is your initial idea going to work, or will adjustments need to be made? The estimates will also help you decide between your building it, or hiring a contractor.

Suppliers will be able to provide an estimate on materials much faster if you are able to give them a materials list. This is often included in a good set of building plans.

5. Who will do the work? You or a contractor?

Being your own contractor can be very tempting and if successful, it can bring a lot of personal satisfaction. However, a word of caution . . . do not take on the project unless you have the skills and experience, plus the time to do it well. Poor construction, sloppy work, or a half-built garage is far worse than no garage.

If you decide to build it yourself, be wise and hire subcontractors to do the specialty work that you probably should not do, and are not licensed to do, such as plumbing, electrical, roofing and siding.

The main reason to hire a contractor is because he will take care of everything, and if all goes well, it will be finished before you know it. When you provide a good set of building plans, it is easy for him. All you have to do is oversee and enjoy the process. It you can afford it and choose the contractor carefully, a contractor is a good choice.

The suppliers who provide your materials estimates can give you names of reputable contractors if you don?t personally know one. It is likely that the same contractor?s name will come up more than once, and should be the one(s) you interview first.

One final thought ? When building a garage, don?t skimp on space! If you can make it bigger . . . make it bigger!

S. J. Sumner has been an interior designer for many years. Remodeling and home improvement are her specialties. Visit her newest website Garage Building Plans. While you are there, also check out Garage Plans With Loft.. This article, Building a Garage ? A Great Way to Expand Your Living Space is released under a creative commons attribution license.

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