How to Plan and Build a Garage

Whether you need a garage for your vehicle or extra storage it will be a wise investment for your home. The plans for a garage can be purchased off the Internet instead of using a high priced architect because of the simplicity of the design. If you want anything extra like a half bathroom, then you would have to employ an architect.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lumber
• Nail gun
• Level
• Hammer
• Chop saw
• Skill saw
• Outlet and switch plates
• Drywall
• Light fixture
• Measuring tape
• Hardware for door
• Windows
• Roll up garage door
• Back door
• Subcontractor for flatwork

Before You Get Started:

1. Draw up plans and design before you build your garage. These can be done by an architect or purchase them online.

2. Decide on the type of materials you want to use to build your garage. For the exterior of your garage you can choose bricks, siding or stucco. For the interior of your garage you need to decide on hardware, light fixtures, texture of mud on drywall and paint color if needed.

3. Engineered plans are a must. This is crucial for proper building of the project.

4. Apply for necessary permits following city guidelines.

Start Your Project:

5. Grade the lot that you are planning to build your garage on.

6. Form and pour foundation. Be sure that you do not pass the property lines or PUEs.

7. Snap lines, frame the walls and install windows.

8. Frame and deck the roof, then install tar paper and then install the shingles.

9. Put in rough electrical. This will require you to hire a licensed electrician in most cases.

10. Mount exterior wall and install soffit. For example, you can choose brick, stucco, or siding.

Finishing Your Project:

11. Staple the insulation to the inside of the exterior wall.

12. Hang drywall, mud, tape, float, and texture. Paint the walls after 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity.

13. Finish electrical trim out.

14. Place in opening 2 feet 8 inches by 6 feet 8 inches size door in back of garage.

15. Install roll-up garage door and garage door opener if elected.

16. Paint exterior if needed, depending on materials chosen for the exterior of the garage.

17. Fill garage with your stuff.

Tips & Warnings

• Use plot plan to determine property line and to build within these lines.
• Be sure to plum walls before framing the roof.
• Know what your framing dimensions are for roll-up garage door, back door, and windows prior to framing.