DIY Garage Design Ideas

If you have decided to design your own garage, you spare yourself from the expense of hiring the services of contractors to do the plan and construction for you. However, even if you know every element and features you need for your design, you lack the necessary technical expertise and construction skill to work them into a building plan. Either by constructing it from scratch or by remodeling your existing garage, you are perhaps shooting in the dark to come up with a good idea. The question now is, "do you have any chances of creating a professional design yourself?"

Yes, there is a variety of ways to come up with a good idea and work this idea into a tangible garage design.

Free Plan Online.

Do it yourselfers, especially those who can hardly come up with an idea of a feasible design have several options including free plans available online. Several websites offer a library of plans available for instant downloading. These plans give you a complete and step-by-step guide on how to construct the plan from start to finish. Some sites offer articles and illustrations on how to exactly make the design and the tools needed to finish it.

Do it Yourself Software.

If you want a detailed plan, there are several do it yourself software that can be accessed through a monthly subscription. You can use it to design your own garage with all the features and elements you want. The 3D software will allow you to view both the interior and the exterior from every possible angle. Easy to follow guides and easy to use tools make this software user-friendly, even to those who are unfamiliar with computer aided design software.

Prefabricated Garage Kits.

Garage construction has been made easier by companies that manufacture prefab garage kits. They are widely available online and at your local building supplier. Do if yourselfer can choose to buy the kits made from galvanized steel, wood frames, and other types of materials suited for garage constructions. A typical kit can be assembled in less than a day with 3 to 4 people working on it. If you lack the manpower, many companies provide construction crews for an additional cost.

If you are going to shop for the kits, take note of some important requirements for installation as some may involve building a concrete foundation for added stability. Also check with your zoning board if the dimensions are acceptable and the materials that will be used for your garage are permissible in your area. Do not forget to acquire building permit before you construct your garage.

Learning how to build a garage is not as daunting as one would expect, well, for detached structures at least. Homeowners who build their own garage can save thousands over hiring a builder who, in many cases, will subcontract to the same construction crews that you can hire. Or if feeling adventurous, or just downright thrifty, one can invite friends over for a few beers over the weekend and put them to work.

There are many items to consider while in the early planning stage such as:

Garage size: One car, two car, or even a three car garages can be designed with various sizes, but the lot and homeowner's budget are generally the limiting factors. Local building codes vary, but typically a structure must not encroach within eight feet of property lines in rural areas and from zero to four feet in city limits. Detached garages must also be set back from other buildings by a minimum of eight feet, but this must be confirmed with local building offices as bodes vary. One important consideration is roof overhang. Eave and gable end overhangs are typically 12" - 24" (although less than 12" is common in windy areas) and must be considered when determining building size and placement.