Adding an attached garage to your home is one of the most valuable improvements you can make—especially here in the Chicagoland area, where weather, convenience, and property value all play a major role in daily life. Beyond providing secure parking, an attached garage offers protection from snow and rain, year-round storage, and direct access to your home.

If you’re considering working with a North Shore attached garage builder, here’s what to expect during the construction process.

1. Consultation and Planning

It all starts with a conversation about your needs. Do you need a one-car, two-car, or three-car garage? Do you want a second story for storage, a home office, or even a workout room? During this stage, your garage builder will:

• Review your property layout, zoning rules, and property lines.
• Discuss exterior finishes, rooflines, and garage doors that complement your home.
• Offer recommendations based on local building codes and neighborhood requirements.

This is where your vision begins to take shape.

2. Design and Permits

Because attached garages connect directly to your home, the design and approval process is more detailed than a detached garage. Your builder will:

• Draft architectural plans for size, layout, and integration with your home.
• Submit drawings to your local village or city for approval.
• Pull all required permits for all garage construction.

Local approval timelines vary by municipality, but experienced builders know how to navigate the process efficiently.

3. Site Preparation and Foundation

Once permits are secured, construction begins with the foundation. Unlike a detached garage, the foundation of an attached garage must tie seamlessly into your existing home. This step includes:

• Excavation and site grading.
• Required inspections.
• Pouring footings and concrete foundation walls.
• Installing proper drainage to handle seasonal rains and snowmelt.

4. Framing and Structure

Next, your new garage begins to take shape. Builders will:

• Frame the walls, roof, and door openings.
• Secure structural connections to your home.
• Add sheathing, housewrap, and weather barriers.
• Schedule required inspections.

At this stage, you’ll see the size and layout of your attached garage come to life.

5. Roofing, Siding, and Exterior Finishes

For homeowners in the North Shore and greater Chicagoland, matching your garage to your home is key to curb appeal. Your builder will:

• Install shingles that blend with your existing roof.
• Add siding, trim, soffit, and fascia.
• Fit windows and garage doors for a finished look.

6. Electrical, Insulation, and Interior Work

An attached garage isn’t just a shell—it’s functional space. During this stage, you can expect:

• Electrical wiring, outlets, and energy-efficient LED lighting.
• GFI outlets for safety and code compliance.
• Insulation and drywall prep for a “drywall-ready” interior.
• All required inspections to be scheduled.

This ensures your garage is comfortable and ready for finishing touches.

7. Final Details and Inspection

As the project wraps up, the finishing touches make it complete:

• Painting, trim, or optional built-ins.
• Final inspections from your municipality.
• A walkthrough with your builder to confirm everything is ready.

The attached garage building process may seem complex, but with the right partner, it’s smooth and stress-free. From initial design to final inspection, every step is handled with precision and attention to detail.

For a FREE consultation and estimate, contact Heartland Garage Builders at HeartlandGarageBuilders.com or 224-326-2698.