Are you considering having a detached garage built, but have no idea where to start? Like any large investment, it is important that you make an informed decision based on your specific needs. A garage estimate can help you make that decision. There are many factors to take into consideration when determining what size & type of garage to build, including costs that are not directly related to the actual build: permits, surveys, specific requirements that vary city to city.
When you book an appointment with a garage company, they should ask you a few questions up front in order to better understand your desired project. This allows the consultant to prepare for the appointment to make the best use of your time. Having an accurate plat of survey available before the appointment is helpful. This gives a better idea of the size of garage you can build on your property. The appointment is an opportunity for the consultant to take pictures of the existing garage, if there currently is one, and/or mark out where the new project will be placed. This pulls the project out of the abstract and gives both sides a visual of the future garage and if there will be any impact on the current landscaping and surrounding yard.
Another aspect to weigh is whether or not the garage company takes your specific municipality’s requirements into account. This extra step is going to ensure that the project will not be affected by zoning variations, storm sewer connection issues or foundation requirements, as these can increase the cost of the project significantly.
During this initial appointment, you will have the opportunity to design your garage. An accurate estimate should include options such as: trim details, roof style, siding color, number of windows and the locations, loft space for storage, gutters/downspouts and electricity options. All of your desires will be used to determine the final costs of the project. An important question to ask the consultant is whether or not those items are included in their estimate or additional costs. For example, not every garage company will include gutters and downspouts in their estimate and consider it an additional cost.
It is important to think outside of the garage itself during this appointment. There may be obstacles that exist that need to be taken into consideration, such as grading, utility lines as well as trees or landscaping that may need to be removed or relocated. An often-missed complication is the electrical service panel…if you don’t have at least one free space for the new garage circuit, a panel upgrade may come into play. HGB believes it is important that you should be well educated regarding the entire process before making your decision rather than learning the hard, and usually more expensive way.
If you are looking for a knowledgeable company that will give you all the information you need to make an educated decision, contact Heartland Garage Builders for a FREE garage estimate and consultation at HeartlandGarageBuilders.com or give us a call at
224-326-2698.