Adding a garage to your home can be one of the best home improvement projects you could ever do.  Not only will a garage addition add significantly to your home’s value, but it will give you lots of extra storage and keep your vehicles and other machinery protected from the weather.  A garage addition is a significant home improvement project and can be expensive.  Here are some tips on how to estimate your costs for adding a garage to your house.

Step 1 Decide on the size of the garage

The size of the garage will be in large dependent on the size of your house and lot.  You also need to determine what you will use your garage for.  Is it primarily to store one or two cars, do you need extra storage or workshop space?  These are all questions that will help you determine the size of your garage.  Obviously, the larger your garage is the more materials it will take, and this will add to the cost.

Step 2 Find out the zoning and coding restrictions for your garage

Make sure to do this early in your garage addition project.  Find out what permits you need and what their costs will be.

Step 3 Obtain quotes from at least 3 general contractors

Price quotes can vary significantly from contractor to contractor so you will want to get at least three quotes so that you can compare pricing.  Be sure to do your homework and check to see that the contractor complies with all licensing requirements, is fully insured, is experienced with garage additions, and can provide you with good references from satisfied customers.

Step 4 Select a garage door

Usually the generally contractor leaves it up to the homeowner to select their garage door and some other finishing touches.  You can find garage doors at home improvement stores.  The quality of the garage door and design will factor into the cost.

Step 5 Compare the quotes from the general contractors.

Don’t make your final decision on a contractor on price alone.  Remember to factor in their qualifications, level of professionalism, their experience with garage additions, their references, your rapport with the contractors and any other factors that are important to you.

Step 6 Select your general contractor and sign a contract

Once you have selected the general contractor for your garage addition, you will need to sign a contract.  Be sure to read all the fine print to make sure all the costs are spelled out, the start and end dates, a payment schedule, and any other things you have agreed to.

If you do your homework and plan your garage addition ahead of time, you should be able to get a garage built that fits your needs and budget.

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