- 1). Determine what you need from your garage. Make a list of the uses you have for your garage. Look at your current storage needs. If you have several vehicles to house, the garage will have to be large enough to accommodate them. If you intend to work in the garage, windows will have to be considered as well as electricity and heating.
- 2). Assess the land available. Measure your land to determine how large the garage can be. You do not need to fill the empty plot, but it is helpful to know the maximum size limit. Contact your local planning authority and inquire about any restrictions in place on your land. You may find that there are stipulations regarding free-standing garages or restrictions on the height of a new garage.
- 3). Plan storage within the garage. Before deciding you need a large garage, look at storage options available. Built-in wall cabinets and shelving will help manage your space, and building a raised platform will make use of otherwise wasted space. Take a trip to the local hardware store to get storage ideas.
- 4). Decide if you need a custom-built garage or if a prefabricated garage will do. Custom-built garages are more expensive than prefabricated garages and will take longer to construct. Prefabricated garages come either ready built or flat-packed with instructions. They are normally free-standing structures as opposed to attached garages.
- 5). Assess your finances. Garages can be expensive, so know how much you are willing to spend and limit your space to suit a budget. If you require electricity and windows, the cost will be significantly higher. Get several quotes from different builders before deciding on one. That way you can be sure what the true price of your garage will be.
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