How to Build a Residential Garage

Determine what exactly you will need to use your garage for and what you would like to have in your garage. Once you know how you garage will be used over the years you will know how big to make it. Mark your area for construction so that you can see how much space you will have and how much will be consumed by cars, workbenches and storage. If you are unhappy with the size adjust to fit your needs. Once you have obtained a size, mark the measurements on graph paper.

Obtain a building permit by going to your local authority with your design. You will need to present the plans and any plans to tap into your house's plumbing, water or electrical source. When presenting these plans inquire about local building codes to make sure your project will pass inspection.

Decide if you're going to do the construction on your own or hire a contractor. If you are hiring a contractor you should research each candidate reading both the negative and positive reviews so that you can weigh your decision. If you are doing the work on your own you will need to determine how much lumber and other materials you will need by breaking down the measurements on your plans.

Start by building a foundation. If you wish to have a drain or any electrical system under the ground you will need to set this up now. Some garages have simple dirt floors while others are built on concrete slabs.

Build the frame of your garage. Start with the basic walls with studs at 16-inch intervals and any doors or windows you want already cut out of the frame. Assemble the frame then place the exterior of your choice onto the frame. Construct the roof and either immediately shingle it or cover it with a tarp to protect it from the weather

Place any electrical and plumbing equipment into their fixtures followed by insulation and build the inner wall which in most cases is either plywood or drywall.