How to Build Your Own Garage

Garages have long been associated with a place to store cars when not in use. They are typically decorated very minimally and are designed to keep the vehicles stored inside free from sun and water damage. However, nowadays a garage can serve many different purposes from a workshop to an extra bedroom.

If you a home that does not have a garage already attached, it can become quite a project to overtake. Learning how to build your own garage is fairly simple, as long you stick with the instructions and ensure that everything is done correctly.

What You Will Need to Do Before Beginning

There are a variety of different tools and materials that are required before beginning to build your new garage. Everything from a building plan to all of the required pieces all need to be chosen and bought before any actual work begins. A building plan is necessary because it contains all of the instructions on the building portion of the job, as well as all of the wood sizes that will need to be bought. The primary tools that need to be bought include a hammer, nails, a level, and a variety of other common hardware. It is essential that you look into your city’s building codes and make sure that you are following all of their regulations. Failing to do so can result in a large fine and the possibility of needing to tear down all of your work once finished.

Prepping the Area and the Beginning Steps of Building the Garage

The first thing that will need to be done in the actual building portion is to lay down a foundation. A wooden form must be prepared and set onto the ground, measuring out to the size of the complete garage. Next, concrete is poured into the wood frame. You must finish this part quickly and ensure that the concrete is completely level before it dries. The wall is then laid down, with studs approximately 16 inches to 24 inches apart from each other. The walls themselves often are sold completely made, so that all needs to be done is attach them to the studs that been placed in the concrete. You will need to use durable nails and a hammer to attach the walls to the studs and take extra care that everything lines up right.

After the beginning steps have been taken, you will begin to get into the actual body of the garage and more intricate steps. When you have finished placing all the walls up and everything is level, you can begin to frame the roof. It is best to speak with an experienced roof specialist at a home improvement store since this is such an important step of building. Making any mistakes in measurement or the materials used can result in leaking or it becoming damaged simply from strong winds. Sheathing is than applied to the home, either being constructed out of particle board, wafer-board, or plywood. After that has been completed, it becomes time to install windows into the garage, if you desire. This is completely optional, as many people choose not to have windows in their garage since it is more work and money. Siding and soffit are than applied, following by applying roofing felt and the finishing touches on the roof. At this point on construction, all of the essentials are completed and a garage door can then be added. Garage doors can be somewhat difficult to install, so it is important to have somebody more experienced with the mechanics of them around to help set it up. Adding a garage as an addition to your home is a great idea for many different reasons and when the right amount of preparation takes place, it is a simple project to take on as well.

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