Garages were
originally buildings used to
house carriages and, later, automobiles.
Now, most home garages include
space for a workbench or a complete workshop and constitute one of the
main storage areas of the home. If your home is lacking such a space,
this will help you learn the basics of how to build a garage.
1. Obtain permits and make sure your plans
meet city codes. Don’t scrimp on this step. Make sure you get
inspections at every necessary step. It will save you a lot of hassle
later!
2. Make your final decision – are
you ready to do it all yourself? This is the time to decide whether or
not to use a contractor.
Building a garage is not as simple as it
sounds. However, if you’re quite handy and sure
you’re up to the challenge, go for it!
3. Pour your foundation. Your foundation
will likely be a rectangular concrete slab. Check and double check the
measurements.
Make sure the slab form is
“square”
before you start pouring. Measure catty-corner in both directions and
adjust the form until those measurements are equal.
Although most
garage floors seem to be level, they actually have a very gradual slope
from back to front so water doesn’t pool. Check with your
building codes and plans to verify this.
4. Put up the walls. Pre-framed walls are
available and are the quickest option for how to build a garage. Studs
are usually 16” apart but may vary based on your city codes.
Have some friends help you square up the walls and nail them into
place. Follow all codes on this!!
5. Time to truss the roof! As with the
walls, go for pre-framed trusses. It will save you a lot of hassle and
measuring.
Get some help with this step as
well…you
can’t lift them up there and hold them steady by yourself.
Add sheeting over the trusses.
6. Finish the walls – sheeting and
siding on the outside, followed by insulation and drywall on the
inside.
7. Roof that garage! Felt and
shingles…make sure you know how to roof properly for the
last step of how to build a garage.