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0 Garages are one of the most critical parts of any household. In fact, as per an Impulse Research Survey, over 80% of Americans factor in a garage when purchasing a house. Hence, when investing in such an important structure that is bound to reap long-term benefits, it only makes sense to plan properly.
If you want to add a low-investment, durable, reliable, and customized prefab garage building to your property and enhance its value, prefabricated garages are a wonderful investment. However, you would have to prepare diligently while making thoughtful decisions.
Designing the perfect garage can be daunting, especially when it comes to choosing the right size as well as factoring in a multitude of considerations. In this guide, you can gain a strong perspective about the right garage dimensions for you!
What is the Purpose of Building Your Steel Garage?
One of the primary decisions that would affect the sizing of your garage is defining the purpose of the building. This is the foundational step in the process of designing the perfect garage building.
Every purpose would have different space requirements as well as considerations, such as:
- Storage: If you primarily wish to store things like outdoor items, sporting gear, tools, equipment, seasonal essentials, or holiday decorations, then a smaller garage equipped with efficient storage solutions might work well.
- Parking: If your major motive is to find a space to park your vehicles, it would be important to understand the number and size of vehicles in order to invest in the right garage dimensions.
- Workshop: In case you are planning to use the garage as a workshop space to carry out repairs or work on projects, you might have to focus on the layout more than the dimensions.
The following questions can help you in evaluating your purpose:
- What kind of vehicle do you plan to park — SUVs, RVs, boats, trucks, or sedans?
- Do you want your garage to double as a workshop or hobby space to work on DIY projects?
- Would you require additional space to store essentials?
- Are you planning for the long-term and accommodating future needs?
Assess the Items You Plan on Storing Within the Prefab Garage Building
Make an accurate record of the things that you plan on storing or the vehicles that you intend to park. Consider measuring the dimensions as well as the quantity of your essentials to gain an estimate of the minimum space you would require.
Vehicles: It is best to measure your vehicle and add a little extra space for doors and maneuvering.
Others: Apart from vehicles, garages often serve as multipurpose spaces. Hence, you should also take inventory of:
- Equipment such as lawnmowers and gardening tools
- Recreational gear like bikes, paddleboards, camping equipment, or kayaks
- Seasonal essentials, including holiday decor or patio furniture
How to Measure Your Vehicles Accurately?
It is critical to determine accurate measurements of your cars in order to build the perfect metal garage. Here are the tips to do so:
- Length: Begin measuring from the front bumper to the rear end. Add at least 3 feet of space to the garage for enough walking as well as clearance space.
- Width: It is imperative to include side mirrors when you measure the width of the car. Make sure there is adequate space to open the doors completely.
- Height: For your vehicles — including those with roof racks — make sure that you measure the height from the ground to the tallest point of the vehicle.
Once you have measured the height, add a buffer zone around the vehicles so you can maneuver easily. For multi-purpose uses, you should accordingly add space, whether it is for storage or other purposes.
Standard Metal Garage Dimensions
Prefab metal garages come in a variety of dimensions in order to accommodate diverse needs. These are standard garage sizes suiting different requirements:
One-car garage
Ideal for properties that have limited space available, one-car garages are cost-effective and easier to obtain permits for. They are perfect for parking single vehicles with minimal storage.
| Small | Average | Large |
| 12 feet wide and 20 feet long | 14 feet wide and 22 feet long | 18 feet wide and 25 feet long |
Two-car garage
These garages offer ample space for two vehicles, along with additional storage. As two-car garages are highly versatile, you can efficiently set up workbenches, too!
| Small | Average | Large |
| 20 feet wide and 20 feet long | 24 feet wide and 24 feet long | 30 feet wide and 24 feet long |
Three-car garage
Triple-wide garages are perfect for families with multiple vehicles or those looking to combine parking with dedicated areas.
| Small | Average | Large |
| 30 feet wide and 24 feet long | 30 feet wide and 36 feet long | 36 feet wide and 40 feet long |
Four-car garage
People who have a mix of personal and recreational vehicles, such as ATVs, boats, or RVs, can easily opt for four-car garages to cater to their parking needs.
| Small | Average | Large |
| 42 feet wide and 24 feet long | 44 feet wide and 32 feet long | 48 feet wide and 40 feet long |
Five-car garage
For people looking to install an oversized prefab garage building to store large equipment or heavy-duty machinery along with parking, five-car garages are perfect. These are often also installed for commercial operations, like car repair shops.
| Small | Average | Large |
| 30 feet wide and 50 feet long | 50 feet wide and 60 feet long | 50 feet wide and 70 feet long |
Factors to Consider When Designing Your Ideal Custom Garage Structure
Evaluate the available space
You should begin by determining the size of the installation site where you plan to install the garage structure. Measure the length and width from the furthest possible points and see if there are any irregularities in the terrain.
It is ideal to measure from different points to see if there are any differences in the landscape. Consider height clearance, too, especially if you plan on parking larger vehicles.
Identify on-site challenges
Every property comes with its own challenges, which can affect the installation of your steel garage. Hence, make sure that the ground is flat and leveled, offers proper drainage, and provides unconditional accessibility to park and retrieve vehicles without any hassle.
Climate considerations
You should consider the local climate conditions in order to invest in a structure that is sturdy enough to withstand your regional environment. If you live in adverse weather conditions, opt for 12-gauge frames, 24-gage panels, and vertical roofs.
Consider local building codes and regulations
Before you land on the perfect size or location for your metal parking structures, you should research the regional zoning laws and setback requirements.
These are certain regulations that are imposed by local authorities, and they vary from one locality to another. They are likely to impact how and where you can build your garages.
Budget constraints
Set up a realistic budget assessing the initial as well as other costs. You should ensure that the structure requires minimal repairs and incurs low long-term costs.
Future needs
Assess your current as well as future needs when investing in the garage. For instance, if you see yourself buying an additional car over the next few years, consider adding to the dimensions or incorporating a lean-to structure.
Detached vs. Attached
You should also make a decision on whether you wish to install a stand-alone custom garage structure or a structure attached to an existing property. While a detached garage offers more privacy, an attached structure will allow for easier access from your house.
Insulation
Opt for high R-value insulation techniques like double-bubble insulation, spray foam insulation, or fiberglass insulation in order to enhance the comfort within your garage structure. With insulation, you can regulate the temperature within the metal building while reducing energy costs. It can help you keep the garage cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
You can also insulate the garage doors and roofs for better comfort.
Design a Garage That Fits Your Life
Having a clear grasp on what you want out of your garage can be of immense help in settling on the ideal dimensions. You should ensure that your metal garage comprises practicality as well as a futuristic vision. With a steel garage, you can truly create a versatile space that perfectly aligns with your vision and lifestyle!
