How to Choose The Right Size Garage

If you are going to get a new garage, there are many things to take into consideration. Important considerations include style (custom, hip, gable) and material, and size. The size of your garage is critical in meeting your garage needs. When choosing a size you should consider your vehicles, storage needs, walking space, and your available land space. Below are some guidelines for choosing the right size garage from eHow.

The minimum size for most single-car garages is 12 feet wide by 20 feet long. For a two-car garage the minimum dimensions are 18 feet wide by 20 feet long. Understand these are minimum dimensions if you plan on limiting your storage primarily to automobiles, with minimum room for walking. See chart below for common garage sizes (click to see full size):

Consider Your Vehicle When Choosing Garage Size

Measure the length of the vehicle or vehicles you want to store in the garage. Measure both the length and width, with doors open. Consider if you will move to a larger vehicle in the future. Measure the length of the trailer and boat if you wish to store them in the garage.

Storage Needs

Make a list of all the items you want stored in your garage. Common items include cars, lawnmowers, tools, sports equipment, refrigerators and workbenches. Consider all these items when determining the size of your garage. Determine from your list if there will be a need for shelves.

Extra room will enhance garage storage space. Adding just 2 or 4 extra feet to the length or width of a garage creates a lot of extra room. You can build a wall of shelving 24 inches deep that takes up garage space from floor to ceiling. Acquiring this kind of room expands the cubic feet of storage space, so you can stack boxes or bins of items. It’s possible to build a workbench into the wall storage space, too.

Walking Space

Consider how much walking space you need in your garage with all items present. The best way to accomplish this is to park your vehicle or vehicles in an open area as if they were parked in the garage. Open their doors. Place all your other items around the vehicles where you would like them to be. Leave 4 feet of space for walking around each vehicle. Measure the dimensions.

Land Space

Observe your available land space for the size of your garage. If your home is in a residential area, make sure the garage will not be too close to adjacent property. If the home is in the country, determine which trees will need to be removed or land reshaped to accommodate the garage size you want. 

Blue Sky Builders can help you choose the garage size that is right for you. If you have any questions, please contact us. Or for more information, you can view typical garage styles and sizes here.