subject: Do it Yourself Garage Plans Information [print this page] Do it Yourself Garage Plans Information Do it Yourself Garage Plans Information
Why would you ever even think of building a garage on your own, you may ask. Well, there are many of us out there who enjoy home improvement projects and like the challenge. Impractical? Possibly. But the challenge is what makes it enjoyable. Call it a hobby. Do it yourself garage plans give the daring a way to build a garage, save money (hopefully), and feel pride in a job well done. But be warned, this is not for everyone. Do it yourself garage plans will almost never include information about electrical wiring and it is in everyone's best interest (and safety) to hire an electrician and go over your plans with one before construction begins. It is likely that your local building department will mandate the services of an electrician anyhow in order for your plans to be approved, so you probably won't have a choice in the matter. Lucky for you, this is a good thing. If there is one area you do not want to screw up it is electrical wiring. Once false move and you could wind up, well, dead.
Once you have gone through all the proper bureaucratic channels and obtained all permits and hired all the mandated labor it's time to move forward with your do it yourself garage plans. You will need to determine the size you would like it to be and the best way to do this is start with the recommended dimensions, or minimal required measurements, and increase your space from there. Usually the recommended minimum space is based on a standard sized sedan. If your vehicle(s) is/are larger take some measurements with all the doors, hood, trunk, hatch or truck tailgate extended to allow for proper clearance on all sides and the ceiling.
Understandably, you have a lot to think about and plan for since you are building a garage yourself. One of the most important aspects to this project is your budget. Do you have one? If you answered no, drop your shovel and pick up a pencil and paper and get ready to do some estimating. If you do not have a budget your will be banging your head against the unfinished wall of your garage later. You budget needs to include (and it is best to round up with estimates) labor, building materials, design materials, and depending on your garage needs appliances and fixtures. Even though this is a DIY project, you won't be able to do it all yourself, so budget for an electrician and a plumber if you want running water available. You may be wondering why you would need to set money aside for design materials since this isn't a livable area. Well, the value of your property is only as good as what is on it. And, suffice it to say, a garage that doesn't match your home makes for poorly valued property. So, your design materials should include whatever is needed to replicate the look of your home, whether it be siding, wooden shingles, stucco or brick.
