How to Build a Garage From the Ground Up

A garage can be a valuable part of your home, offering much-needed extra space to store and safeguard your belongings, such as vehicles, machines and work tools. For large items you can’t place inside your home, like vehicles and boats, a garage is the leading option for secure housing that protects against the elements and theft.

Having a garage will save your valuables from the many months of downpours in Portland and Oregon City, which can be damaging and inconvenient. If that’s the case, don’t worry. Our guide shows you how to build a garage from scratch.

Things to Consider Before Building Your Garage

Building a garage can be tedious as it involves investing time and resources. However, it’s a project you can accomplish by yourself and with the help of professionals for aspects that demand specific skills. Before you get started, here are key things to consider.

Garage Placement

Regarding garage placement or location, there are two solutions: freestanding and attached. 

You may be considering building a new structure or expanding one you already have. Either way, you must decide between an attached or detached garage. Both have their advantages. 

While a garage attached to your home comes as part of the package, increasing the property value and offering convenience, a stand-alone garage would be ideal if you want more room for flexibility.

Local Regulations

Construction regulations vary from place to place. You should know the proper guidelines for adding an extension to your home or building a stand-alone structure. Find out what the building and zoning codes are in your municipality to ensure you’re on the right track about what you can and can’t do. You’ll then apply for a building permit. In Portland, these resources are often available on the city’s website.

Building Plans

Unlike a temporary shelter in your compound, a garage is governed by architectural codes and requires proper planning to lay the groundwork. You’ll need to get the building plans from a certified professional. That way, you can be certain the location design and sizing comply with your local codes. 

In the planning phase, you determine your garage’s size to ensure it meets your needs. Since garages are measured based on the number of vehicles they can hold, size will reflect the required dimensions for single-car, double-car and three-car categories.

Contractor

The next step is to select a contractor for the project. If you have previous construction experience and know how to build a garage, you can decide to be the contractor. However, that decision comes with legal responsibility, so working with an expert is best if you are not experienced.

Understandably, doing things yourself can be cost-effective. You’re probably looking to build a garage on a budget. If that’s the case, you can subcontract the more complex parts of the project and handle the straightforward ones. That way, you still get professional support when needed.

Tools and Materials You Need for Construction

If you’re unsure of the materials you need for your project, seek professional guidance and get a complete bill of materials (BOM). 

The following table provides an overview of key tools and materials you’ll likely need to build your garage from scratch:

7 Steps to Building Your Garage

Here are the steps for building a garage.

1. Lay the Foundation

Unless you’re building a pole barn garage, which offers flexibility in terms of foundation, you’ll need to pour a concrete slab for a solid foundation. Laying the foundation is a tedious process that must align with the building plan and local codes. It’s one of the phases in garage construction that homeowners often subcontract to experts.

If you’re laying the foundation yourself, dig the ground to the required depth and dimensions and build the wooden forms. Then, reinforce the base with metal rebar and pour the slab as you level the foundation.

2. Build the Framing

The framing system for your garage can range from 16 to 24 inches on center studs (vertical posts). You’ll use the pressure-treated two-by-four lumber to create both the bottom and top sill plates resting on the vertical posts comprised of king studs, jack studs and cripples. Leave an opening for the window (if applicable) and the opening for the garage door using horizontal headers and saddles for support.

3. Complete the Roof

Install trusses to prepare for the roofing material. If you have the time and experience, you can build and install the trusses yourself. However, it’s easier to work with prefabricated trusses, which are reliable and easy to install. Once they arrive, get help hoisting them and nailing them over the frame.

Roll out sheets of roofing membrane horizontally to create a strong barrier against the elements, then lay the shingles. Begin at the eaves and nail the shingles in overlapping rows. You may want to install a gutter system to prevent rainwater from flowing down garage walls.

4. Install the Sheathing

Install the sheathing to complete the walls. Your sheathing material could be plywood or oriented strand board, which you nail outside the frame and cover in house wrap. Using the siding material of your choice, raise the siding over the sheathing. If you’re building a garage attached to the house, use matching siding for cohesion.

5. Finish the Interior

If you want your garage to be a functional living space, especially if it’s attached to the main house, you’ll need complete interior finishing involving robust walling, plumbing, wiring and insulation. You can avoid all of these if it’s a detached garage or you don’t need the extra living space. 

Run electrical wiring and plumbing lines for a more efficient space. In this stage, bring in professionals if you lack the experience to ensure safety with electrical connections. Insulate the garage if you want it to add square footage to your living space. Common materials you can use include spray foam, fiberglass and double bubble. Finish the interior by installing the drywall and then turn to the floor, which can be anything from tile to concrete with an epoxy layer.

6. Determine Your Garage Door Type

Decide on the garage door style and size you want for your new garage space. You can pick from various options, from modern steel to classic wood doors. This decision is especially important because it informs the rest of the design and building process.

7. Place the Windows and Doors

You can install the window, but handling a garage door yourself is not advisable unless you have professional expertise. Unlike other doors, residential garage doors are heavy and often have a potentially dangerous installation process.

Besides the excessive weight, components like springs can cause serious injuries. For the garage door installation, work with local technicians to ensure safety and efficiency.

Find Garage Door Solutions at Oregon City Garage Door

Building a garage from the ground up is a huge project, but with proper planning, you can achieve it and treasure the journey. We provide a general guide, but steps and materials can vary based on the project size, design and local building codes. To get things right and ensure compliance, work with professionals.

For the garage door phase, Oregon City Garage Door is your reliable garage door installation service provider in the greater Portland area. We offer everything, from new installations to repair and maintenance. Our experienced technicians will analyze your project, walk you through your options and offer a garage door solution that meets your needs. 

Request an estimate to learn more about our garage doors and services!