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Garage Addition Checklist
Avoid Unforeseen Construction Problems by
using a Garage Addition Checklist
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Building a garage addition is a large
home construction project. As a matter of fact, it is very similar to building a
new home. For many homeowners considering a garage addition, there are numerous
questions and uncertainties on where to even begin. A garage addition checklist
can help. By generating a garage addition checklist you can create a
step-by-step process for building your garage addition, and in doing so reduce
the risk of unforeseen problems.
To help you get started in planning a garage addition project, I have summarized below a high level garage
addition checklist.
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Keep in mind, though, that there are many phases in a garage
addition project. The summary garage addition checklist I outline below will
get you started, but you will need to go much deeper in developing your own
garage addition plans and schedule.
Summary Garage Addition Checklist
1)
Understand your Finance Options
Garage additions are expensive and can cost upwards of tens of thousands of
dollars, so presuming you will not be paying cash for the entire project you
will need to obtain some financing. |
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Visit
banks in your area to understand your loan options, as well as to get some idea
of the amount of money you can borrow. With this upfront knowledge you can begin
to establish a garage addition budget.
2)
Garage Addition Plans
A garage addition is similar to
building a new home, and consequently you will need a complete set of garage
addition plans. The plans are necessary for not only pulling permits, but for
also communicating to contractors the complete design specifications of your
garage addition.
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You can create your own set of garage
addition plans utilizing a home design software package, or use an architect. If
your garage addition is complex, for example how it ties into your existing
home, I would highly recommend the services of an architect. They can ensure
that your garage addition is both functionally and aesthetically attractive
relative to your home.
3)
Hiring a Garage Addition Contractor
One you have a complete set of garage
addition plans, meet with potential building contractors to go over your plans
and to obtain contractor bids. Make sure you carefully review each bid to
determine which contractor is right for your garage addition project. See my
Garage Addition Bid Sheet
to help in the contractor bidding process.
4)
Obtain Garage Addition Financing
Once you have selected a contractor
and know your new garage addition costs, obtain financing on the project.
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5)
Pull Garage Addition Building Permits
With a garage addition contractor
signed up and financing secured, visit your local building inspector to pull the
building permits for your garage addition. Most likely you will need framing and
electrical permits. If plumbing is involved in the project you will also need to
pull a separate permit for it.
6)
Begin the Construction of your Garage Addition
Once you have your building permits
you’re ready to break ground and begin construction of your garage addition.
With a garage addition, construction should start with excavation, and pouring
footings and foundation walls. The start and completion dates for the
construction of your garage addition should have been included in the schedule
provided by your contractor.
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Photo by Mark Donovan |
7)
Visit Garage Addition Site Regularly
With a garage addition project it is
easy to inspect its progress. Plan to connect up with your contractor once a day
to see how things are progressing and to make sure there are no issues that the
two of you need to resolve, e.g. a particular question in the blueprints. Also,
if you see any issues bring them up promptly with your contractor. It is always
less expensive, both in money and goodwill, to address a problem soon rather
than later.
8)
Schedule Garage Addition Inspections
Upon the completion of each phase of
your garage addition project, make sure the local building inspector is
contacted to come out and inspect and sign off on the work completed on your
garage addition. For example, after the garage has been rough framed in, an
inspection is required.
9)
Obtain Final Inspection
When the garage addition is complete,
obtain a final inspection to permit you to formally and legally occupy your new
garage addition.
With your final inspection sign off
complete, you are now ready drive your cars into you new garage addition.
It is important to remember that this
is a summary garage addition checklist. There are many detailed steps along the
way, as well as possible other major steps that may need to be taken depending
upon your unique situation. For example, your particular garage addition project
may require the relocation of the main electrical panel, or the application for
a property setback variance with the zoning board.
For a more comprehensive garage
addition checklist, see my
Garage Addition Bid Sheet. The Garage Addition Bid
Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can provide to
prospective building contractors to help in the contractor hiring process. In
addition, it also includes a comprehensive garage addition construction cost
breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel format, that allows the contractor to
include his projected new garage addition costs for every phase of the project.
How to Finance your Home Remodeling Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
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Free Garage Addition
Price Quotes with No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
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remodeling contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to
continue once you receive your garage addition estimate.
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