Are you sick and tired of parking your car out in the open where it’s subject to all the ravages of the sun and rain?  If you have the space on your property, solve the problem and give yourself much needed storage space at the same time by building a new garage.  However, there are some things that you simply need to know before you can even think about getting started and we outline them here. For more information, have a chat with your local garage professional.

Do You Need Council Permission and Permits?

The first thing you’ll need to find out is if you’re even allowed to build a new garage on your property and what restrictions may apply if you are.  The way to do this is to check with your local council to find out what permissions and permits you need.  It is important to check exactly what is needed as local councils differ from area to area.  Usually you will need a permit if the garage is large than 10m2 in area, if it is attached to the house, if it is over an easement or if it does not meet minimum setback requirements.

Do You Want an Attached or Freestanding Garage?

Before you get a garage, you’ll need to decide if you want it to be attached to your house or if you want it to be freestanding.  Attached garages are often more convenient as you can install a door to lead directly inside your house, meaning you don’t have to go back outside to get in when it’s cold and rainy or if you’re carrying a bunch of stuff!   Freestanding garages have more flexibility in where they can be placed however and this can be invaluable if you have an awkwardly shaped block.

How Much Room Do You Have?

Before you think about building a garage you have to ascertain how much room you have.  This is important as you don’t want to take up your whole back or front yard with the new garage, and you also need to be a certain distance away from your boundary (the exact distances will depend on your local council).  You want a new garage that blends in with your property and that doesn’t dominate it.

How Much Space Do You Need?

Of course, you’ll also need to think about how much space you actually need in your new garage.  Do you need to store just the one car or two?  Will your garage be holding other items such as gardening tools, your lawnmower, Christmas trees and ornaments and so on?  Make sure you design your garage with the space you need before you build it, or else you’ll end up with a cluttered garage or even worse, one that you can’t fit your car in!