If you are like most people, you probably have a lot of stuff that needs to be stored but don’t have enough storage space. A garage can be a great solution to this problem, and it doesn’t have to be expensive to build one.
In this blog post, we will show you how to build a cheap garage that is perfect for your needs. So if you’re ready to start building, keep reading!
How To Save Money While Constructing A Garage
Where will you put your surplus garden tools, bicycles, sailboats, and other curiosities? While a good bike rack or set of bike hooks can help, Most households can’t accommodate such bulky objects, and a shed’s limited storage space may already be at capacity. The garage is a great place to park cars and keep extra belongings safe and secure. If you want to construct a garage, how can you do it for the least amount of money?
Two primary strategies exist for constructing a long-lasting garage. First, let’s examine how pole garages diverge from the conventional construction method.
Pole Buildings
How can we construct a garage without breaking the bank? Putting up a pole-style building is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to have a garage up and running. Many think these are better than the conventional stick-built garages, and they call them post-frame structures or pole barns. There is no doubt this is an area you’ll want to dig deeper into if you’re interested in learning how to create an inexpensive garage.
Pole buildings are storage structures whose framework is made of laminated wood poles. They make up the garage’s skeleton and help support its weight when heavy snowfall or gusty winds hit. Although most roofs are held in place by metal panels, you may come across those with shingles that better match the style of the rest of the house.
Choosing to build a pole garage has many advantages. The first is its cheap or free base. Most homeowners will need to make this first expenditure of 10%-15% of the total cost of their garage. There is no need for a concrete foundation for a pole building, but the posts will need to be sunk into the soil for stability. You might decide to set one up, nonetheless. When arranging this initial investment, a broker might be helpful in obtaining a suitable loan (ideally, your broker should be using some type of mortgage loan tracking software to compare the best financing options available for you).
Post-frame construction is popular because it is quicker than conventional methods like stick-building. In addition, due to the reduced number of variables, building time can be reduced without sacrificing quality.
Since there are no necessary load-bearing internal walls in a post-frame building, storage is also greatly simplified. Instead, you’ll have plenty of room to park several vehicles, stow away seasonal decorations, and safeguard your lawnmower and other yard tools until next year. The advantages of a floor plan like this are practically unlimited.
The price per square foot for this type of garage construction may surprise you. To put together a simple pole building, spend around $10 to $30 per square foot. In addition, you may incur additional expenses due to the labour cost if you decide not to erect the garage yourself.
Easily Constructed Garage Kit
Pole buildings aren’t for everyone; some dig the old-school look. A stick-built garage will cost more than a pole construction, but you can get kits with everything you need to get started for a reasonable price. It’s possible, though, that there are better choices than a kit.
Many individuals have preconceived notions about how their garages should appear and operate. For example, they could want to build an office or guest quarters above the garage. Unfortunately, this bare-bones product you get when you build a pole garage or purchase a stick-built kit can make it challenging to meet such specific needs.
The ability to make modifications to a wrap garage is its main advantage. Each structure can be entirely original while still fitting in with the larger plan. In addition, you can use the options that come with a pole carport or prefabricated structure. Finally, if you have any issues, your contractor will be able to solve them and make you pleased.
Traditional garage construction is, unfortunately, far more expensive than pole garage construction. The average price per square foot to construct a garage is $49. A single-car garage can be built for an average of $7,500 to $14,200, which is a significant expenditure compared to the cost of a pole building.
Constructing The Ideal Carport
Finally, it would help to consider how much you are willing to invest in building the garage or your dreams. Some people will be perfectly content with the amount of space afforded by a pole garage, while others will want the flexibility only a stick-built garage can provide. No matter what you decide, research your options for the least expensive way to construct a garage.
Styles Of Carports And Garages
Whether you’re considering installing a garage, you’ll need to determine whether you want it to be enclosed, ideal for security, or open to the elements.
Those who prefer a more permanent structure should be prepared to pay more, but they will be rewarded with greater convenience.
Prefabricated carport kits are preferable for individuals who need a parking area as soon as feasible and at the lowest potential cost.
Independent Metal Garages That Are Prefabricated In A Factory Setting
This garage is delivered to your home either fully constructed or in sections that only require minor assembly.
Prefab garages, often made of steel, are frequently used in home improvements due to their low cost and the possibility that the homeowner can assemble them.
The versatility of this garage has made it a favourite in rural locations with larger lots.
Non-Prefabricated, Free-Standing Garage
Costing more than remodelling, constructing a garage from scratch gives you extensive creative control.
If your home is brick, concrete-faced, wood frame, etc., you may discover that constructing a new garage gives you the most flexibility in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
You should contact a local architect and contractor who can help you realise your vision for the space before bringing in the garage door maker.
Construction Of A Garage Within The Main Structure Of A Home
Although it is possible to attach a garage to a side of an actual house, this is typically only done if it is the most expensive solution and involves substantial planning if you are altering the construction and load-bearing outside walls of the house.
However, if you employ this strategy, you can increase the value of your home and have easier access to your car.
Carport
The most cost-effective option for covering a vehicle, a carport, may be customised to suit any taste. For example, you can build one from a steel kit or choose a more conventional, federation-style timber structure.
Carports may be preferable to steel garages in the summer since they provide some protection from the sun without being completely enclosed, leading to a cooler environment.
If your demands (or your finances) ever grow, you can add to your carport and give yourself some extra covered space.
Some carports even have a door installed on the roof, which may be converted into garages if necessary.
Cost Of Constructing A New Garage In Australia
Converting a garage into more living space allows for countless uses, including more storage, a workroom, an extra bedroom, a laundry room, and a home gym. Accordingly, we looked at the benefits and drawbacks of various budget levels.
In addition to serving as a haven for your vehicle, a brand-new garage can be converted into a spacious storage area, handyperson’s workshop, home gym, or laundry room. A brand-new garage can cost as low as $30,000 and as much as $100,000 or more.
The cost of obtaining the necessary permits and approvals to construct a garage will vary between states. We have looked at what is possible on a low, medium, and high budget to improve upon the usual new garage.
Cheap Storage Space
A single ‘bay’ of a garage is typically between 3.5 and 6 metres in length. Therefore, a detached garage is more feasible in terms of cost than a garage attached to your house, which would necessitate more expensive engineering, design, and consent. Also, “brick walls, steel roof, no internal walls with finishes, a manual door, and on a concrete slab” will set you back between $30,000 and $40,000 for a single garage.
It would help if you planned accordingly, no matter how big or small your garage is. Take your vehicle’s dimensions into account if you plan to park there. Large vehicles in Australia can be up to 5.5 metres in length and 1.9 metres in width, so while they may fit in a detached garage, it will leave little room for other vehicles or storage.
Budget-Friendly Garage
A double garage with brick walls, a tiled roof, a sealed concrete floor, a workbench, and storage space would come in about the middle of the price range. A two-bay garage can be priced the same way a one-bay garage is: per sq.m (7 x 6 metres). A more advanced version of the roller door, the automatic sectional door, would be included. Plasterboard or plywood to line your walls might give your home an “upscale” appearance.
Within this budget, adding a single attached garage is possible. However, when designing an attached garage, it’s a good idea to think ahead to how the space might be utilised in the future; for instance, if the garage is larger than necessary, it could serve as a playroom for the kids, or if the roof pitch is increased, the area might be appropriate for additional bedrooms.
Plasterboard and structural plywood are both simple options for lining walls in a garage, with the former being more suited to those who wish to give the space a more polished, refined appearance. GarageSmart® offers the perfect garage storage cabinet to fit your needs!
Storage For The Rich
Typically accommodating three cars or more, a luxury garage may also serve as a workshop, storage area, or other function. At this stage, we’ll line the walls and instal downlighting; from there, you can decide whether or not to add a tiled roof or deck, concrete floors flooring, a bench, cabinetry for storage, a gaming area, an audio system, and reverses cycle air conditioning.
Access to running water and electricity is essential in a high-end location, and you may also wish to install a bathroom.
Garage carpeting is a great way to improve the space’s aesthetics. However, garages require special carpeting, and while different brands provide a few different colour options, something different from what’s available for regular use in a home.
Because of dirt roads or oil leaks, black areas have become the most popular and functional choice. Garage (polypropylene) carpeting is convenient because it is easily cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or a hose in the event of a spill. However, there is an average price of $70 per linear metre for garage carpet.
It must be sandblasted off painted garage floors because it is glued straight to concrete and will not stick to painted surfaces.
A vehicle turntable is another space-saving alternative for a rising garage on a narrow lot. These are usually put inside the garage and range in diameter from 4 to 5.5 metres (to accommodate one or two vehicles). The turntable is controlled wirelessly from within the car and is built on a flat, reinforced concrete platform 100mm below the final drive level. A single turntable can be expected to cost roughly $20,000.
Make sure to give enough room to move around when your vehicles are in the garage so that you can easily use the storage choices you’ve installed. These can include places to put bikes, unique tool storage, or bespoke workshop equipment.
Last but not least, ensure you can reach all your toys easily; if you have a large boat, you may need to install a tall garage door (just be sure it meets the Australian Standards).
Need Help in Choosing The Best Garage Storage For You?
GarageSmart® has the perfect storage solution for you, and we can tailor it specifically to fit your needs. We have years of experience in the storage industry and know how to make the most out of every space.
You’ll be able to finally declutter your garage and get everything neatly organised and out of sight. Plus, our adjustable storage means you can change your mind about what you want to store whenever you want – no need for expensive renovations!
Request a quotation on our website today!
Conclusion
When you need a place to park your car and store your extra goods, a garage is the way to go. A pole-style building may be erected in a short amount of time and at a low cost, making it a viable option for those in need of a functional garage.
A pole building does not require a concrete slab, but its posts will still need to be set deep into the ground to ensure its stability. The cost of a pole garage is far lower than that of a traditional garage. When compared to the cost of a pole building, the average cost to construct a one-car garage is between $7,500 and $14,200.
Even though the price of a stick-built garage is higher than that of a pole-built garage, you can save money by purchasing kits that include everything you need to get started. If you’re thinking about building a garage, you’ll need to decide whether you want it to be fully enclosed and safe from the elements, or left open. If you need a covered parking space quickly and cheaply, a prefabricated carport kit is your best bet.
Even though building a garage from scratch will cost more than renovating, you will have complete freedom to design it anyway you like. Depending on size and features, the price of a brand-new garage can range from $30,000. to $100,000.
In terms of expense, a detached garage is preferable than a connected one. Though it’s important to consider current needs, it’s also wise to plan for potential future uses of the area. We have explored the range of feasibility across three different budget levels. The primary function of a luxury garage may be parking a car, but it could also be a workshop, a storage space, or something else entirely. We will now line the walls and put in the downlights. Next, you can decide if you want a tiled roof or deck, concrete floors, a bench, storage cabinets, music, and reverse cycle air conditioning.
Content Summary
- You definitely have a lot of stuff that has to be stored, but not enough space, if you’re like the average person.
- Putting up a garage can be an excellent answer to this issue, and the project doesn’t have to break the bank.
- Parking vehicles and storing extra items in the garage’s protected environment is a terrific idea.
- The construction of a sturdy garage can be accomplished in two main ways.
- A pole-style building may be erected quickly and at low cost, making it a viable option for those in need of a functional garage.
- The benefits of constructing a pole garage are numerous.
- Pole buildings don’t require a concrete slab for support, but the poles still need to be set in the ground.
- The lack of interior load-bearing walls in a post-frame structure makes it much easier to store items.
- The benefits of such a layout would seem to be endless.
- You might be surprised at the low cost of this garage building method per square foot.
- Budget between $10 and $30 per square foot for the construction of a basic pole building.
- Stick-built garages are more expensive than pole-built garages, but you can buy kits that include everything you need to get started for a manageable sum.
- However, the rudimentary nature of a pole garage or a stick-built kit can make it difficult to accommodate such unique requirements.
- The primary benefit of a wrap garage is the ease with which it may be modified.
- A pole carport or prefab building also provides you with additional flexibility.
- You can have confidence that any problems you have will be resolved to your satisfaction by your contractor.
- Unfortunately, building a traditional garage is far more costly than building a pole garage.
- Typically, a garage will cost $49 per square foot to build.
- A pole building is much more affordable than a single-car garage, which can cost anywhere from $7,500 to $14,200 to construct.
- Finally, it’s important to think about how much money you’re willing to put into creating the garage or your dreams.
- If you’re thinking about putting in a garage, you’ll need to decide whether you want something open to the elements, less secure, or completely covered.
- While building a garage from start is more expensive than remodelling, it also allows for more freedom of design.
- If you want to have complete control over the garage’s layout, lighting, and other features, you might find that building one from scratch is the best option.
- Before calling in the garage door manufacturer, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a local architect and builder who can help you bring your plans to life.
- On the other hand, if you use this tactic, you can boost your property’s worth and have simpler access to your car.
- A carport is the least expensive way to cover a vehicle, and it may be modified to fit any aesthetic preference.
- You can expand your carport whenever you like, whether due to increased need or increased financial resources.
- It is possible to transform some carports into garages by installing a door in the top.
- Garages can be transformed into a variety of useful rooms, such as a workshop, an extra bedroom, a laundry room, or even a home gym.
- To that end, we weighed the pros and cons of several funding levels.
- A new garage may be used for more than just parking your car: it can also be transformed into more living space by becoming a home gym, mudroom, or utility room.
- A new garage might cost anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 or more.
- The expense of securing the required building authorizations and licences to build a garage will change from one state to the next.
- We have explored some alternatives to the standard new garage that can be had for varying amounts of money.
- In most cases, the length of a single garage “bay” is anywhere between 3.5 and 6 metres.
- Therefore, a detached garage is more economically viable than a connected garage, which would require more costly engineering, design, and consent.
- If you want to park there, think about the size of your vehicle.
- It’s possible that a large car, which in Australia can be up to 5.5 metres in length and 1.9 metres in width, will fit in a detached garage, but there won’t be much room left over for other vehicles or storage.
- Within this price range, a single attached garage could be built.
- Both structural plywood and plasterboard are easy choices for lining garage walls, with plasterboard being preferable for people who want to give the room a more finished look.
- A luxury garage can accommodate three automobiles or more and sometimes doubles as a workshop, storage area, or other space.
- After we finish lining the walls and installing downlights, you can pick if you want a tiled roof or deck, concrete floors flooring, a bench, cabinetry for storage, a gaming room, an audio system, and reversed cycle air conditioning installed.
- In a posh locale, you absolutely need to have access to modern conveniences like running water, electricity, and maybe even a restroom.
- The installation of carpet in a garage is a terrific approach to upgrade the room’s visual appeal.
- Garage carpet, on the other hand, often costs $70 per linear metre.
- In addition to a vertical garage, a car turntable can be used to maximise the use of a narrow lot.
- You can count on spending around $20,000 on a single turntable.
- When parking your cars in the garage, leave yourself enough walking space so you can access the storage solutions you’ve set up.
- Finally, make sure you have easy access to all your equipment; if you have a large boat, a high garage door may be necessary.
FAQs About Cheap Garage
What Is the Most Cost-Effective Solution for Garage Building?
One of the simplest and most cost-effective solutions for building a garage is to erect a pole-style building. These are sometimes referred to as post-frame construction or pole barns, and many consider them to be superior to traditional stick-built garages.
What Is The Cheapest Material To Build A Garage?
When we take a look at these pros and cons, it’s easy to see that post-frame construction and garage kits are the most affordable building methods for your DIY garage build. Traditional stick framing is an option, but most DIY homeowners will find this to be the lengthiest and most costly choice.
How Thick Is A Garage Wall?
A garage wall can be as thin as 4.5 inches if it is an interior wall, but exterior walls should be at least 6.5 inches thick. The more weight a garage needs to support, the denser a garage wall must be. The way a wall is finished on its interior and exterior and the addition of siding will alter the dimensions.
Do You Need Footings For A Garage?
Basic garage structures are not required to have foundation footings unless your lot slopes or has poor soil conditions. Most garages have 4″ inch-poured concrete slab-on-grade, and the structure is built directly on the slab.
How Much Does A Garage Add To A Property?
A general rule of thumb, though, is that a single garage can add between 5-10% of the total value of your property and up to 20% for a double garage.
