New Garage Building: Considerations and Planning
There are a number of considerations you need to make before starting your new garage project. You should investigate it to find out how much space you have and if you have the required access. You need to research the costs involved, whether you have the necessary skills, or whether you need to hire a builder to build your new garage.
Realistically, you can build your garage in two ways. Your first option is to buy a prefabricated garage from one of the many suppliers across the UK. The other option available to you is to hire a garage builder to build you one from scratch.
If you prefer to buy one of the prefab garages on the market, you obviously need to look for the most competitive quotes. You will need to decide on the type of garage you want and provide the retailer with accurate measurements so they can supply you with a building that meets your requirements. In all cases, a suitable concrete base will be necessary to support the garage.
The custom option when thinking about a garage is to have a builder build one for you. Within the UK this option is usually slightly more expensive than the pre-built option, but you get the garage exactly how you want it, built to your own specifications.
It’s important to find a garage builder who comes with good references so you can be sure you’ll get a good job. A great way to find good dealers is to ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations of someone they might have used in the past and what the costs were so you know what to expect.
The cost to build your garage will vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the style selected, the materials used, and whether or not planning permission is required. There are also options like electricity and even plumbing in some cases that could add to the cost.
Be sure to always shop around with different vendors to ensure you get the best price. If you’re using a reputable builder, make sure you get a quote in writing before they start work and the cost shouldn’t rise above this.
Will I need planning permission if I add a garage or carport to my property?
For existing garages that you buy precast, the law defines them as precast concrete sectional garages and states that in most cases you don’t need planning permission as they are considered temporary structures. However, that doesn’t necessarily apply to your specific building, so to be on the safe side, contact your local authority’s planning office to discuss whether or not you need planning.
Your local council will be able to tell you if your garage project will require planning permission and should be able to tell you about any planning and construction control costs.
In short, you should do your research. Take precise measurements and confirm with the town hall before undertaking any construction work. Once you’ve decided what you need, shop around for the best priced prefabs or find a recommended local builder who will deliver your garage project at a reasonable price.
