9 Things Homeowners Should Know About Modular Garages

Garages are wonderful in that they can store a number of things such as your car, household tools, equipment, and much more. While traditional garages are built on-site and can even be attached to your home, modular garages, although they can serve the same purpose, are quite different in how they are built. If you are interested in getting a modular garage for your property, there are a few things that you should know.

What Exactly is a Modular Garage?

Modular garages are typically built inside of a factory and then transported to your property. Building in such a way can be very beneficial in that it is better for the environment, saves time, and in most cases can save you lots of money. However, don’t think that a modular garage doesn’t require anything other than purchasing and shipping. Although these garages are pre-built, they are often transported in parts that must be assembled on the property.

How to Make it Fit Your House

While there are some limitations to customizing a modular garage, there are plenty of ways to make it match the look and feel of the rest of your property. When deciding on the appearance you want for your garage, you can choose a finish that is cohesive with the color and style of your home. Although certain finishes may cost more, matching your modular garage appearance with your home’s aesthetic not only looks nice, it can also help to add value to your property. Since adding a garage can significantly increase the value of your home, by building a modular garage, you can benefit from the increase without spending nearly as much as you would for a traditional garage.

Customization

While you can definitely design your modular garage anyway that you choose, customizing it will definitely increase the cost. One of the reasons modular garages are so affordable is that they usually come in a generic design that requires little more than a quick off-site build and a simple assembly. Changing the finishes and materials to a customized look can definitely add more curb appeal to your project, however, be prepared to pay a bit more.

Durability

Although modular garages are not typically as durable as traditionally built garages, depending on the materials that you choose as well as the finishes, you can increase the durability and strength of your modular garage. There are a few materials and finishes to choose from such as wood, steel, aluminum, and more. Generally, modular garages that are made without any customization are coated with basic material that may not necessarily be suitable for extreme weather conditions. If you want your modular garage to last a very long time, you should consider the type of finish that is best for the particular region that you live in.

Wood

One of the least expensive materials to build your modular garage with is wood. You can either have this type of modular garage as a stand-alone or attached. This can be a great option if you are simply looking for a place to store your car or some tools. Another benefit of choosing a wooden modular garage is, although you may still be required to obtain a permit, you might not have to deal with zoning issues. However, make sure to check with the authorities in your area and find out what specific documents they require.

Steel

If you need lots of space, a steel modular garage may be just right for you. These types of garages can be built extremely wide and they are much stronger than the average wooden garage. While these particular modular garages are normally for industrial use, steel garages offer many more design options than those made of wood. They can be built with multiple stories, and even have plumbing installed as well. Depending on what your needs are, a steel garage may be right for you, however, you should make sure to check your zoning codes and restrictions.

Preparing the Site

Now that you’ve chosen your modular garage, you have to properly prepare the area where the garage will be placed. You’ll want to make sure that the ground is nicely compacted as well as leveled off so that you can form a nice solid and secure slab on top. If you are using a modular garage kit and plan to do the assembly yourself, then you may have to rent the equipment, or you can hire someone to bulldoze the ground for you. After the ground is prepared, a foundation will need to be installed and before the garage can be set on it.

Setting It Down

After your foundation has been properly laid, you can then begin to get your modular garage prepared to either be set on the concrete or assembled. If your unit arrived whole, then you will need to use a crane so that the garage may be lifted and placed onto the concrete. However, if yours requires assembly, then now the fun of seeing your garage come to life begins. You may want to enlist the help of some friends as these pieces are quite large and can be awkward when trying to maneuver with just a couple of people. With some help, this project should only take you a couple of days to complete.

Maintenance

If you want to enjoy your modular garage for years to come, it is important that you take care of it properly. If you have a steel garage, you want to make sure that the paint is not chipping since any exposed steel can lead to corrosion. Also, you want to keep the drainage clear so that rainwater is flowing away and not onto any parts of the structure.

Although modular garages may not be your typical type of garage, they can still last just as long when taken care of properly. By using the right materials and practicing routine maintenance and care, your modular garage can be one of the best home improvement projects you ever complete.

Read more about garage projects: 5 Ways You Should Show Some Love To Your Garage