Prefab Garages vs Stick Built Garages

There are many factors to consider when adding a garage to your home and it's not just about what it will look 

like. Perhaps the most important question of all is how much it is going to cost. That really does depend on whether you are considering prefab garages or traditionally built garages. Although they both will do a good job of protecting your vehicle and prized possessions, there's a huge difference in price.

First of all, let's talk about how much value is building a garage going to add to your home? According to Remodeling magazine, roughly 69% of the investment will be recouped. In other words, if you spend $20,000 on construction, it will add $13,800 in overall value to your home if you decide to sell. Add to that the convenience and security that a garage offers and it's clear that it is an excellent home improvement.

There are a couple of options to choose from for the construction of a garage. First is the traditional, stick built structures that everyone is familiar with. And, over the last several years, prefab garages have been more and more prevalent. Either type of construction will serve the purpose it's intended to, but when cost is taken into consideration, there is one clear front-runner.

On average, one-car garages built with traditional materials are going to start out somewhere around $10,000 and go up from there. To construct and a two-car can nearly double the price tag. In addition to the actual construction costs, there are also going to be permits, inspections and other costs to factor in. Plus, just like any other construction project, it takes time and schedules can easily be altered due to weather or crew issues. The longer it takes, the more expensive the build gets.

Keep in mind that the bigger the garage, the more square footage you'll have to use after construction for both kinds of garages. Also keep in mind that the larger the garage, the more materials and labor will be required. How big should you build? That will depend on how many vehicles you want to use it for and whether or not you need extra storage space. It's always nice to have a little extra floor space for gardening equipment, bicycles and tools, but adding just ten square feet (5' x 2') you add roughly $400 to the cost of construction.

Prefab garages, on the other hand range in price from $4,000 on up. The construction time is significantly reduced since the basic construction is done off-site. The manufacturer builds the frame, loads it up on a truck and hauls it out to your site where the pieces are fully assembled. The benefit is that it requires a minimal amount of time, compared to standard construction. Within short order, they will put it all together and all you have to do is park the car inside.

So, you know that adding a garage adds value to your home, expands your storage space and keeps your vehicle safe and out of the weather. You don't have to spend the kids college tuition or cash in your retirement savings. There is one simple way to save money while still getting a garage that suits your needs. Contact us for more information about how prefab garages offer the same stability, durability and functionality of stick-built garages, but cost less and go up much quicker.