Building a new garage is a large project that may seem overwhelming. If you are looking to save money, you may ask yourself if it is possible to build a garage yourself. Would it be faster if you hired a contractor? Will you save money? What are some cost-effective options for doing it yourself? Let’s take a look at these topics.
Time to Completion
When most people decide to install a new garage, they also need to install a driveway. If you want to try the do-it-yourself option, installing concrete pavers may be the way to go. It is a cheaper option than pouring concrete. It doesn’t require as many tools. If you have a regular job, you may not have the time to knock out the project in one go. However, you can take your time.
If you want concrete poured on your driveway, hire a professional. For professionals, it can take one to three days to pave a driveway. This is because they have the necessary tools and equipment to complete the job. They also are experienced. If you were to try to do it yourself, it could be a disaster.
Concrete dries very quickly. You may not be able to work as fast as a paving contractor, so your concrete could end up looking really bad. Not to mention, you have to remove the old sidewalk. You may think you are saving money, but you may have to pay double to fix your mistakes. You are also wasting more time than necessary.
Installing Utilities Safely
If you are looking to install utilities in your garage, there are a few things to think about. If you are going to install electrical sockets and switches, your garage needs to be weather-resistant. Electrical installation needs to be safe, so hire an electrician. You may also need to replace your fuse board with a bigger one. Cables run underground need to be deep enough so that you don’t accidentally dig them up. An electrician can help you figure out how much electricity you’ll need for your garage’s intended purpose, such as if you only plan to use it to park your vehicle or you’d like to set up a workshop with power tools in it.
If you want to put your washing machine in the garage, plumbing is involved. Your plumber has to build a water system for water that goes in and gray water that goes out. Installing an extra bathroom in your garage may require getting a permit. To install a toilet, you need a macerator to cut up solid waste. You also need access to sewer waste, so you can dump your waste. A plumber will take care of that for you. If you are going to install a shower or sink, you have to figure out how much hot water you will use. If you do not require a small amount of hot water, a small water heater should suffice. However, a lot of water may require installing a boiler.
Building on a Budget
If you want to build a garage yourself, prefab garages are an inexpensive option that are highly customizable. You can choose the color as well as the size. They are cheaper than traditional garages built from scratch. They usually come in kits, so they are easier and faster to build. In fact, a prefab garage usually only takes a few hours to install. They are also modular, and you can choose the right size and type for your property.
If you want a traditional garage and you don’t have building experience, it is better to hire a contractor. It may be hard to calculate how much it will cost to build the garage. Tools and supplies in your neighborhood hardware store may be more expensive than the stores that contractors shop at. They also already have most of the tools necessary for your project. A contractor can talk to you about your project and give you an estimate of the costs. There are also building codes and zoning issues that you have to consider. A contractor will know what they are and can assist you in getting the necessary permission and paid permits from local authorities.
Whether your area gets heavy snow in the winter is going to determine how expensive your roof will be. Homeowners typically overlook electrical, and, of course, you want lights in your garage. You may want the garage door to be controlled by remote. Most contractors have an array of plans for you to choose from to fit your needs and budget.
Garage Flooring
When building a garage, it is important to choose the right type of flooring. PVC interlocking tiles are a great choice for the do-it-yourselfer. You don’t need any adhesives or mortar. It is also inexpensive. However, if you want a more durable option, you can opt for a comprehensive floor coating. If this is the option you choose, you should hire a professional. First, your current floor needs to be prepared. This involves removings gaps and pits on your current floor. Contractors have special equipment for that. Then, they have to apply the coating evenly and remove any excess before adding a topcoat. Most contractors offer a warranty. So, if something happens to your floors, you can have them repaired without extra cost. It usually takes the contractor a day to do this.
If you are going to build your garage, doing it yourself is an option. However, there are some limitations that come with that. It may take longer for you to complete a project as opposed to a contractor. Do you have the patience to install concrete pavers or a prefab garage? What about building codes? Installing electrical with a professional may give you more peace of mind. Do-it-yourself options tend to not be as durable as the other options. However, those other options are more expensive and require a contractor. So, you will have to decide what is more important.
Here’s another article you might enjoy: The Importance of Following Housing Codes When Renovating Your Home