| Although building a garage is not usually a project for someone with no construction experience, the modern pre-engineered metal garage kit is designed so simply that even a novice can do it. Pre-marked components, pre cut openings, pre- assembled roof trusses and metal fasteners have revolutionized garage building!
However, there is still a lot of planning and details to be worked out before you rush out, rent that cement mixer (for the foundation) and plunge right in.
Key areas to consider:
- What size garage?
- What outside appearance?
- Will you need plumbing?
- If the garage will be a workspace, will you need insulation?
Click here for more info about insulating a steel building.
- Where and how many doors and windows?
- Which parts of the project, if any, will you build yourself; which parts will you contract out?
Once you have a clear idea of what you want in a garage, the real planning begins. Check the local zoning office, as well as building code and permit requirements before beginning any building project. This used to require a phone call or trip downtown, but now can easily be done online for most areas in the country.
Zoning Approval …
Zoning is the first step for anyone who wants to know if the proposed use of land is allowed, i.e. - is it legal to build a garage on your land?
Each city or town has its own zoning regulations, which govern the administration of the ordinance and specify the uses allowed and development standards for each zoning district.
The Zoning code is based on a basic set of parameters. There are rules that outline maximum or minimum requirements for things such as building width and height, location in relation to property lines, as well as requirements specific to particular building uses. As long as your proposed garage falls within these parameters, you are free to build according to your own tastes and needs – of course, with building permits.
If your plans do not fall within these parameters there are two choices- adjust your plans or apply for a variance. Getting a variance is a time consuming process, and there is no guarantee that it will be approved in the end.
If you are planning a metal garage project, talk to the Zoning office sooner rather than later. It’s definitely better to have all the information you need when you can still make changes to your plans.
Permits...
Depending on your location and the type and use of your building, you will need various permits to make sure that the work is done in compliance with those ordinances. For projects using a contractor, the contractor is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits.
Different locales have various different ordinances to regulate construction, maintenance, and remodeling so that the buildings will be safe. It is likely that a city will have many more specifications and restrictions on building than a rural area.
Some types of permits you may need include:
- Building Permits
- Electrical Permits
- Environmental Permits
- Mechanical/Heating Permits
- Plumbing Permits
- Sign Permits
- Soil Erosion Permits
- Street Use Permits
- Wrecking / Moving Permits
Have your building supplier provide certified, stamped and engineered blueprints so that you can be sure your steel building is in compliance with code.
To obtain the building permit, you will also need to supply the following information:
- A description of all plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work that you plan on doing.
- Because your new steel garage will raise the value of your property, it will probably also raise your property taxes. You will need to present the fair market value for the completed project, including the cost of materials and labor.
- A copy of the contract, if a contractor is performing the work.
Your permit(s) should be posted at the project site.
The last page of your permit has the building inspector`s name and phone number on it. Contact the inspector directly if you have questions about your project or to schedule an inspection. You will need the permit number and the address where the work is being done to schedule an inspection of the work.
If you are issued an inspection record card, post the card at the job site for the inspectors to make notes. Your approved site plan (if any) must be available at each inspection.
Sometimes a site plan, a zoning site review, and an inspections plan review are required before a permit can be issued.
Site Plan...
A site plan is a drawing of your property. It must show the property lines, any structures that currently exist on that land (house, garage, fence, etc) and where your planned garage is to be located. For this you need to locate the metal stakes that mark the corners of your lot. These are often buried a few inches underground and are set 1 foot in from the actual lines.
The dimensions of the site must be accurate. If you can`t find these property line markers yourself, you will have to hire a licensed surveyor to locate them in order to draw up the site plan.
A site plan should include:
- An arrow indicating north
- The scale of the drawing.Draw the site plan to the most appropriate scale, for example, 1” = 10’.
- Property lines, which will need to be physically located. You might need to hire a surveyor. A typical residential lot survey costs approximately $700 to $900. It can be more if your land is irregular in shape or has other unusual features. You should obtain estimates from several surveyors.
( While it may seem expensive to hire a surveyor, it will be cheaper than having to relocate the building after construction begins, or legal costs caused by encroaching on someone else`s property.)
- Adjacent streets and any easements.
- The distance between buildings and between buildings and property lines.
- The dimensions of the existing buildings.
- A clear indication of the proposed addition.
Site plan review...
A site plan review determines compliance with local ordinances and applicable state building and mechanical codes. Once your site plan is approved, the next step is to apply for permits.
Inspections...
Inspections are required by most state laws and frequently by city/town ordinance for any work requiring a permit. Inspections make sure that your project meets safety requirements, complies with state law and city codes, and follows the approved plan.
Before you call for an inspection appointment, make sure that the project is ready. If you are using a contractor, the contractor will schedule the inspection. If you are not using a contractor, you or a person older than 18 must be at the property during the inspection.
There is no fee for the first inspection; it is covered by the permit fee. However, if the job is not completed at the time of the inspection or if multiple inspections are needed for the same job, there may be an additional fee.
More than one inspection may be performed during construction if:
- The work does not meet code requirements.
- The work is not completed.
- The project involves more than one area of expertise.
If you have a building permit, the inspector will date and initial the final inspection item on the permit. For other permits, the inspector will leave a copy of the inspection report.
If the work is not complete, if there are code violations, or if the inspector did not have access to the property to do the inspection, the work will not be approved. You will need to correct the problem and schedule another inspection. In that case, a re-inspection fee may be charged.
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