Would You Build a Garage?

[cschin4]

We are planning to downsize to a smaller home that we recently remodeled and one in which my mom is living in. She found a nice apt and is moving out.
The home is now in great shape but there is a dilapidated garage which will need to be torn down as the foundation is not suitable for remodeling/repair. My spouse would like to build a garage. However, it isn't one we would park in or really use for anything other than storage and lawn equipment. It is at the back of the property so we will be parking out in front of the home and not in the garage. And, we don't tinker around with cars or use it in that way. So, building a garage seems to be a waste of money and I am considering putting up a shed or metal building, etc. Also, there are storage units to rent as well that certainly would be much cheper than building a garage if we really needed more stoarge. If I were to build a garage what do you think a new garage would cost to build? What would you do?

[Broken Arrow]

Ummmm.... well. You know, speaking as an outsider who knows very little about the details surrounding this... it does seem like a good idea.

Because, assuming it's strictly to park and protect your car, a garage is very helpful in that way. A garage will also increase the value of the house if you should decide to sell it some day. A garage in poor state could pull down your house value.

On the other hand, if you don't plan on staying for long, or if you don't plan on parking a car inside, then there's no point building the garage, as there are better options available.

[buildmybudget]

Have you put together a pro/con list for each of the alternatives including cost and functionality? This might be the qickest way for you both to flush out the right thing to do. To me, if it's not for your vehicles then it's not really a garage...it's just storage. And as you mentioned there are cheaper alternatives for storage than rebuilding the garage.

[cschin4]

What would be a better cheaper alternative? Something that looks nice without looking too cheap or slapped together.

[wincrasher]

It really depends on how big you make it and what kind of finishes.

Cheapest would be to just build a shell with no interior - no drywall, ceiling, etc.

It certainly would add value to your property. The most value would be an attached garage.

[project15]

My wife won't let us buy a house without a garage, so I say build it just for the fact that you can claim it as a garage when you go to sell. If your other option is to build a shed, go with the garage and use it as a shed.

[snafu]

My suggestion would be to add a packed metal storage unit to the property to store yard equipment and 'stuff.' While the 'flooring' choice is tricky, most of these kits are do-it-yourself with a class from the Big Orange Box store if you're reasonably handy, have patience and work well together.

2nd step, find out where to truck debris for the lowest cost and tear down the existing garage structure. This could be delayed until next spring. Meanwhile start research to determine the costs of a garage structure in your particular district. Do most of the homes have functioning garages? Are they new or wrecked? After moving in, talk to neighbors, realtors, tax dept. to see how much that raises property tax.

the only reason you would build a garage would be to increase the re-sale value of the property in the future. with the economy still struggling...it may be cheaper to do the deed now.

[cschin4]

Property values are depressed in this area. Adding a garage really isn't going to boost the value all that much. And, i have done home remodeling and found that it really doesn't pay to remodel based on what you think someone else needs or wants if you sell. I would probably get a little more money if I had a garage but I doubt I would recoup the cost of building it. And, I don't plan to sell anytime soon.
As for an attached garage, this is a very old neighborhood and the house was built in 1851. Lots of victorian homes in the neighborhood and none have an attached garage so that wouldn't fit with the neighborhood. All the garages are detached and away from the house. And, I actually prefer a detached garage anyway as I don't like the garage as part of my home, but that is just me.
When the time comes, I will go get some estimates. And, I also have to think of a one car versus one and a half or two car garage. I also like a garage with upstairs storage loft as well so will have to think on that.

[LuxLiving]

Sounds like you are ready for a storage shed to me.

[Ima saver]

We added on a 2nd two door garage. (My husband is a car nut and has 6 vehicles) Ours had a full bath and a room above that we fixed as an efficency apt. (small kitchen) The garage does have heat on both floors and air conditioning. It cost us about $30,000, but I am sure you can do a double garage for about $20,000. Figure on about $25 per square foot for a garage. I would have a hard time buying a house without a garage because my husband has so many tools. He is thinking of building a 3rd garage. (more cars)

[buster7823]

In my area there are alot of companies that will deliver a pre built storage shed that you can get a wide variety of sizes and the quality is very good. Since they are considered portable you dont have to get a permit or inspections or anything.