anybody know of a site that will help dial in the cost to build a garage. something that maybe has plans and comparable pricing averages, or else an estimator based on footage etc. gonna tacke this project in spring, will have to borrow from my 401k, and want to have enough, but not to much more. thanks. Dan

 

Correct me if I am wrong (not an uncommon occurence) but I think you are probably going to do as much of the work as you can yourself. Once you get a set of plans, one of the home center type places will do a take off to give you the price of the materials. I don't know of any sites like that (which is what you wanted to know in the first place) I'm sure that there is one, and that someone will post it. I would just say that the prices for these things vary quite a bit as you cross this great land of ours, particularly the labor, and I don't know how much one could depend on that info for an accurate estimate of costs. If you don't know a contractor or have one in mind already, My recommendation would be to find one - through people you may know that have had good luck with one. He could give you an estimate that would be accurate. Some contractors will work with you as far as the work you want to do yourself and price the work accordingly. I have seen many a project with the best of intention and a tight, well planned budget turn into a nightmare of cost overruns and headaches from poor resource planning due to a homeowner not having the time or background to devote to the project. No intent to knock you around here - hell, you sent me cookies!- I'd just hate to see you get in over your head.

 

First set up a wish list and get some plans drawn up.
Talk to friends who have recently done some work on their house and get an opinion about the contractor.
Get at least 3 bids/estimates, remember the lowest may not be your best choice - referals maybe a good way to go. Having 3 bids may give you "some" bargaining power.
Take your time on your project, Plan, plan, plan.

 

Dan, you have lots of unanswered questions.
What size?
Building type
Block, wood,metal
Lot size and setbacks from property lines
Electric size, 50 amps, 100 amps etc.
Floor material, dirt, concrete
And zoning !

I think you could go to
www.download.com
and get some free programs that you could put your numbers in and see what you will have.
And remember this, no matter how large you build it, it will always be too small
Jim

 

This link should help you some and is just a guideline for ideas

http://www.84lumber.com/projects/gar...ype=05&pjt=gar

Have fun and pull your permits and do it right
Jim

 

thanks all i appreciate the answers, i am in the very beginning stages. i might have it framed up and roofed, and then i will kick in. just trying to get an idea how much money to borrow from myself. funny about never being enough, i have a one car now, and intend to either go 3 car wide, or two car X2 deep. i can already see i will have too little but.....

 

Do yourself a HUGE favor !! DO NOT borrow from your 401K !!
Find another way and If you can"t? DON 'T
That 401K is your future NOW
Give it lot's of thought..
I bought our F-550 on a cash advance on a CC and We love it ( 7% ) and 2% of the unpaid balance=Piece of cake
Jim

 

I built a 20x30 metal building on concrete slab with all the electrical done and including an upright aircompressor in the cost of building. I got away just right at 12K. All I had to do was stand back and watch it be done.

 

A hardware/lumberyard chain here advertises garage materials packages with just about everything but the foundation. If there's something like that in your area, and it fits your needs, that covers a big chunk of your costing, and all you'd need to phone around for is an estimate for the foundation.

For example: http://www.homehardware.ca/app/Backy...050&sku=366352

I'd be really tempted to go for a design with a second floor loft that could be used for storage and for the "reference" library of old Hot Rod & Truckin' magazines.

 

I am in the process of doing the same thing right now. I am purchasing a package (24x24) I am getting the package to the lockup point. Basically no siding and just bare studs on the inside. It includes doors and windows as well as nails and shingles. It is going to cost just under $4800.00 before taxes.

I will be hiring a contractor for the concrete work and building the garage myself.

 

Make sure you post lots of pictures of progress
Thanks
Jim

 

I built a 30' x 70' with 14' side walls. Cost with the concrete $25,000. I did all the work myself except for the concrete. Here's the company I bought mine from. http://heritagebuildings.com/ They were very friendly and helpful.

 

I just got a quote from a local guy and it will come to just under $6000.00 for the complete foundation.

 

Here's what mine looks like.

 

man i went to menards.com a few weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised at kit prices. if i recall there were several that would work for me as a 2.? wide and 2 deep for around 7k. the concrete is gonna be my big problem along with the tree and stump removal. should be starting late april with some luck. this summer is gonna suck, with home projects. Dan