I speak with garage buyers throughout Cheshire, as well as across the UK. One of the questions I’m most often confronted with: How big should our garage be?
This is certainly an important question to ask. The garage’s size and shape has no means of being pulled, stretched, or even shrunk after it’s been built. The decision needs to be correct the first time, as there is no turning back.
So how does one know what size to choose?
How do I choose the right garage size for my requirements?
- Who are the garage’s main users? What are they likely to store in the garage?
- How much space do I want to have around my cars?
- Does anyone plan on using the garage as a workshop?
- What are the garage’s setbacks off the house and property lines?
- Will our garage size requirement change in the coming years?
Who are the garage’s main users? What are they likely to store in the garage?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask. I’ve had clients tell me, “I only want a small garage.”
Naturally, my next question is: “Why?”
I’m not implying that small garages are bad. I just want people to think about why they choose what they choose when it comes to their garage.
The fact is that although some customers might say they want a small garage, most of them will end up using a 4 bay garage as much as they would use a 2 bay garage.
How much space do I want to have around my cars?
If you only have a small car then you may get away with a short garage.
However, for anyone with an SUV or luxury car such as a Mercedes S class – you will need at least 6M in length. You will know this – next time you go to a supermarket – see how many cars stick out beyond the bay – these bays are 5M long
Same with the width – most supermarket bays are just 2.4-2.5M wide – can you image trying to get in and out if your car with a 2.5M wide bay garage.
The Premier Heritage Oak garage kits are all 6M long and our bay size is a generous 3M wide each.
Does anyone plan on using the garage as a workshop?
Maybe you’ve set your heart on a small garage because you only have a couple of small cars – but what about that workshop you have always dreamed of – does the garage size allow you to comfortably work in there without damaging the cars?
What are the garage’s setbacks off the house and property lines?
Like with the garage, you need to figure out your overall size restraints ahead of time.
Once the garage is placed in the yard, be sure you have enough space for other items you’d like to have on your property, Do you want to be able to access around the back for storage of items such as garden furniture during the winter?
Consider if there are any planning permission requirements for your garage Read more: A guide to planning permission on oak framed garages in 2023
Will our garage size requirement change in the coming years?
I know it’s hard to see into the future, but car sizes are are increasing, especially with SUVs.
With electrification of all cars by 2030, will there be enough room to access the charging point?
Although there are many more questions to consider, this list is a great start for most people when deciding on the size of your oak framed garage.
As I mentioned at the start of this article, the whole point of asking yourself such questions is so that you don’t have any regrets down the road about the decisions you’re making today with your garage choices.
If you’ve found this helpful, check out our standard oak framed garage kits here.
