Garage Plans: Everything You Need To Know Before You Build

These days, a garage is more than just a place to park your cars. Modern garage plans help homeowners create multi-functional spaces for storage, workshops, hobbies, or even living quarters. The right garage plan will help you visualize the structure, stay on budget, and help you meet local building codes and permitting requirements. Without a clear plan, you risk making some expensive mistakes, encountering delays, or building an inefficient space that doesn’t meet your needs.

In this guide, we will explain what garage plans are, the different types available, how to choose the right size and layout, typical building costs, permit requirements, and how My Site Plan can help throughout the process.

At its core, garage plans are detailed architectural blueprints that outline the design and specifications for a garage structure. These plans serve multiple important purposes:

• They provide builders and contractors with the exact measurements, materials, and construction methods needed for the project.

• They help homeowners visualize the finished garage and make design choices.

• They are a critical part of the building permit application process, demonstrating compliance with local codes.

Garage plans typically include:

• Footprint dimensions: The length, width, and sometimes height of the garage, defining its physical size

• Entryways: Locations and sizes of garage doors, man doors, and any windows

• Roof details: The pitch (angle), style, and framing methods for the garage roof

• Foundation specifications: What kind of slab or footing will support the garage?

• Materials: Notes on exterior finishes, roofing materials, and structural elements

• Electrical layouts: Placement of outlets, lighting, switches, and any other electrical considerations

• Optional features: Skylights, storage lofts, HVAC systems, plumbing hookups, or security features

Garage plans are different from site plans. While a garage plan focuses on the garage itself, a site plan provides a larger overview of your entire property, showing the location of the garage in relation to your home, property boundaries, easements, driveways, and utility connections.

Site plans are often required for permits to verify zoning compliance, setbacks from property lines, and to assess the overall site impact.

Read how we helped James in Indiana get a permit for his new garage. 

Choosing the right garage size and layout is crucial because it affects usability, cost, and how well the structure fits on your property. You want enough space for vehicles, storage, and possibly a workspace, without overbuilding or wasting square footage.

Below are common garage size guidelines, based on real project data from Angi :

The size you choose depends on:

• The number and size of vehicles

• Storage or workspace needs

• Available lot space and layout restrictions

For example, a 2-car garage plan measuring 20 by 20 feet is often big enough for two average-sized sedans. However, if you own trucks, SUVs, or want extra room to walk around or store gear, a 24-by-24-foot plan might be better.

When selecting or customizing a garage plan, consider these commonly sought features:

• Storage lofts: Raised platforms or attic spaces for seasonal storage free up floor space and keep clutter out of the way.

• Electrical setups: Multiple outlets and lighting fixtures are essential for safety and functionality, especially if the garage doubles as a workshop.

• Windows and skylights: These increase natural light, making the space more pleasant and reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

• Heating and cooling: HVAC options are important if the garage will be used as a workspace or includes living quarters.

• Plumbing: Hookups for utility sinks, water access, or bathrooms can add versatility.

• Workbenches and cabinetry: Built-in workspace solutions improve organization and usability.

Some additional things to consider when creating or choosing garage plans include:

• Garage door sizes and placement : A single-car garage often uses a standard 8 to 9-foot-wide overhead door, while 2-car garages typically have one 16-foot-wide door or two separate 8- or 9-foot doors.

• Ceiling height: A minimum ceiling height of 7 to 8 feet is common, but higher ceilings (10+ feet) can accommodate larger vehicles, larger equipment, or storage lofts.

• Access and traffic flow: If you use your garage for multiple purposes, designate areas for parking, storage, and workspace so they don’t interfere with each other.

Garage plans come in different configurations, each tailored to meet different needs and suit different property types. Here are some common types of garage layouts you’ll come across:

2-car garage plans are the most widely used, balancing size and cost effectively for typical families. These garages typically measure 18 to 24 feet wide by 20 to 24 feet deep . They are ideal for homeowners who own two vehicles and need moderate storage or workspace.

Common additions include:

• Storage lofts or attic spaces

• Workbenches or tool storage

• Electrical outlets for power tools or appliances

Attached 2-car garages offer direct access to the home, which is convenient for carrying groceries or managing inclement weather.

Detached 2-car garages offer design flexibility and may be preferable for homeowners seeking a separate workspace or a noise buffer.

3-car garage plans offer extra space for families with multiple vehicles, including trucks, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles.

Typical dimensions for three-car garage plans start at approximately 32 feet wide by 22 feet deep , but can be larger depending on configuration. Some layouts use tandem bays (parking one car behind another) or L-shaped designs to maximize property use.

These plans often incorporate:

• Separate bays with individual doors

• Dedicated storage or workshop zones

• Enhanced electrical and lighting setups

Detached garage plans offer the freedom to place the garage anywhere on your lot, making them ideal for larger properties. Benefits include:

• Reduced noise and fumes near living space

• Customizable designs independent of the house style

• Options for workshop spaces, rental units, or hobby areas

Detached garages often require additional considerations, such as separate electrical and plumbing hookups, as well as pathways between the structures.

Getting a site plan for a detached garage is essential. A detached garage site plan can help you properly plan where your detached garage will sit on your property and assist in obtaining a building permit.

Garage house plans combine a garage with living quarters, such as an apartment or guest suite above or beside the garage. These plans maximize property value and versatility but are more complex.

Garage house plans usually include:

• Separate entrances for privacy

• Full or partial kitchens and bathrooms

• Insulation and HVAC for comfortable living spaces

This type of plan requires detailed architectural and engineering design and may be subject to stricter permitting.

Selecting a garage plan is about balancing your current and future needs with your property constraints and budget.

The number of vehicles you own is the most straightforward factor in choosing garage size, but there are extra things to keep in mind:

• Additional vehicles like motorcycles or recreational vehicles

• Lawn equipment such as mowers and snow blowers

• Future vehicle purchases or replacements

Including these needs early avoids costly expansions later.

Garages often serve double duty as storage or workshop spaces. Consider adding square footage or features like storage lofts, cabinets, or extra electrical outlets if you want to include:

• Room for tools, seasonal decorations, or sports equipment

• Dedicated workbenches or hobby areas

• Small business setups such as woodworking or vehicle repair

Your property’s shape and zoning laws significantly influence your garage design:

• A narrow lot may limit garage width or require tandem parking

• Setback requirements dictate how close to property lines you can build

• Driveway placement affects garage door orientation and access

A detailed site plan is invaluable here because it can help you visualize garage placement, driveways, and landscaping.

My Site Plan can create a detailed site plan for your dream garage to help with planning, permits, and more.

Understanding the financial and regulatory aspects of building a garage is critical to planning a successful project.

The cost of building a garage varies widely, depending on factors such as size, materials, location, and complexity. Here’s a breakdown of average garage building costs in the U.S. According to data from  Angi , average garage building costs in the U.S. are approximately:

Several factors affect these costs, including:

• Size: Larger garages naturally cost more for materials and labor.

• Materials: Wood framing is generally less expensive than steel, but steel may offer durability advantages.

• Roofing: Complex rooflines or premium materials add to costs.

• Foundation : Concrete slab foundations are standard, but costs vary with soil conditions and frost lines.

• Features: Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, insulation, and storage add to the budget.

• Detached vs. attached: Detached garages typically cost more due to the need for separate utility hookups and foundation work.

Getting multiple quotes and carefully reviewing your garage plans will help control costs and avoid surprises.

Need to retrofit your existing garage instead of building new? Read our guide to common garage remodel costs.

Depending on where you live, it’s likely that you’ll need building permits for garage construction or remodeling. The permit process involves:

• Site plans: Site plans are typically required with permit applications to demonstrate compliance with setbacks and easements.

• Architectural drawings: Structural and foundation drawings must comply with local codes.

• Inspections: Electrical and plumbing work usually require inspections.

• Additional approvals: Detached residential garage plans may require additional approvals depending on location.

• HOA rules: Some areas or HOAs have restrictions on garage size or style to maintain neighborhood aesthetics.

It’s important to review local building regulations early in your project to understand requirements and avoid any issues before construction begins.

My Site Plan offers a streamlined solution for creating site plans required for garage building permits. Benefits include:

• Remote site plans: No need for on-site visits. We use satellite imagery and advanced tools.

• Non-certified plans: Accepted by many cities for permits, speeding up approvals.

• Fast turnaround: Often within 24 to 48 hours.

• Permit support: Guidance on what you need for your local jurisdiction.

We help you skip the hassle and guesswork in the permit process to get your garage project started quickly and correctly.

Explore our site plan options or get in touch with the My Site Plan team to learn more.