Imagine buying a metal garage, setting it up, and later realizing it’s too small for your car and tools. Or maybe it’s too big and now you have wasted money and yard space. Not fun, right? Choosing the correct size helps you avoid such situations. Size affects everything: your budget, space, and future use.
Whether you are building a garage, home, storage space, livestock feed storage, studio, or a car repair shop, the size of the structure matters. It is vital to determine before making any decision. Incorrect size only wastes your time and money because the structure can’t fit the needs you installed it for.
If you focus on all the factors that affect the final size of the structure, you can ensure an impeccable structure. It will not only serve to store things but also improve the curb appeal of your property.
So here are some smart, simple, and practical tips to help you get the size just right.
Best Tips to Select the Perfect Size for a Metal Garage
Our team researched and collected some tips to select the right size. These are super simple and practical tips that will help you guide what you should do.
- Know What You Are Parking or Storing
First, find out the purpose of installing a metal garage. Many people use it besides just parking their cars and vehicles. So, why do you want to use a custom garage building? What will you keep inside the garage? The purpose helps to decide on the size of the garage, and the size helps to decide on the budget.
Here are some examples of the purpose and size of the garage accordingly:
- Will you store one car? You may need a 12×20 or 12×24 garage.
- Two cars? Go for a 20×24 or 24×30.
- Truck or RV? Now you need to think bigger- 18×40 or more.
- Or need a space for storage? A small 10×10 might work fine.
If you store a vehicle, always add 2-3 feet on each side for comfortable access. Otherwise, the car sides can collide with the garage doors. Similarly, no matter why you want to install a garage, always add sufficient extra space.
- Think Beyond Just Parking
A carport would have been enough if you only needed a place to park. But you also need storage for tools and car-related items that should stay safe from the weather. That’s why you chose a metal garage. So, don’t just think about parking; think about storage too, and other reasons to install a garage. If you plan to keep tools or other items, you will need extra space.
So, a metal garage isn’t just for vehicles. People use it for many purposes. Here are some of them.
- Storing lawn tools, bikes, boxes, and furniture
- DIY workshop or repair space
- Home gym or craft area
- Office corner or man cave
So ask yourself: What else do I want to do in there? If you are thinking long term, it’s better to go a bit bigger.
- Plan for Future Use
Your needs can outgrow the structure with time. If you are going to buy one more car or store more items in the garage, keep this in mind and go with a little larger size as per your future needs. Measure the garage for extra space, so you will not have to adjust or install a completely new structure for slightly grown needs.
Today it’s one car and some tools. But what about 2 years from now? There can be many reasons for going with a little larger size.
- Buying another car?
- Starting a home business?
- Turning it into a hobby space?
So, choose a garage that grows with you. If you have room on your property, adding a few extra feet in length or width is usually a smart move.
- Check Local Laws for Installation
Local building codes affect metal garage installation. Suppose you decided 40×50 size, everything is finalized, but the local authorities do not allow construction of more than 1600 square feet. You will need to replan everything from scratch.
So, before you finalize the size, check:
- Property boundaries
- Zoning rules or HOA guidelines
- Local building codes for height, width limits, and others
Also, measure your available space on the property. Don’t forget about:
- Room to walk around the garage
- Space for driveways or entryways
- Drainage and landscaping
- Consider Ceiling Height and Roof Type
Ceiling height and roof type also affect the metal garage dimensions. So, you should consider them to come up with the right size. Here are examples of the garage height and roof type to store different vehicles.
- Standard height: 8 to 12 feet
- For RVs or large trucks: 14+ feet
- Want a loft or attic storage? Then go higher
- Regular roof for low snow and rain
- A-frame roof for moderate weather
- Vertical roof for heavy snow or frequent rain
Additionally, taller garages also give more room for wall-mounted shelves, lights, or ceiling fans.
- Think About Entry Points
If the structure is larger from the inside and the doors are small, how will you park your vehicles inside? The sides of the vehicle and large items can collide with the doors and leave dents and scratches. Analyzing entry points impacts the usable space inside. Suppose you want a workbench or office in one corner, plan the layout and size accordingly.
Here are some questions you should ask before deciding on the entry points.
- How many doors do you need?
- Want single or double garage doors?
- Do you need side entries to park vehicles?
- Do you need windows, and how many?
- Factor in Walkways and Storage Zones
Since a metal garage can be used in various ways, many people install different features in the structure per their needs. These features affect the inside space of the building. You can add tool cracks, storage shelves, trash bins, a workbench, or a pegboard, but always plan for it beforehand so it doesn’t lead to cramped spaces. Moreover, it keeps the steel metal garages clutter-free and leaves a clear walking space.
Apart from storage zones, think of walkways carefully. Even if you just want to park cars, you will need 2–3 feet around each side to move easily. For example, if your car is 6 feet wide, your garage should be at least 12–14 feet wide, not just to fit the car, but to move around it too.
A Thoughtful Garage Serves Better
Size plays a crucial role in installing a thoughtful building that serves your needs effectively. Your steel prefab garage is more than a metal box. It can be a storage solution, a hobby room, a workshop, or a future home office. But it can only fit your unique needs when its size is measured accurately. Consider all the points discussed above to measure the correct dimensions of your structure. Think about what you will put inside, how you will use the space, what your future needs are, and what your property and budget are.
The perfect size is the one that makes your life easier, not just now, but for years to come.
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