Are you planning to build a garage? This piece has become truly essential to our contemporary homes. Space for storage, DIY or vehicle parking, it can even turn into a viable extension over the years.
Because the construction of a garage cannot be improvised, our experts provide you with their advice to carry out your project. We accompany you from A to Z in your steps and your choices for a successful construction!
Why build a garage?
The garage is an essential part of a home. To park your vehicles, store equipment, or even have a sheltered space for DIY, there are many uses! The garage is a room that has made its way into our homes and its design has become synonymous with quality and no longer a simple shelter. In addition, with time and the evolution of the family, the garage can be converted into a parental suite, a studio to accommodate your adolescent children or to offer a little privacy to a single parent, or even an office or professional space. .
Building a garage is therefore essential in our modern homes. This room is intended to be of high quality and suitably insulated to withstand the temperature variations experienced throughout the year.
What are the steps to take to build a garage?
Before embarking on your project, certain administrative procedures are essential. Start by consulting the Local Urban Plan (PLU) of your municipality at least four months before the launch of the project in order to find out if the construction of your future garage is subject to specific rules and aesthetic constraints (materials, colors, etc. ).
Thereafter, it is advisable to make a declaration of work or an application for a building permit with your town hall. The building permit application concerns garages with a floor area of more than 20 m². The form can be completed online and must be submitted at least 3 months before the start of construction. The declaration of work concerns garages with a floor area of less than 20 m². It must be submitted to the town hall at least 1 month before the start of the work.
What are the different types of garages?
There are three types of garages: above-ground garages, semi-underground garages and underground garages. The choice is yours and meets your needs and the constraints of your land.
The above-ground garage
The above-ground garage is built in the open air, on the ground. It can be attached to your home or independent.
If your garage is attached to your house, it is more easily accessible by means of a service door. If it is not built on the same foundations as the rest of the house, it should be properly insulated so as not to facilitate the entry of cold into the house. On the other hand, be aware that the attached garage does not isolate you from the noises or smells of vehicles that have been parked.
When the garage is separated from the house, you are no longer bothered by noise, but you also have to go outside to access it, which is not always practical or pleasant when it is cold and when it rains.
The semi-underground garage
The semi-buried garage is built partly underground. It has the advantage of not condemning too much space on your property and its roof is generally laid out as a terrace for more comfort. In addition, it is a better noise insulator when it is attached to the house than the above-ground garage. On the other hand, this type of garage must be made with particular attention to insulation, because its semi-buried nature makes it more vulnerable to infiltration.
The underground garage
The underground garage is completely built underground, generally under the house. Thus, it does not encroach on the surface of the house or on the land of your property. However, this type of construction is generally carried out at the same time as that of the house, because it entails major excavation, support and waterproofing work.
With what materials to build your garage?
Above-ground garages: a wide choice of building materials
In the case of above-ground garages, which are the most common constructions, it is possible to use several materials.
If your above-ground garage is attached to your home, it is advisable to favor cinder block or brick. The first has a good index of thermal and acoustic insulation. It is simple to install for a low cost and easy to finish. Brick is a very good insulator; it is recommended when your house is made of brick, for a matter of harmony.
If your above-ground garage is independent of your home, you have more solutions. Wood is particularly recommended. Very good insulator, it is easy to assemble thanks to the ready-to-use kits. Aesthetic and warm, it brings a natural touch to all styles of homes while blending into the decor of the garden.
Underground and semi-underground garages: insulation above all
As part of the construction or development of underground and semi-underground garages, it is imperative to think about insulation. The floor and walls must be perfectly insulated to prevent infiltration and humidity. The concrete slab is therefore to be preferred for the floor, and concrete blocks and brick for the walls.
How much should you budget for building a garage?
What are the factors likely to vary the price?
Assessing the cost of building a garage without a specific project is difficult. Indeed, several factors are likely to change the price. It’s up to you to calculate the final cost according to your desires, or on the contrary to modify your project to match your budget.
- The type of garage: building an adjoining or independent garage will not have the same price. The same applies between an above-ground, buried or semi-buried construction.
- The dimensions of the garage.
- The materials used for its construction.
- The roof of the garage.
- The opening mode: type of garage door (sectional, swinging, pivoting, sliding, tilting, etc.), opening mode (manual, automatic).
- The type of finishes.
- The prices charged by the professional.
What price for the construction of your garage according to its type?
The average price of a garage is calculated per square meter. If the addition of this room brings real added value to your home, the necessary investment can be substantial.
Know that to build a garage (of the classic type), it takes between 8,000 and 15,000 euros on average; this price includes the materials and the labor of the masons. This price variation is explained by the various characteristics that can make up your garage.
- For the construction of an above-ground garage, whether attached or independent of the dwelling, plan a budget of 500 to 600 euros per square meter.
- For the construction of a semi-buried garage, plan a cost between 600 and 700 euros per square meter.
- For the construction of an underground garage, plan a budget of 800 to 900 euros per square meter.
The increase in prices between the different models is justified by the major earthworks required by semi-buried and above all buried models.
What price for the construction of your garage according to the material used?
The chosen building material weighs relatively heavily in the balance.
- For the construction of a garage in concrete blocks, count about 70 euros per square meter, insulation included. This solution is interesting because its lifespan is long and it adapts to all constructions.
- For the construction of a wooden garage, count 100 to 110 euros per square meter on average. This construction is simple, fast and aesthetic. On the other hand, if it is suitable for all styles of houses, it also requires more maintenance.
- For the construction of a brick garage, count about 110 to 115 euros per square meter. Even more insulating than cinder block, it is suitable for brick houses.
- For the construction of a metal or prefabricated garage, count 150 to 200 euros per square meter. This solution is simple and quick to set up. However, it is more fragile over time.
To this cost should be added the price of insulation and roofing. Thus, count between 60 and 100 euros more per square meter of surface.
Finally, think about the price of your various finishes (wall coverings, etc.) and of the garage door. Depending on the model chosen for the latter, count 150 to 3,000 euros more, or even more if you decide to motorize it!
Contact a professional for the construction of your garage
If you want to have your garage built by a professional, contact several masons. Present your project to them and have several free, no-obligation quotes made. Ask for detailed models in order to know all the tasks included in the service. Compare the offers, negotiate and choose among the most competent professionals in order to find the service with the best quality/price ratio.