How to Choose the Right Detached Garage for Your Property
What Do You Need Your Garage to Do?
You know you need more space, but choosing the right detached garage takes planning. This garage-buying guide from Prestige Buildings covers the essentials of detached garage planning, from vehicles and storage to hobbies, property size, and future needs.
Your Perfect Garage Starts With Its Purpose
Start by considering how your
prefab garage will fit into everyday life. Vehicles matter, but storage, hobbies, equipment, and future plans can quickly change what you need.
Parking & Vehicle Protection
Protect one or multiple everyday vehicles from the elements, while leaving enough room to park comfortably, open doors, and move around each vehicle.
Storage
Create dedicated storage for lawn equipment, tools, bikes, ATVs, seasonal decorations, and other belongings that can quickly take over your basement, driveway, or home.
Workshop or Hobby Space
Turn your garage into a space where projects can stay projects, whether you’re rebuilding an engine, working with wood, potting plants, or tinkering with equipment.
A Little Bit of Everything
Plan for parking, storage, and weekend projects because space fills up fast. Considering all three from the start can prevent a cramped layout later.
Extra Space Beyond the Garage
Make the most of your garage’s footprint with a second story, creating valuable extra room for organized storage, hobbies, or flexible space upstairs.
Detached Garage Size Comparison
| Garage Type | Best For | Consider It If… |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Car | One vehicle + basic storage | You have limited property space or straightforward storage needs |
| Two-Car | Two vehicles or vehicle + workspace | You want greater flexibility without a substantially larger footprint |
| Three-Car | Multiple vehicles + significant storage | You have equipment, recreational vehicles, hobbies, or growing storage needs |
| Two-Story | Maximum usable space | You want garage space below with an additional level for storage or other uses |
Your Cars Aren’t the Only Things That Need Space
One car doesn’t always mean a one-car garage. Think about what will share the space, from workbenches and tools to bikes, equipment, and future vehicles.
One Car, Two Cars, Three Cars—or Two Stories?
Each garage size opens up different possibilities. Compare how you’ll use the space, what needs to fit, and where a little extra room pays off.
Two-Car Garage: Room to Be Flexible
A two-car garage offers built-in flexibility, with room for two vehicles or an extra bay dedicated to storage, hobbies, or projects.
Three-Car Garage: More Room for More Possibilities
A three-car garage gives larger households room for multiple vehicles, recreational equipment, and storage without giving up valuable workspace.
Think Beyond What You Need Today
Your garage should work for today without becoming too small tomorrow. Consider another vehicle, teen drivers, growing hobbies, sports equipment, workshop space, lawn equipment, ATVs, motorcycles, trailers, and household storage. A little extra room now can give you valuable flexibility as your needs change and may make the property more appealing down the road.
Plan for what could be in your garage five or ten years from now.
Make Sure the Garage Fits Your Property, Too
The right garage needs to work with your property, not just your wish list. Consider the available footprint, driveway access, garage orientation, door placement, and how the building will sit alongside your home. Local setbacks and other requirements may also influence what’s possible. Thinking through the entire property early helps you choose a garage that feels like it belongs there instead of squeezed into the space.
Don’t Forget the Space Around Your Vehicles
Fitting your vehicles inside is one thing; comfortably using the garage is another. Leave room to open doors, walk around vehicles, and access shelves, workbenches, or toolboxes. Bikes, lawn equipment, trash bins, and seasonal storage also take up valuable space, so account for them before settling on your garage size.
Decide Which Garage Features Are Worth It for You
Once you’ve landed on the right size, make the details work for you. Choose features like:
- Doors
- Windows
- Ventilation
- Storage
- Interior options
Then, consider exterior details, such as siding, roofing, and colors, that help your new garage feel at home on your property.
Explore garage options here!
Your Quick Detached Garage Buying Checklist
Before making your final decision, run through the questions below:
- How many vehicles do I need to park?
- What else needs to be stored?
- Do I want a dedicated workshop or hobby space?
- Could my storage needs grow?
- Would a second story make better use of my available footprint?
- How much room does my property provide?
- Which doors, windows, finishes, and features matter to me?
- Does the garage complement my home?
Build the Garage You’ll Be Glad You Planned For
The right detached garage gives you the space you need today with room for whatever comes next. Whether that’s one car, three bays, or two stories, Prestige can help you turn your priorities into a garage that works for your property, lifestyle, and future plans.
