How to Attach a Detached Garage
A detached garage is a building usually near a house. Create a breezeway to protect yourself from rain when running back and forth between home and garage. Get wood or wrought iron perimeter fencing and match the roofing with your décor. Or enclose the gap to create a connecting room that can be used for work or recreation. Make a mud room, or add utilities and amenities to make it livable. Once you decide on the style and method of attaching your garage, you'll need to prepare the site and get all of your construction materials.
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Survey the gap and measure the length, width and height of the connection you want to build. Accurate measurements can help you know the right quantity of materials to purchase. Prepare for utility connections, such as gas, electric, water and sewage and telephone and cable service if needed. Notify appropriate offices and allow service workers to add cables and components where required.
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Plan and level the site. This may involve removing a sidewalk, driveway or shrubbery. Dig a footing trench or foundation to prepare for flooring installation. Choose a pier and beam style structure or pour a concrete slab. Use appropriate machinery and equipment or hire out the services needed.
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Prep the adjacent building walls with studs or framework to connect the new side walls. Erect framework around the two opened sides of the space. Cut doorways where you want to join the two structures. Add window holes and frame them out. Make sure that materials are suitably strong enough to support the roofing. Consider using sustainable materials and add insulation to avoid high utility bills.
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Put up interior and exterior walls according to your design, taste and budget. Add cinder blocks, preformed concrete walls or plywood. Put up drywall, tape, float and paint. Install doors, windows and trim. Paint or stucco the exterior to provide a unifying appearance with the house and garage. Include any indoor plumbing and complete electrical and cable installation.
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Add roof framing, trim and appropriate roofing. Optionally attach gutters to keep walkways or lawns free of overflow rains.
References
Tips
- Check with the proper local building authorities to make sure your design is up to code.
- Use architectural plans where required.
Writer Bio
Erin Moseley is an advocate for science education. Since 1985, she has written numerous technical, user and training manuals for major corporations, public agencies and universities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in geology.
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