The prefabricated garage Possibilities and advantages

Anyone who intends to buy their own home must always consider the question of a suitable location for the mobile vehicle. This gives builders a decision: garage or carport? If it is a garage, even in this case there are two options: the brick garage or the prefabricated garage. Masonry garages can be designed flexibly, are durable and are comparable to a house in terms of insulation and ventilation. However, even a brick garage without its own work is very expensive and requires a relatively long construction period. The cheapest prefabricated garage is therefore very popular among builders as a place to park their car. In this blog post we will give you an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of prefabricated garages made from different materials.

What exactly is a prefab garage?

The term «prefabricated garage» means a garage that does not have to be built brick by brick, but is delivered to your property in kit form, partially assembled or completely finished, depending on the size and type. And exactly This translates into two of the major advantages of prefabricated garages, which also have a positive impact on the price: unbeatable construction times and minimal installation effort.

What design options do prefab garages offer?

Prefab garages can be designed in as many different ways as brick garages. Whether it is a classic overhead door or a retractable sectional door, a wooden or sheet metal door, a continuous wall or a window, the options are numerous. The builder also has a wide range of options available regarding roofs, colours, plasters and technical characteristics. A garage with charging station for electric cars is also possible.

When designing the garage, however, it always depends on what the prefabricated garage manufacturer offers. That’s why you should think about what you want in advance and then take the time to see what different suppliers have to offer.

Which material is best for prefab garages?

When choosing the material for your prefabricated garage, the most important thing is your needs and the purpose that the garage will have to fulfill. There are basically three types of prefabricated garages used in construction:

• The prefabricated concrete garage: The entire garage is made of reinforced concrete in a prefabricated factory and delivered to the construction site as a finished product.
• The prefabricated steel garage: The complete garage is made as a kit and transported to the construction site as is or already partially assembled.
• Die Wooden variant: The garage structure is prefabricated from wood in the factory and transported to the construction site as a kit or partially assembled. It can be erected and dressed in one day.

The advantages and disadvantages of prefabricated concrete garages

Concrete is extremely strong and durable, which is why massive garages made from this material are very popular. Those who choose this type of prefabricated garage benefit from the following advantages:

• Extremely short installation time (Assembly in approximately 1 hour), thanks to a very high level of prefabrication
• Already coated and directly accessible land
• Thinner concrete walls than brick garage more space inside with the same external dimensions
• Earth pressure capacity – ideal for builders who are building a sloping property
• Thanks to its solid construction the garage can also be complemented with a balcony or terrace on the garage roof
• Humidity can be easily regulated via integrated ventilation slots, gates or air-permeable windows
• The concrete variant offers the ultimate in safety maximum anti-burglary protection under the prefabricated garages

In addition to the many advantages of concrete garages, there are also some aspects to consider. In order for the concrete garage to be delivered and assembled in one piece, access routes for heavy vehicles and cranes must be available. Good ventilation of the garage is also essential, otherwise there is a risk of water stagnation and mold formation.

Prefabricated steel garages and their properties

In terms of costs, the prefabricated steel garage performs better than the brick version. Builders benefit from the following advantages:

• Short installation time thanks to the high degree of prefabrication (larger garage variants are assembled from individual parts, which still only takes a few hours to assemble)
• Die lightweight construction It can be taken with you on the go
• The foundation does not have to be massive like for concrete garages
• More space in the garage thanks to the thin walls

A steel garage is delivered without a floor and must be well sealed to the foundation after assembly. It is difficult to insulate and cannot withstand soil pressure. To avoid the formation of water on the ceiling, anti-condensation protection is also necessary. Another drawback: you can’t screw anything to the walls. For this reason it is important to avoid cheap products at all costs, as there is a risk of rust. On construction sites with high snow loads we recommend checking the roof thickness before ordering.

This is what distinguishes prefabricated wooden garages

A prefabricated wooden garage is particularly striking with its appearance: the natural material is a real eye-catcher. Wood creates this good indoor climatebecause the raw material “breathes” and can absorb moisture and release it again when dry. Even the wooden version can be assembled easily and quickly.

Naturally, wood is less durable than concrete or steel. Good and regularly renewed protection from humidity using enamels or protective coatings is therefore mandatory. The maintenance effort is therefore much higher than with other prefabricated garages.

The cheapest prefabricated garage: the carport

In addition to the classic prefabricated garage, builders can also choose a covered parking space and save costs. However, the open structure made of steel or wood offers no protection against frost, damage by martens or break-ins. However, a carport can be used in many ways and creates a protected space for cars, two-wheelers or garden tools. Design options are different, so the carport can be made of concrete or wood, freestanding or attached to a closed garage or house.

What types of prefabricated garages exist?

Prefabricated garages are not all the same. Depending on the space required and the number of vehicles available, the manufacturer can choose a different shape and size of the garage. Common garage types are:

• The classic single garage offers space for a car.

• In the double garage can accommodate two cars. Since both segments of the garage have their own gate, a part can also be used for purposes other than parking and the extra space is also suitable for hobbies and crafts.
• The extra-wide design of the large garage ensures convenient and safe parking and easy entry and exit.
• The large garage: There is space for two cars in an open plan garage. Unlike the double garage, however, this one is not divided into parts. The large entrance width therefore makes parking much easier. This type of garage can also be used as a storage or work space.

The prefabricated garage: models for every need

Although the brick garage surpasses all variations of prefabricated garages in terms of longevity, prefabricated garages also have some advantages. For example, if you move, you can’t take a brick garage with you. The prefabricated garage is also ahead in terms of construction times. For builders on a budget, a prefabricated garage made of concrete, steel or wood is a good alternative that offers enough design options but does not incur such high costs. Good planning is important here. Only then can you be sure that the garage will meet your needs and help create a well-rounded overall look of the house. Do not hesitate to contact us and we will talk to you about your needs and wishes.

For further reading

If it is clear what the house should look like and which garage is best suited to your needs, there is still a lot to do before construction can begin. In our blog post “Building Your Home Checklist: All the Important Administrative Procedures Before Construction!” we explain all the important next steps. Feel free to read it.