If you are browsing garage packages in Canada and thinking of purchasing one for your home, there are numerous factors to consider. Key among them is project location, which must be evaluated very carefully. You do not want to place the garage anywhere there is an open space, as this could result in building code violations, a blocked view from inside the home, or difficulties accessing the garage.
Choosing the right location is just as important as selecting the best material, as both decisions have a direct impact on the functionality and lifespan of your garage or shop. Before you order your garage package, here’s what you need to think about with regard to your garage building location.
10 Aspects to Decide the Perfect Location for Your Garage Kit
The Number & Type of Vehicles to be Stored
Evaluating the type and number of vehicles that the garage needs to accommodate is key in making your decision. Garage packages in Canada come in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate whatever number and size of vehicles you need to store. With both straight wall and arch-style buildings of various sizes to choose from, your garage can accommodate everything you need, whether it’s a personal family car or a company fleet of trucks and heavy equipment. When selecting your location, be sure to keep in mind the possibility of expansion in the future as your needs change and ensure there is enough space to work with.
Safe Distance from Your House
Though steel garages are designed as stand-alone structures, many people choose to place them close to their homes for ease of access. Ensure that you have adequate clearance and will not be disrupting any important pipes or wires by building a garage near your home. You may have to place it a little farther away than you initially thought to ensure safety and security for both the garage and the house.
Zoning and Code Restrictions
In most places, it is not possible to place new structures wherever you want. Local building codes and zoning restrictions dictate how close you can put your garage to existing features like property lines, waterways, neighbouring structures, and much more. Be sure to check all the code and zoning restrictions in your area to ensure that you place the building within guidelines.
Drainage
Drainage is an important consideration in any type of construction. This is not just about ensuring that the interior of the structure is dry but more so to ensure that the soil is stable and that it does not collapse and damage the foundation. For easy drainage, place the garage at a high point on your property or pay for grading services that cut gentle slopes around your intended placement.
Access
It is vital to have easy access to the building location during construction and once it is finished. Don’t place your garage in a place that is hard to get to with your current driveway, as this can make it more difficult to access later without extending your driveway. Keep in mind that while you might not mind taking a tight turn or driving a steep hill to get to the garage, prospective buyers might be discouraged from purchasing if you decide to sell in the future.
Utility Connections
Most metal buildings, including basic garages, are connected to at least one utility. This is often electricity, as it allows the garage to have light. Depending on your needs, you may also choose to get heating, plumbing, and other utilities connected. Be sure to consider the location of these utilities before finalizing the site of your garage. The closer the garage is to the power poles or sewage lines, the cheaper it will be to hook them up when you decide to.
Soil Conditions
As with any construction, the type and condition of the soil have a significant bearing on whether you can place a building in a particular location. Even with grading and compaction, not all soils can support a structure without settling or shifting. Soil can be completely different every few feet, so having an existing structure does not guarantee that the ground elsewhere on your property can also be built on. Be sure to have your soil tested by a local engineer or ask your grading company to help so you can have the assurance that your building will be stable and last.
Directional Exposure
In addition to evaluating where to place the garage shop on your property, you also need to think about “how” to place it. This involves deciding which direction it will face and the interaction with other structures around. If natural light is important to you, consider placing the building in an area that is not shaded by trees or tall structures. You also need to think about weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rains, and other elements that might impact the functionality of the building if it is placed incorrectly.
Site Preparation
Part of deciding where to place your garage shop is also evaluating the tools and labour required to prepare the site. As many structures require a foundation, you need to ensure the proposed site is ready before construction begins. If you have an existing foundation on your property, you will need to check that it is level and of the right thickness. If you’re starting from bare ground, you may need to remove rocks and vegetation, test the soil and have it compacted if required, ensure the ground is level, and place a foundation.
Insulation
Insulation helps keep the garage at a more comfortable temperature, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. Toro offers customized insulation designed to fit the exact specifications of your garage. This helps ensure that the garage is at the right temperature for vehicle storage, provides noise control, and helps to prevent condensation from building up in the structure.
Find the Best Customized Garage Packages in Canada
Once you have the perfect location figured out, you then need to find the best garage packages in Canada for your project. At Toro, we have firmly established ourselves as industry leaders in steel buildings for residential or commercial use.
Each of our metal building kits is designed and engineered to meet your unique needs and be versatile, durable, reliable, and strong. We offer a variety of customization options for both straight wall and arch style garage buildings to accommodate various vehicles, tools, equipment and layouts. Contact the Toro team today to speak to an expert in your region or request a free quote for your project.
Also Read:
- Get A Mini Steel Building Package for Your Small Yard
- Straight Walled Steel Garage Kits: Engineered Easy to Build
- The Benefits of Owning a Steel Garage Building