If your garage remodeling project isn't so much remodeling an existing garage as adding one to start with, you'll need to first decide whether you want an attached or a detached garage. There are pros and cons to both that you should carefully consider before calling a contractor to do the job.

The first thing you'll need to do is check with your local authorities to check on the zoning for your area and see about the type of building permits that are required. Any local housing committees also may have a say in what you can or cannot build on your own property. While it's rare that you would be forbidden from adding an attached or detached garage, some authorities can insist that you use a certain type of construction or siding, and can even regulate how large the garage can be, and where it must be on your property. Always check these things before starting any home improvement project.

Assuming that your choices are open even after this step, you'll need to figure out exactly how you want to use the detached garage so you can settle on a proper size. You'll want to make sure there's plenty of room for the vehicles you want to park in the garage, as well as space for the other things you plan to use it for. Detached garages are usually built for car storage, but they're often used for other things as well. An area can be petitioned off inside as a spare room.

If your detached garage plans don't include much storage or the ability to add an extra room, you may even want to reconsider whether you want a detached garage or not. You could save a lot of money simply having a carport installed instead. Of course, once you have the garage you may find you want to store items in it or use it for other things. If this is possibility, then your detached garage plans simply need to be such that you could add extra storage later on.

If you're trying to decide between an attached or a detached garage, consider that a garage where you might be storing highly flammable items like gasoline, kerosene or other fuels would be safer if it were detached. In fact, if that's the main purpose for the garage, placing it farther away from the house would be advisable.

In other situations, though, place your detached garage close to the house. Try to look at your property with a realtor's eye when choose where the garage will sit. If the garage can block the view of the house from the street, you may want to reconsider. You don't want a detached garage to be the first thing a person sees when looking at your house. You may want to move eventually and the street appeal of a home has a lot to do with its perceived value and the price you may get for it, so putting your detached garage in the right place is important.

Interested in remodeling your garage? Get your project started by submitting a free BuyerZone request for garage remodeling price quotes.