How to Frame a Garage
Framing a garage might seem like challenging work. However, even homeowners with only moderate construction skills can successfully frame and construct a traditional detached garage. Work from a pre-purchased garage plan and follow the below guidelines to begin construction on your new garage.
- Obtain the proper building permit. Contact your municipality to determine any building permit requirements that you must follow. It can take weeks to obtain building permits, so this is a step that you want to complete early in your building plans.
- Survey your construction site. Determine where you would like to place the garage. Purchase a garage plan that will suit the site and meet your needs. These plans can be purchased rather inexpensively from online and local retailers.
- Prepare the ground. Garage construction begins from the ground up. The first step you must complete is to level the ground in your garage site. Compact the garage's sub base and install the forms necessary for pouring the foundation. Carefully map out the placement of all plumbing and electrical components. Pour your concrete slab and wait for it to dry completely before beginning any construction.
- Build your wall frames. Your garage plan will have detailed instructions on the materials that you will need in order to frame your walls. Follow the directions carefully. Do not substitute materials. Use header beams over windows, doors and the overhead garage door openings. Ensure that your framing is square and accurate, paying special attention to door and window placement as to ensure the structural integrity of the garage.
- Install your roof. Once the walls are up, you will need to install your roof beams and rafters. Again, refer to your garage blue print for exact placement and materials. Install plywood over the beams and cover the plywood with the roofing material that you choose.