How Many Sqft Is A 2 Car Garage? Find Out Here!

Are you in the process of building or renovating your home and wondering how much space you need for a two-car garage?

A garage is an essential part of any home, providing a safe and secure place to park your vehicles and store your belongings. The question on many homeowner’s minds is how many square feet are required for a two-car garage?

“The average size of a two-car garage ranges from 400 sqft to 600 sqft.”

The exact amount of space needed will depend on several factors such as the type of cars that will be parked there, storage needs, and even local building codes.

In this article, we explore the topic of “How Many SqFt Is A 2 Car Garage?” and provide some helpful insights to ensure that you have all the information you need when constructing or upgrading your garage. Read on to find out more!

Standard Dimensions for a 2 Car Garage

Width and Depth Requirements

A standard two-car garage usually measures around 20 feet wide by 20 feet deep. This provides enough space to comfortably park two vehicles side-by-side, with some room left over for storage or workspaces.

The width of a two-car garage can range from 18-24 feet, and the depth can vary from 20-30 feet. It’s important to note that local building codes and zoning regulations may dictate minimum requirements for garage size based on factors such as lot size, setbacks, and neighborhood aesthetics.

Ceiling Height Standards

The standard ceiling height for a residential garage is 8-9 feet. However, if you plan on using your garage for more than just vehicle storage, you may want to consider increasing the height to accommodate additional storage shelves, overhead lighting, or even a car lift.

In addition, certain types of larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs may require a higher garage ceiling clearance in order to fit comfortably inside.

Door Size Recommendations

Most standard two-car garages will have one or two garage doors, each measuring around 8-9 feet wide by 7-8 feet tall. However, depending on the style and type of door you choose, these measurements may vary slightly.

It’s important to note that the garage door opening should be at least several inches wider than the widest portion of your vehicle (usually the mirrors), and high enough to accommodate taller vehicles if necessary.

If you are planning on upgrading your garage door, it’s always best to consult with a professional so they can recommend the best option for your specific needs and provide accurate measurements.

“A garage should be as wide and long as feasible for the number of cars intended to occupy it, but in no case less than 20 feet by 20 feet.” -Bob Vila

When determining how many square feet your two-car garage will need, you’ll want to factor in not only the size of your vehicles, but also any additional storage or workspace requirements. Taking the time to plan out these details in advance can help ensure that your garage is functional, efficient, and meets all local building codes and regulations.

Factors Affecting Square Footage of a 2 Car Garage

A 2 Car Garage is the perfect space to store two vehicles, or use as a workshop or storage area. The size of a garage depends on multiple factors such as vehicle size and type, storage needs, workspace requirements, and additional features and amenities.

Vehicle Size and Type

The first factor that determines how many square feet a 2 car garage should be is the size and type of the vehicles you own. Most standard-sized sedans can fit comfortably in an 18×20 foot garage. However, if you have larger vehicles like trucks, SUVs, or vans, you will need a bigger garage space. Also, consider future purchases because you never know what your next vehicle might be. Therefore, it’s always better to plan ahead and go for a slightly larger size to avoid any inconvenience later.

Storage Needs

If you’re looking for extra storage beyond just parking your cars, then add more square footage. The average person tends to accumulate more possessions over time, so having some extra room to stow away those possessions makes sense. Consider adding enough square footage for shelving units and cabinets, which are great additions to store non-vehicle related items. Additionally, many people incorporate built-in workbenches into their garages to make repairs as convenient as possible.

Workspace Requirements

If you’re someone who enjoys DIY projects and repairing things, a 2 car garage can be an ideal space to do all kinds of projects. If such is the case, you may want to customize the garage layout to accommodate the tools needed. Tools don’t tend to take up too much space but ensuring there’s ample room around each workstation for movement becomes essential. To achieve this, check with a contractor or designer to develop an optimally useful workspace that can help save time and reduce clutter.

Additional Features and Amenities

The square footage of your two-car garage will be determined by any extra features or amenities you may want. Some popular additions include an additional half-bath, a man cave room or area, a storage loft, or even a fully furnished apartment for friends and family to stay over the weekend. These additional features and amenities must go beyond what’s required for a standard garage, which means more square footage is needed. Hence, always consider these factors while planning space for your 2 car-garage.

“A practical garage should never be too cramped nor too spacious in size”

To conclude, if you’re thinking about building a garage at home, it’s vital to take into account all the various factors affecting how much square footage you’ll need. From vehicle specifications to your personal workbench requirements, utilizing this guide above as well as consulting an experienced builder will ensure your new structure fits your needs and serves its purpose accordingly.

Calculating the Square Footage of Your 2 Car Garage

If you are looking to remodel or add storage space to your home, knowing the square footage of your two-car garage is an essential piece of information. It can help you plan the layout and ensure that everything fits comfortably without feeling cramped. So, how many sqft is a 2 car garage? Let’s dive into the details.

Measurement Techniques

To determine the area of your garage accurately, you need to have accurate measurements of its length and width. If you have blueprints or house plans, these measurements should be readily available. However, if you don’t have access to them, you will need to measure manually.

The most common technique for measuring a garage is with a standard tape measure. Measure the length and width of the interior of the garage, from wall to wall, at the widest points. Make sure to measure in feet, as this is the unit used for calculating square footage. Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage of the garage.

Another measurement technique is using a laser measuring tool. This method allows for more precise measurements quickly. By bouncing a laser off multiple surfaces within the garage, the tool calculates the distance between them and provides accurate measurements almost instantly.

Calculating for Odd-Shaped Garages

If your garage does not have a rectangular shape, it can complicate the calculation process. For example, some garages might have an L-shape or contain a bump-out for additional storage or work area.

One solution is to divide the garage up into separate sections based on their shapes, calculate each section separately, and add them together. Another option is to use an online calculator designed for non-standard shapes. Simply enter the dimensions of each section, and the calculator will do all the math for you.

Accounting for Obstacles and Protrusions

You might have to account for obstructions in your garage when calculating its square footage. These can include things like water heaters or pillars that take up valuable space within the area.

To account for this lost storage space, experts recommend subtracting the square footage of any obstructions from the total square footage of the garage. This method will help ensure that you have enough space for everything you want to store without feeling cramped or cluttered.

Calculating for Additional Storage and Workspace Areas

The standard size of a two-car garage is approximately 400 – 600 square feet. However, this does not account for other functional areas like workbenches, tool racks, or shelves. If you plan to add additional storage or workspace, it’s essential to calculate the total amount of space needed accurately before starting your project.

One approach is to sketch out the layout of the new features on graph paper and then measure the corresponding square footage using one of the techniques mentioned earlier. Or, you could seek advice from an expert who can guide you through the process.

“Whether you are converting your garage into living space or adding prefab units in the backyard, accurate square-footage knowledge ensures that you prepare an upfront budget effectively.”- Washington Post

Knowing how many sqft is a 2 car garage is crucial information if you’re looking to add more storage or functionality to your home. Accurate measurements are key, especially when dealing with non-standard shapes and obstacles. By understanding these measurement techniques and accounting for additional storage and working areas, you can make informed decisions about your projects while avoiding costly mistakes along the way.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a 2 Car Garage?

Materials and Labor Costs

The cost of building a two-car garage can vary depending on several factors. One factor is the cost of materials, which typically includes lumber, roofing materials, windows, doors, siding, and concrete. The quality of these materials can affect the overall price, so choosing high-quality options may increase your costs.

Labor costs are another factor in pricing a two-car garage. These costs can be influenced by how much work needs to be done to prepare the site for construction, whether any existing structures need to be removed or demolished, and the level of customization required. Generally, labor costs make up about half of the total amount paid for a new garage.

If you’re concerned about keeping costs low while still ensuring that you get reliable construction, one option may be to source some of the materials yourself. For example, if there’s a local supplier who stocks affordable lumber or other supplies, buying from them could help save money. This will require more research and time but can be worth it.

Customization and Upgrades

A significant factor that affects the cost of a two-car garage is its design and functionality. If you want something beyond a straightforward structure intended simply to store vehicles, such as adding workspace or extra storage, expect higher costs due to additional labor and material requirements.

Certain garage upgrades can affect the final cost. For example, installing heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical wiring, or insulation tend to add significantly to the price tag. Other custom features that may drive up costs include custom rooflines, windows, decorative touches like brickwork, and additional outlets or lighting outside the garage.

Remember that every customization made has an associated cost impact, so your planned customization should be modular. That way, if you end up deciding on a different set of features come construction time, the cost will remain manageable due to it being in small increments.

Location and Permits

The location of your eventual garage can also play a factor in its price. Certain areas have higher labor costs than others, so where your garage is built may influence overall costs significantly. If any environmental issues exist on the existing site that must first be removed or remediative activities like groundwater management are required, this too would highly affect the baseline cost of the 2 car garage buildout.

In addition to labor costs, there are permit fees associated with building a two-car garage. These vary depending on the area but could range from just below $300 all the way up to thousands of dollars to comply with state code requirements. Professional architects and contractors typically have detailed knowledge of these legal customs, which help expedite the process sooner at an added premium price point.

“The additional work involved when applying for and securing permits results mainly from demonstrating compliance with regulatory provisions. For example, many jurisdictions still require garages to be constructed using wood framing rather than steel (despite clear advantages and even health risks). This means carefully documenting that the plans satisfy size minimums, setbacks, height limits, fire safety provisions” -David Brown Book, BUILDER author

Bottom line, do your research before committing to anything. Get multiple quotes upfront, talk to professionals about what makes sense in terms of adding customizations vs losing money and ensure full transparency between both parties throughout every planning stage.

Other Uses for a 2 Car Garage Besides Parking Cars

A 2 car garage is typically designed to accommodate two standard sized cars, with the average dimensions being around 20 feet by 20 feet or 400 square feet. However, if you find that parking your cars in the garage isn’t necessary, there are plenty of other uses for this space that could benefit your daily life.

Home Gym or Fitness Studio

If you’re looking to create a dedicated workout space in your home, consider turning your 2 car garage into a home gym or fitness studio. With plenty of room to move and store exercise equipment, a garage can make for an ideal workout space. Install rubber flooring, add some mirrors, and throw down some yoga mats, and you’ll have yourself a fully functional exercise area in no time!

“Regular exercise has been shown to improve overall health, reduce stress levels, and help people maintain a healthy weight.” -National Center for Biotechnology Information

Workspace or Home Office

If you work from home or need a dedicated workspace for projects, converting your garage into a home office or workshop may be just what you need. A well-designed workspace can provide ample storage, built-in desk areas, and plenty of natural light. You can even install air conditioning or heating units to ensure year-round comfort.

“A space dedicated to productivity promotes focus and improved creativity, leading to greater success in your chosen fields.” -Forbes

Game or Entertainment Room

Your garage can transform into a fun and exciting entertainment space. Installing a pool table, dart board, or video game console can offer hours of entertainment for friends and family members alike. Add a few comfortable chairs, tables, and perhaps even a small bar area, and your garage will be the talk of the town.

“Having a space in your home dedicated to entertaining can promote social interaction, which has been shown to improve mental health.” -Harvard Health

Additional Storage or Workshop Space

If you’re running out of storage space in your house, consider converting your garage into an extra storage room. There are plenty of storage options available such as shelving units, cabinets, and pegboard hooks. Additionally, if you enjoy woodworking or other craft projects, you could turn your garage into a workshop complete with power tools and workbench.

“Creating a designated space for hobbies or storage helps keep your living spaces organized and decluttered.” -The Spruce

A 2 car garage is versatile enough to serve many purposes beyond just storing your vehicles. Whether it’s as a gym, office, entertainment room, or workspace, making use of this space can increase your home’s overall functionality. With a little creativity, your garage transformation may exceed all expectations!

Frequently Asked Questions