How Many Square Feet Are In A Two Car Garage? Discover the Perfect Size for Your Home

When it comes to garages, size matters. Especially if you’re planning on using it to store multiple vehicles.

A two-car garage is a popular choice among homeowners, as it provides ample space for not only cars but also storage items and other hobbies or activities that require extra room.

But, how many square feet should a two-car garage be? That’s the question we aim to answer in this post.

“The average square footage of a two-car garage ranges from 400-600 square feet, with most falling somewhere in-between.”

There are several factors to consider when determining the perfect size for your home – such as the type of cars you own, whether you want additional storage space, and even your budget.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how many square feet a two-car garage needs to be – and whether it’s the right fit for your specific needs. So let’s get started!

Standard Two Car Garage Dimensions

A two-car garage is a popular feature of modern homes. It provides enough space for two cars, storage, and can even serve as a workspace. However, before building or remodeling a garage, it’s important to know the standard dimensions of a two-car garage.

Width and Length

The standard width of a two-car garage ranges from 20-24 feet while the length ranges from 20-30 feet. The size you choose will depend on your needs, but most garages are built with a minimum dimension of 22×22 feet to comfortably fit two average-sized vehicles and allow room for storage and moving around.

When planning the layout of your two-car garage, consider the type and size of vehicles you own or plan to purchase in the future because sometimes trucks and SUVs need more clearance than regular cars.

To maximize space, some homeowners opt for a tandem-style garage where one car parks behind the other. Tandem garages vary in size and configuration but typically have a depth of around 32-40 feet and a width ranging from 12-16 feet.

Height and Door Size

The height of a two-car garage should be no less than 8 feet although many homes come with 9-10 foot ceilings which allow ample headspace for parking taller vehicles, installing shelves or overhead storage systems, and working inside the garage.

The most common door size for a two-car garage is 16 feet wide by 7 feet high, providing plenty of clearance for most vehicles. However, if you have larger vehicles like RVs or boats, you may need to install an oversized door that measures up to 12 feet tall and 16-18 feet wide.

“Make sure that the height and width of your garage align with local building codes in your area. Also, if you live in an area prone to floods or heavy snowfall, consider elevating the floor by a few inches for protection.” – HomeAdvisor

When it comes to designing your two-car garage, choose doors that suit your aesthetic preferences while still being functional. Many manufacturers offer various door styles and materials like insulated steel, fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and vinyl.

When deciding on how many square feet are in a two-car garage, remember that every garage size is not set in stone since each homeowner has different needs. However, using the standard dimensions provides guidelines to help make better design decisions for your space.

Factors That Affect Two Car Garage Size

Vehicle Size and Type

The size of your vehicles is the first factor to consider when choosing the square footage for a two-car garage. You don’t want to invest in a space that’s too cramped or too large than you need it. The average car length ranges from 14 feet to 16 feet, while minivans and pickup trucks are longer, measuring up to 20 feet long.

According to CarsGuide, most garages measure about 6m x 6m (roughly 20 feet by 20 feet), which can comfortably fit two cars that are each around 4.5m long. However, if one vehicle is slightly bigger than average, remember to add extra space accordingly so that both cars can be parked without any issues.

Additional Storage Needs

Garages aren’t just meant to park vehicles but also store tools, gardening equipment, bikes, and other household items. If you have a lot of things you’d like to keep inside your garage besides your cars, then consider increasing the square footage. This way, you’ll have ample storage room and still be able to park your vehicles safely.

Triton Builds recommends planning on minimum cubic footage per additional feature. For example, if you want built-in shelves along with several wall-mounted hooks, plan at least 100 cubic feet per linear foot; whereas cabinetry systems will take up twice as much cubic footage compared to shelves.

Available Space on Property

Your property’s available space is an essential factor that affects two-car garage size. You might have the perfect square footage in mind, but if your yard can’t accommodate it comfortably, then you need to re-evaluate your plan. When considering the available area on your property, also think about zoning laws and building codes for your area.

Monolithic Domes cautions against exceeding 25% coverage of your property by any structure as there may be strict regulations concerning land usage. It makes sense to consult your local city or county office before embarking on a project like this.

If your plot of land is relatively small and cannot accommodate a standard-sized garage, consider opting for a smaller prefab model or going for a vertical design rather than horizontal. Moreover, some garage conversion ideas could help transform other spaces in your home into functional garages.

• In summary, when planning for a new two-car garage:
• Measure the lengths of vehicles you own or intend to buy in the future.
• Factor in additional storage needs such as toolboxes, bicycles, etc.
• Consider how much space on your property is available for construction while staying within legal compliance.

“Of course, cars don’t always fit neatly into pigeonholes, so while many double garages are around 36m², others range between 40m² and 56m² or more.” -CarsGuide

Remember that the square footage mentioned in this article is just a starting point. Your particular needs, such as larger vehicles and extra storage space, might require you to choose a slightly bigger garage size than indicated here.

What Can You Fit in a Two Car Garage?

Two Cars

A typical two car garage can fit two standard size vehicles. The average size of a two car garage is around 24 feet wide by 24 feet deep, which gives you approximately 576 square feet of space to park your cars. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the actual usable space may vary depending on the shape and layout of your garage.

If you’re planning to store larger vehicles such as SUVs or trucks, you should consider getting a garage with higher ceilings or deeper dimensions. This will ensure that your vehicle fits comfortably without being too cramped.

Workbench and Tool Storage

If you plan on using your garage as a workshop or storage space, you’ll need to make some adjustments to accommodate your tools and equipment. A workbench is an essential addition to any garage workspace. It provides a dedicated area for DIY projects, hobbies, or repairs.

You can also install cabinets and shelves above or below the workbench to organize your tools and supplies. Metal tool chests are great for storing small hand tools while larger power tools can be stored on wall-mounted racks or pegboards. Pegboards allow you to easily access your tools while keeping them within easy reach.

If you have limited floor space but still need ample storage, consider installing ceiling mount storage organizers. These systems consist of racks suspended from the ceiling that can hold items like bicycles, seasonal decorations, or sporting equipment. Not only do they maximize your available storage space, but they also keep clutter off the floor.

• Another way to organize and declutter your garage is to use plastic bins or containers. Label each bin according to its contents so you’ll know what’s inside without having to open it.
• Finally, if your garage is unfinished or unpainted, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. Not only does this enhance the overall appearance of the space, it also helps protect the walls and ceiling from moisture and damage.

“A clean workspace leads to a clear mind and better productivity.” -Unknown

A two car garage offers a lot of versatility when it comes to storage options. Whether you need space for parking vehicles, working on DIY projects, or storing tools and equipment, there are many ways to make the most out of every square foot. By carefully planning and organizing your garage, you can create a functional, welcoming space that adds value to your home and enhances your everyday life.

Design Ideas for a Two Car Garage

If you are lucky enough to have a two-car garage, but not sure how to best utilize the space, there are plenty of options available that go beyond just parking your vehicles. Depending on your needs and interests, you can transform your garage into an organized and functional storage area or create a workshop or hobby space.

Organization and Storage Solutions

Two car garages typically range from around 400 square feet to 600 square feet, which means there is plenty of room to store more than just cars. There are some great organization and storage solutions for making the most out of your two-car garage:

• Install shelving units along the walls to keep items off the floor and maximize vertical space.
• Use clear plastic bins or stackable containers to organize smaller items like sporting equipment, holiday decorations, or tools.
• Add hooks and pegboards to hang and display larger items like bicycles, lawn equipment, or power tools.
• Create defined areas in the garage for categories of items like a workspace, a section for gardening supplies, or a designated storage area for seasonal items.
• To protect your garage flooring and make cleaning easier, consider installing an epoxy coating or covering the floor with interlocking tiles.

“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.” -Joshua Becker

Workshop and Hobby Space

If working on projects or hobbies is more your style, transforming your garage into a dedicated workspace may be the perfect solution. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity in a two-car garage workshop:

• Add workbenches or tables with ample lighting and electrical outlets.
• Use pegboards or organizers to keep tools and supplies within reach and neatly organized.
• Create separate areas for different types of projects, like a painting station or woodwork area.
• Incorporate storage space for project materials such as lumber or fabric rolls in cabinets or shelving units.
• Add an entertainment area with a TV, stereo system, and comfortable seating to make your garage workshop more inviting.

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt

No matter how you choose to design your two-car garage, the right layout can provide functional and usable space beyond just parking cars. Whether you prefer a clean and organized storage solution or a creative workspace full of possibilities, utilizing the square footage of a two-car garage can add significant value to your home and your hobbies alike.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Two Car Garage?

Building Materials and Labor Costs

Average costs of building a two-car garage range between $20,000 to $50,000. According to HomeAdvisor, the national average is around $27,500 for a standard size detached two-car garage measuring approximately 24’x24’. This price includes both building materials and labor costs, but it may vary depending on your location and the complexity of the construction project.

The cost of building materials constitutes a major portion of the total expenses when constructing a garage. The type of materials used can influence the overall cost. For example, wood garages tend to be less expensive than steel garages, while brick garages are usually more costly due to the need for skilled masonry work. Additionally, if you plan on adding windows or insulation in your garage, it will drive up the cost of materials.

Labor fees can also impact the total expenses of building a two-car garage. Typically, contractors charge on an hourly basis as well as per square foot of construction. The experience of the builder will determine their rate as well as how fast they construct the unit. If your area’s permitting department requires licensed professionals, then it might affect the cost further.

Permits and Site Preparation

Before any construction starts, acquiring all necessary permits from local authorities should be completed beforehand. These requirements help ensure that safety restrictions are met, zoning laws followed, and conforming to minimum codes such as door sizes, ventilation standards, etc., following which there is no chance of fines or penalties imposed afterward. Permitting adds another several thousand dollars to the total cost of the structure.

The site preparation will require clearing debris and leveling the ground before construction begins, which will double check whether or not the construction works best with the soil type. If you need to excavate and remove, your site preparation costs will be much higher.

Additional Features and Upgrades

If you opt for additional features, then it will add further to the cost of building a two-car garage. More elaborate finishes such as windows, doors that can open electronically then close automatically as you enter/exit onto remote control settings., we can install solar panels on rooftops nowadays, this upgrades also stimulate the price increase. It all depends on what purpose entails regarding yours.

The cost to build a two-car garage can vary widely based on numerous factors like geographical location, size, materials used, labor fees, permits, and extra amenities added-on. Consider consulting with a local builder before finalizing your project should any doubts exist in determining an accurate estimate of construction expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions