Get matched with top pole barn builders in Shirley, AR

Wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum are among the top building materials for a garage. Wood is highly customizable, naturally insulative, and durable in mild climates but can be expensive. Steel is lightweight, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, but it’s susceptible to rust. Fiberglass is low-maintenance and doesn’t shrink or expand in changing temperatures, but it can become brittle and crack from prolonged high winds and sun exposure.

Unlike steel, aluminum isn’t susceptible to rust and is low-maintenance, but its ultra-light weight makes it less durable than some materials, and it’s susceptible to saltwater damage, making it a poor choice for coastal homes.

You can’t add home addition costs to an existing mortgage, but you can include them in a new mortgage if you take out a rehab loan. Rehab loans—FHA-backed 203k loans and conventional rehab loans—are for more than the value of a property, and the excess is meant to cover the cost of a renovation or home addition.

A garage bump-out is a small addition that extends the size of the garage, usually by just a few feet. Homeowners might install bump-outs to store lawn equipment, sporting gear, holiday decorations, and more. Because you’re not changing the existing garage structure as much, a bump-out isn’t as expensive or labor intensive as a full-blown garage extension. Expect to pay around $1,800–$6,000 for 2-by-10-foot bump-out (and more for larger additions).

You can convert your garage into an ADU. You’ll need to follow local building codes to ensure your new unit is up to code. For the most part, building an ADU in an existing building is more affordable than building a new one. Even so, consider the condition of your garage before making a decision. Not all garages are in shape for a smooth conversion to an ADU, and renovations can add up in cost.