Get matched with top pole barn builders in Winona, MS

Due to space restrictions, some homeowners choose to build an above-garage extension. This second-floor area can be used for storage or living space, but it’s more involved than your standard garage extension project. For example, you might need to pay for foundational or structural reinforcement if your current garage can’t handle the extra load. Expect to pay $25,000 to $100,000 to add a room above the garage. 

It depends on a lot of factors, but generally speaking, added living space is more desirable to most buyers, which means an extra room will be more valuable than a traditional garage. The utility of the new space will determine how much ROI you’ll see. An additional bedroom will generally be more valuable than a living room or family room, and converting your garage to a bedroom with a bathroom will likely add the most value.

A prefab, or prefabricated garage, requires far less construction work than one with a foundation and frame, but it’s not nearly as desirable and may not be a worthwhile option. A prefabricated garage won’t be as durable or long-lasting, and it doesn’t provide the same protection for your belongings and vehicles. Plus, you can use a standard garage for more uses—like living space—whereas a prefab garage only serves as a space for storage. Lastly, building a traditional garage will add to your home value, while a prefab garage usually won’t.

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.