Get matched with top garage pros in Arnold, PA

For a garage to be included in a home's official square footage, it must qualify as livable space. This generally means it needs to be attached to the home and have permanent finishings like proper insulation, finished walls and ceilings, and adequate ventilation. To be considered livable year-round, it should also have heating and cooling. The specific legal requirements can vary by location, but if a garage is converted into a finished room meeting these criteria, it may be counted toward the total square footage.

It is typically cheaper to build a garage than to buy a prefab one if you can provide most of the labor yourself. If you plan to hire a contractor for the entire build, a prefab garage or kit will likely be less expensive. However, even with a garage kit, you may still need to hire professionals to install the foundation, concrete floor, and handle electrical and plumbing work. If you are not an experienced builder, it can be a worthwhile investment to hire a local garage builder who can manage all aspects of the project, including coordinating other necessary professionals.

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.

Whether a garage or an extra room adds more value depends on several factors, including local market demand, location, and typical buyer preferences. Generally, added living space is highly desirable to most buyers, which can make an extra room more valuable than a traditional garage. The return on investment (ROI) often depends on the utility of the new space; for example, an additional bedroom is typically more valuable than a new living room, and converting a garage into a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom will likely add the most value. A well-designed extra room can also serve specific needs, such as a home office, guest room, or entertainment space. However, adding a garage may be more valuable in areas with limited street parking or harsh climates where protecting a vehicle is a priority.