Finish PreFab Garage vs Building Larger Home

9 years ago

We recently bought a piece of land that we plan to build our dream home - in about 3 years. I always try to think outside the box and get the most for my money. While garage research, I found a reputable local place that sells pre-fab garages for roughly $17 per square foot. So I could have a 40x24' one story delivered for $16,000 or a two story of the same size for $31,000. That got my thinking... what if I order one of each, and then insulate/electric/drywall/hvac/plumb/etc them myself. I build a small home, and put one of these garages on each side - and attach with a breezeway or something. You're looking at 2,880 square feet on those garages for under $50,000 (plus my cost in time and materials to finish them). Am I nuts? Is the structure of a garage different them if I would stick build an addition? Again, just trying to think outside the box... Thank-You for any/all thoughts!

Featured Answer

miss lindsey (She/Her)

9 years ago

Beyond the code issues, is a prefab garage-turned-house really your idea of a dream home? Maybe yes, maybe no, but I'm betting when you bought that property you weren't planning to live in a garage. And someday, someone will have to sell that property unless you have some kids who also dream of living in a converted prefab garage.

Do the right thing, and build a proper house for yourself. If you don't want to invest a lot in the build, that's fine. Prefab houses are a reasonable option. Mobile homes are a reasonable option and can be added on to quite effectively. But you'll be shooting yourself or your heirs in the foot if you try to cheap out on a non-solution solution.

In my NOT humble opinion.

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Comments (6)

auntthelma
9 years ago
I think you need to ask the garage seller.

But I will say, I see many prefab homes in my area. They come together quickly and look just fine. Maybe look into that.
User
9 years ago
Yes, the structure is different. A home must follow national codes for a habitable dwelling, including foundation, live loading, insulation levels, window glazing requirements, plumbing, electrical, and a kitchen and bath. "The rest'' of the finishing is the most expensive part of the home. And it may cost you more to retrofit an agricultural building to habitable standards than just building something suitable from the beginning.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
9 years ago
A garage does not need to met the same code as an actual home so no would be my answer by the time they are brought to code it probably will run more . Wht not look into prefab homes if they are allowed where you are building
cbrass86
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you! What is the difference in codes - something they could (fairly easily) do differently when they build it at the factory?
miss lindsey (She/Her)
9 years ago
@ Garage Door Repair Dallas please enlighten us, how do you propose to help here?