Get Answers to Your Questions about Custom Garages Building in Winnipeg
Here are some of the answers to the most common questions we get about the overall requirements of building general and custom garages in Winnipeg. Even if you plan on doing it yourself or have decided to contact someone else, we would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns personally.
We have been providing custom garage buildings in Winnipeg for over 25 years.
If you have any questions that haven't been addressed, please feel free to contact us!
How do I start?
After contact, our team will attend and assess the site limitations and requirements, design your structure and draw up plans to suit the needs of your custom garage in Winnipeg. He will also provide a comprehensive price that will not change.
How much does a garage cost?
This is an impossible question to answer and could be compared to how much does a house cost? It is also the most frequently asked. Everything related to cost is dependent on what is going on in your yard, such as elevations, site restrictions, drainage issues, access issues, utilities, etc. In addition, design features for custom garages vary depending on site limitations. The same garage on one site could be twice the cost on another site. Don’t get caught without having an actual quotation, which reflects your needs and site limitations.
What size of garage can I build?
In Winnipeg, the size of the garage cannot exceed 12.5% of the total lot area to a maximum of 880 sq. ft. You also need to stay 2’ away from all property lines and 3’ eave to eave from house. You should build whatever size fits your needs or site whether it's 21'2" x 23'6" or some odd shape. We will help you with this decision.
More information on city regulations regarding detached garages.
What size should I build?
Here are 3 common sizes of garages:
How long does it take to build a basic garage finished in stucco?
Approximately 6 weeks start to finish. This is primarily due to the time required for the concrete and various coats of stucco to dry. The actual building of the garage (without the finish or concrete) is generally completed in 1 day.
Can I customize my garage?
When reviewing your garage plans, we can discuss the options available to customize your garage to best suit your wants and needs.
Who takes out the permit?
This is probably the most important question that could be asked. The contractor should always take out the permit under their corporate name. There are huge liabilities and fines for improper workmanship and location of the garage. In addition there are huge fines under Workplace Safety and Health Act Legislation. These liabilities are attached to the person or entity that takes out the permit.
What if I require a variance?
Our team will attend to the variance process for you, which includes any appeals if required. There is no charge for this other than direct city charges. Because of the many years we have dealt with the city, it is seldom we are denied.
How early/late in the year can I build a garage?
Generally the frost is out of the ground by mid-May and concrete should not be poured prior to this. Usually the season is over by October, which again depends on prevailing weather conditions.
We have built garages throughout the winter before, however we would not recommend doing so due to the high costs for heating and hoarding.
What type of foundation is required?
The city has certain recommendations on concrete requirements depending on the size and type of structure. (Refer to pg. 8 & 9).
These minimum requirements do not address the myriad of issues going on in most yards. For this an onsite visitation must occur which includes assessing elevations to determine if curbs or dropped edges are required. For instance, the city recommends a minimum pad of 4” on smaller structures, but we would not recommend anything less than 6”.
Can I complete my own electrical?
Of course.