How to Build a Garage on Your Manufactured Home

Up Your Curb Appeal and Increase Home Value All in One!

Are you thinking of getting a garage add-on to your manufactured home? Great thinking! Not only will an attached garage improve the curb appeal and overall appearance of your home, but it will also contribute to an increased home value. Who wouldn’t want that? If you’re wondering how to go about adding a garage to your prefab home, keep reading. 

Did you know a local retailer can help you with beginning garage conversations? Click HERE to get in contact with one near you!

So, we already mentioned the benefits an attached garage will have on your home’s appearance and value, but those are just the beginning! Some other benefits include:

• Protection for your car against the elements and any potential theft attempts 
• More room for storage or hobbies  
• Entering the home from within the garage when needed 

The best thing about finding your dream home through Champion® Homes is that many of our innovative models are garage-friendly and relatively easy to add a garage to your home.  

Different Types of Garages and Orientations for Factory-Built Homes 

Something very important to think about when planning your garage attachment is the attachment style you’d like to use, and the foundational support.  

ATTACHED GARAGE 

As the name implies, an attached garage is connected to the manufactured home.  The attached garage is site-constructed through the local permitting process and can be designed as a small single car or a much larger 2-3 car version. It can be built structurally independent using four walls or structurally dependent using 3 walls.  A structurally independent garage is often considered easier because it does not require special changes to the home’s foundation.  The orientation of the garage is also an important consideration.  Depending on your site plan, a garage can be located on a home side wall to create an “L” shape or on an end wall to maintain a traditional ranch style appearance.     

A manufactured home may also require certain additional features for the attached garage.  Strategically positioned exterior doors and home siding adjusts are a couple examples of things we can do in the factory, so your attached garage is a perfect fit on site.  A great time to build an attached garage is often during the home set process.  The efficiency associated with various construction trades already being on site usually leads to cost savings.   

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DETACHED GARAGE 

As the name implies, a detached garage is not connected to the home.  It is a great option when various circumstances such as garage size, curb appeal issues, or code compliance issues make an attached garage option impractical.  A detached garage falls completely under the control of your local codes and jurisdiction. It requires many of the same planning and design considerations as an attached garage.  Your local building department and contractor can help with site planning, permitting, as well as design considerations to ensure your vision is realized.  

Our engineers can provide a booklet for reference. 

What will the process look like? 

1. Decide to add a garage onto your manufactured home. Ready for a garage? Take a look at the different types of garages available through your builder and try to envision how it will look on your property. If your home isn’t yet built, ask your builder for their recommendations. 
2. Discover if your home can support an attached garage. If your home is already built and installed, you may still be able to add an attached garage. Have a contractor or design professional check your home and property for suitability in accommodating an attached garage. This step may require some simple design planning to ensure code compliance and site setback requirements are established. Also, if an attached garage is not practical, you may still be able to consider a detached garage instead. 
3. Select a contractor and review your plans. Ensure that you work with a reputable contractor experienced with manufactured housing.  If you’re adding a garage to an existing home, consider engaging the builder that set the home originally.  This may help ensure that you are making the best and safest decision regarding your home and new garage. They may have additional insight or tips to help you along your garage journey.  

TIP: Not planning to build the garage right away? Depending on your timeline, it may be a good idea to save extra matching shingle and siding materials when the home is built so that you’ll have a perfect color match when you do decide to build.  

1. Prepare for construction! The moment you’ve been waiting for! Your contractor needs to make sure you have the proper permitting, foundation, and other preliminary work needed to support a successful project.  Be sure to remember that Champion may be a nice resource for numerous construction details, especially those directly related to home attachment.    

There you have it! Would you be interested in a blog on how to add a garage to a modular home? Let us know in the comments!