Sometimes, a garage is so badly damaged that fixing it costs more than it’s worth. You might not have planned on building a new one, but sometimes a fresh start is the only way to stay safe.
A severely cracked, shifting concrete floor is one of the biggest signs you need a new garage. Here are other things to look for:
- Sagging Roofline: This is a serious structural breach that can’t be addressed through basic repairs.
- Structural Wall Rotation: Walls that lean or pull away from the frame present a risk of collapse.
- Outdated Interior: If the garage is too small to park larger vehicles or can’t handle modern electronics, it’s time for a new one.
At Sunrise Building Group, Inc., we use our experience in garage construction and repairs to determine if new construction is what you need. Call us at (734) 425-0000 or contact us online to learn more!
How to Tell You Need New Garage Construction
There are unmistakable tells that your garage has seen better days. The worst thing you can do is ignore them.
The last thing you want is for a failing garage to collapse upon your parked car or, worse, you or your family. Are you concerned about it? Here are the most important warning signs to look out for:
1. Foundation Issues
Does your garage have large cracks in the concrete floor or the footings? That’s a sure sign of serious structural decay. These cracks cause your foundation to shift, which damages the walls and roof.
When your ground-level support is in peril, it damages your entire garage. If you’re thinking of fixing the floor, walls, and roof, it’s better to build a new garage.
2. Sagging Ridge Lines and Roof Decay
Take a look at the roofline of your garage to see if it’s bowing or sagging. If so, the trusses have suffered severe moisture damage.
The sign here cannot be clearer: your roof is at risk of collapsing. This means it’s far beyond what simple shingle repairs can save; you need a new garage to help protect your assets.
3. Terminal Wall Rotation and Lean
If your garage walls are leaning or rotating away from the frame, the sill plates have rotted out. What this means is simple: the integrity of your walls is compromised.
Instead of trying to patch them up, getting a fresh build that’s up to modern safety codes is your best option. A new garage looks great and adds to your home’s overall value.
4. Space Constraints and Outdated Infrastructure
Your garage doesn’t have to be rotting or leaning for there to be a problem. Sometimes, these structures just can’t accommodate modern lives.
Many older garages were built before SUVs and other large vehicles went into production. Other garages have outdated electrical grids that can’t handle the demands of modern power tools and chargers.
A new garage construction lets you design a space that matches your current lifestyle and needs.
How to Prepare for Your New Garage
While your contractor handles your entire rebuild, there are some things you must do before they show up. Here’s how you can make things easier for the construction crew before they arrive:
- Check Local Codes: Make sure your local zoning laws and HOA rules properly align with your project.
- Clear the Area: Move any vehicles and clear the garage to give the construction crew easy access.
- Mark Buried Infrastructure: Contact your local utility company to locate your buried gas, water, and power lines.
- Prepare for the Process: Protect your pets and align your schedule for the sounds of trucks, construction, and power tools.
- Power Access: Provide the work crew access to an outdoor outlet or provide an extension cord for their power tools.
Your new garage becomes the ideal parking space, workshop, storage solution, and personal retreat when you work with Livonia, Michigan’s best builder.
Sunrise Building Group: 4 Decades of Construction Experience
Now that you know the signs of a failing garage, are you going to have a professional examine it? You should if you want to help keep your family and your valuables safe.
At Sunrise Building Group, Inc., we have more than 40 years of construction experience. This guides us in providing the best garage solutions for Metro Detroit homeowners.
Imagine trusting your new garage construction to Livonia’s most trusted construction partner. Get an estimate by calling (734) 425-0000 or contacting us online!