Can You Attach a Garage to a Manufactured Home?

Over 80% of home buyers say that a garage is at the top of their priority list when searching for a new home. Many individuals think that this rules out the possibility of purchasing a manufactured home; however, many manufactured homes can have a garage added onto them. Not only do home buyers have the option of adding a garage to their manufactured home, but they also have many options from all price points to choose from.

• Types Of Garages For Prefab Homes
• When Should You Add A Garage To A Prefab Home?

Benefits of Adding a Garage to a Manufactured Home

Aside from the additional space for storage and a place to park your car, adding a garage to your manufactured home comes with many benefits, including:

• Protection for your car against the elements
• Increased home value
• Additional square footage
• Increased security for your car and the items you store inside of the garage
• Potential working space

Do Manufactured Homes Have Garages?

While some builders do offer options to add a garage onto your manufactured home, others may not. If you are looking into getting a manufactured home, consult early with your builder about whether or not your home would be garage-friendly.

Clayton Manufactured Homes with Garages

Clayton Manufactured Homes offers a large array of garage-friendly manufactured homes, including the Loft. Check out their other homes, which offer many possibilities for customization!

Types of Garages for Prefab Houses

Prefabricated – or manufactured – homes offer a variety of garage types to fit you and your needs.

Attached Garage

As the name may suggest, attached garages are permanently attached to your manufactured home. Therefore, they take a significant amount of planning. These garages will share the foundation and a wall with your manufactured home, and often require an additional door to be installed. They often have to be installed at the same time as your home and it can be difficult to add one on later.

Integrated Garage

An integrated garage holds many similarities to an attached garage – it is also permanently installed and sits upon the same foundation as your manufactured home. However, aesthetics are extremely important when it comes to integrated garages. Much more time and care is put into making sure the look of the garage matches the look of your home with an integrated garage.

Detached Garage

Detached garages are freestanding structures separate from the rest of your manufactured home. They can be added to your property at any time but do not share a door with your home, unlike an attached garage.

When Should You Add a Garage to Your Prefab Home?

Whether you’re looking to install an attached, integrated, or detached garage, you should always think about whether or not you’d like one prior to installing your manufactured home. While you will not be able to install a garage until after your home is in place, considering it beforehand will help you best manage the space on your property, as well as ensuring that there is a cohesive look between your home and garage. However, if you’re looking to install a garage later down the road, this is possible as well. Installing an attached or integrated garage after the installation of your home can be extremely difficult, and often requires serious renovations to your home. However, installing a detached garage is fairly easy, as it does not require any construction to your home. The only difficulty that may arise would be aesthetic or in terms of space available.

Permitting and Considerations

While there are no rules from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development that you must follow if you are installing a garage off of your manufactured home, there are other things you must take into consideration. Your garage must be placed on a concrete slab. Additionally, you should check with your local government regarding permits or other requirements for your garage.

What Will the Process Be Like?

1. Decide whether or not you want to add a garage onto your manufactured home. Firstly, you need to decide whether or not you want to add a garage onto your home. 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. Find out 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 check the structural integrity of your home. If it can’t support an attached garage, you may want to go with a detached garage instead.
3. Review your plans with the builder of your home. By reviewing your plans to add on a garage with the company that built your home, you can 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.
4. Purchase your new garage and get ready to have it installed. Finally, it’s time to order your new garage! Make sure you have the proper foundation laid in order to have it installed and then all you need to do is wait.

How Much Will It Cost?

Garages can vary greatly in cost depending on when you install it and whether you choose to install a detached or attached garage. The cost will also differ depending on the contractor you choose to work with, so make sure to get quotes ahead of time.

Generally, the cost of a detached garage, regardless of when it is installed, will cost at least $20,000. Adding on additional features, such as insulation, aesthetic components, etc., can increase the price.

For attached garages, you should be prepared to spend at least $25,000 if the garage is built with the home. If you decide to add on an attached garage after your home is already built, the cost will run upwards of $30,000.

Find a Trusted Modular and Manufactured Home Builder

When you’re looking for a professional to construct your new garage, it is important to find someone you can trust. Look through reviews online or ask your local home center for suggestions. You should also consider whether or not they have licensing and insurance, any reviews you can find online, their years of experience, and more.

Prefab Home Garage Design Ideas

Adding a garage can be about more than just adding a new space for your car to park. You can transform your new garage for an array of different uses, including storage, additional living or work space, and more. Many homeowners also prioritize the aesthetic of their home; by picking a garage that looks similar to your current home, the garage will blend in seamlessly and increase your property value.

Detached Garage Addition Ideas

Many homeowners will add on detached garages to create additional working or living space. Due to the size of the garage door, garages can be perfect for working on woodworking projects as they can be easily ventilated. Additionally, some families choose to turn their detached garage into a play area for their children to use. From an additional guest room to a storage unit, ideas for your detached garage are endless.

Choose Preferred Homes

Preferred Homes is a close-knit, family-owned and -operated business. We have served the Grand Rapids area for years and love finding the perfect manufactured or modular home for our customers. If you’re looking for the home of your dreams (and the perfect garage to add onto it), we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us today.