Most new garages take several weeks of work once plans and permits are approved, depending on size and finish. The weeks before that, for drawings, zoning checks and the permit, often take longer than the build itself.
How long does it take to build a garage in Boston?
The build itself usually takes several weeks once plans and permits are approved. The full time from first call to finished garage is longer, because design, any zoning relief and the permit come first. The building official has 30 days from filing to issue or deny the permit under the Massachusetts code; zoning or historic review adds more. Winter can slow the foundation work.
Do I need an architect or an engineer to build a garage?
A simple garage usually needs drawings, not an architect: a plot plan showing where it sits on the lot, and plans showing the foundation, framing and roof. An engineer is often needed for a garage with an apartment, a long beam over a wide door, a retaining wall or an unusual foundation. Some permits ask for a plot plan by a land surveyor.
How many inspections does a new garage need?
Expect several inspections, set by the building office: usually the footings before the pour, the framing, insulation if any, and the final, plus separate electrical inspections. Under the state's construction supervisor rules, the licensed supervisor must also be on site to approve stages such as the foundation, the structural frame and insulation.
What are the steps to build a garage, in order?
These are the steps in order:
- Site visit, measurements and a written quote.
- Drawings and a plot plan.
- Zoning, historic or condo approval if needed.
- Building permit.
- Dig Safe notice, then demolition of any old garage.
- Excavation, footings and inspection.
- Foundation walls and slab.
- Framing and roof, then framing inspection.
- Doors, windows, siding and roofing.
- Electrical work and inspection.
- Final inspection and walk-through.
Can I stay home and use my driveway during the build?
You can stay home, since a detached garage is outside the house. The driveway is the harder part: during demolition, excavation and the concrete pour, trucks need it, and on a narrow Boston lot it may be blocked for days at a time. Plan street parking for those days, and check whether your city needs a permit for a dumpster on the street.
What does a 2-car detached garage look like from first call to finished?
Here is an example, not a real job, of how a two-car detached garage behind a Dorchester two-family could go, start to finish:
- First call and site visit: we measure the lot and the old one-car garage, and look at the driveway and the ground.
- Written quote for tearing down the old garage and building a 20x22 two-car garage.
- Plot plan and drawings; zoning check of setbacks and height.
- Permit application to the building office; it must act within 30 days of filing.
- Dig Safe notice at least 72 hours ahead, then the old garage comes down.
- Footings dug to 48 inches, inspected and poured; then walls and slab.
- Framing for the 40 pound ground snow load, roof, door and siding; then wiring.
- Inspections, final walk-through and cleanup.
What slows a garage job down in Boston?
The usual delays are zoning relief, historic review, frozen ground, ledge found during the dig, and inspection scheduling. A condo association vote can also take weeks. Knowing early which of these apply is the best way to keep the job on time.
When should I order the garage door?
Order the garage door once the opening size is final, usually at the framing stage or sooner. Custom sizes and colors take longer to arrive than stock doors. The frame can wait for the door, but the garage is not weather-tight until it is in.
Want a number for your own lot? We visit, measure and put the scope and price in a written quote. Call or text (617) 326-7524.