Garage Builders Idaho

The first question most people ask is: “How much does it cost?”

• Simple builds (delivered and set directly on the ground) – Pricing is straightforward, and our sales team can usually provide it quickly.
• Complex builds (requiring any of the following: engineering, permits, excavation, concrete, electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, or finishes) – Instant pricing isn’t possible, but we can provide:
  • Square-foot cost ranges
  • Past project comparisons
  • Budget guidance

Best advice: Start with a clear, realistic picture of what you want. When it comes to custom projects, our dreams can sometimes be very broad—which is great for brainstorming, but it makes setting a budget difficult. Having a budget in mind from the beginning is extremely helpful, since there are many variables that can cause the cost to go up or down. For example, something as simple as a window can range anywhere from $150 to $2,500, depending on the style and features you choose.

When people hear the term building plan, it can sound intimidating. But getting started is often as simple as sitting down with a pencil and paper and sketching out your ideas. This step not only gives you a clear starting point, but also helps us provide you with accurate estimates. Even if you plan to hire a professional draftsman, having your ideas laid out makes it much easier to guide them toward the design you really want.

A proper building plan should include:

1. Site Map – property details
2. Foundation Plan – excavation & concrete
3. Floor Plan – aerial diagram of the buildings doors and windows
4. Roof Plan – roof style – gable, barn, single slope shed roof
5. Elevation Views – views of the sides or 3d image
6. Building Specifications – selections (sidings, shingles, colors, windows, doors)

With these details in place, we can usually provide an estimate with a quick turnaround. If this part is hard to dial in we are happy to set up an appointment and walk through the initial details to help? We can also connect you with professional designers if your project requires further details.

Site Map Considerations

Ask yourself:

1. Am I building within required city/county setbacks?
2. Does the design comply with HOA restrictions?
3. Does it avoid septic tanks, wells, or existing structures?
4. How is drainage on the lot?

A quick call to the city/county building department can confirm what’s possible on your property.

Many customers start big (e.g., a 30’ wide structure) but scale back (e.g., to 20’) once setbacks and site limits are confirmed.

Property Lines vs. Setbacks

• Property Line: The legal boundary of your land.
• Setback: The required buffer zone inside that boundary where you cannot build.
  • Front setback: from the street
  • Side setback: from neighboring lots
  • Rear setback: from the back boundary

Why they matter: Setbacks ensure spacing, protect streets/sidewalks, and maintain neighborhood layout.

What is a Site Plan?

A site plan (or site map) is a bird’s-eye drawing showing:

• Property boundaries
• Setback areas
• Existing features (trees, sheds, driveways)
• Proposed structures

Purpose: To visualize your build and catch problems early. Example: if a planned garage overlaps a setback, the site plan reveals it before time or money is wasted.

Think of it this way:

• Property line = edge of your lot
• Setback = invisible buffer where you can’t build
• Site plan = map showing both
• Check out the link provided with a sample site map

• Size: Think about current and future use. Avoid going too small to save money—you don’t want regrets later.
• Style: Choose a look that fits your taste. Browse examples, find a style you love, and replicate key details. The most common method to determine your style is explore the roof shape you are most drawn toward. The roof shape usually sets the stage for styles such as a Modern Look to a Gable or Gambrel style.

The excavation is often a overlooked part of the project that if not planned for properly can bring regret later down the road. Excavation is a very invasive part of the project and it will determine the elevations, land grade and water drainage for the project. It will need to be decided who is going to be doing the excavation, what type of equipment will be used and is there a budget to repair landscaping that is damaged in the wake of the construction zone.

Often overlooked but critical:

• Challenges: slopes, bedrock, trees/roots, old concrete, lava rock
• Extra costs: Removing obstacles, repairing landscaping after heavy machinery
• Access issues: Will trucks/equipment be able to reach the site?

The foundation is the backbone of your building. In addition to the excavation there is often little thought preparation that goes into the foundation as there is a plethora of options and approaches that can be taken. Details such as slope, steps, walkways, drainage, etc should all be considered carefully and planned to avoid future regrets. In Idaho, footings must go below the frost line (usually 24” deep). Common options:

1. Shed Floors – Wood Floor on Blocks, Steel Base, 4×4 Base, Concrete Slab, Wood Floor with Holddowns. While all these work for a storage shed unfortunately will not work for a permitted structure.
2. Sono Tube Footings w/ Wood Floor
   • Concrete piers set 24”+ deep
   • Cost-effective but raised floor & step required
   • No true crawlspace
3. Monolithic Slab (single pour)
   • Slab and footing poured together
   • Efficient and cost-effective
   • Building materials are same height as slab, drainage is often a problem and no wall cut outs for doors and landing openings
4. Footings + Stem Walls + Slab (“Three Pour”)
   • Footing, then walls, then slab
   • Strong and durable
   • Materials can be raised above grade, flatwork can slope how is necessary, cut outs for doors and landings
5. Footings + Stem Walls + Floor
   • Creates a crawlspace under the structure
   • Ideal if floor R- value is desired along with being able to access under the structure for utilities

Once sitework and foundation are handled, the visible structure takes shape. Planning details early prevents delays. This is the stage where you have unlimited options so you want to imagine the details you want on the building: Key elements:

1. Framing – wall thickness, wall height, truss pitch/profile
2. Siding – horizontal, vertical, shake, stucco, etc.
3. Eaves, Soffits, Fascia, Gutters – overhang size, venting, drainage
4. Exterior Finish – painting/staining, color tones
5. Roofing – waterproofing and material selection. Metal verse asphalt, venting, skylights
6. Doors & Windows – placement, style, window size and height, door width, engress and egress
7. Systems – electrical, HVAC, plumbing
8. Insulation & Drywall – finish, texture, style
9. Interior Walls & Finishes – flooring, baseboards, paint