Are Garage Kits Worth It?

In Winnipeg, life can be tough without a garage. A garage protects your vehicle from the snow and ice, offers additional storage space, and perhaps houses a workshop or studio. More elaborate custom garage designs may include electricity, plumbing, or even a loft living space.

If you're looking to make your garage dreams a reality by investing in a high-quality yet economical structure, you've likely already come across two popular options—namely, premade garages and garage kits. At STAR Building Materials in Winnipeg, we're often asked which type of garage is better, so below, we've provided an overview of both products.

Are garage kits worth it? Let's take a closer look to find out:

What Is a Premade Garage?

A premade garage, also known as a prefab garage or a prefabricated garage, is a garage that has been manufactured and partially or fully assembled before being delivered to your property. If further assembly is required upon delivery, this is usually completed by a professional team.

What Is a Garage Kit?

In contrast, a garage kit or garage package is a kit that contains plans and instructions as well as all the materials necessary to construct a garage. The labour is completed by the homeowner (or by a team that the homeowner arranges).

How Much Does a Premade Garage Cost?

The cost of a premade garage depends on its size, materials, and add-ons. That being said, this type of garage will typically be more expensive than a comparable kit garage because of the labour costs associated with its off-site and on-site assembly.

How Much Does a Garage Kit Cost?

Garage kits are generally less expensive than comparable premade garages because labour costs aren't factored into their price. At STAR Building Materials, our high-quality garage packages currently range from about $4,500 for a single-car garage to about $13,500 for a four-car garage.

Style: Premade Garage Vs. Garage Kit

Premade garages come in a wealth of different styles and can usually be further customized with add-ons. While garage kits tend to be simpler (due to their DIY nature), they, too, can be enhanced with additional features.

At STAR Building Materials, our detached garage packages all include 2 x 4 ft. walls that are 8 ft. high, shingles, a window and door, and one overhead door.

Sizes: Premade Garage Vs. Garage Kits

In general, premade detached garages have the potential to be larger than garage kits because they are built and assembled by a professional team. Even with clear instructions, it's less common for DIYers to feel confident taking on a large construction project.

Materials: Premade Garage Vs. Garage Kits

While premade garages are frequently made of wood, metal garage kits are common. That being said, our garage packages at STAR Building Materials do feature wood construction, making them somewhat unique.

Premade Garage Vs. Garage Kits Conclusion

To conclude, prefab garages and garage kits can both be excellent choices, and the construction solution you choose will ultimately depend on the specifics of your situation. If you're looking for the most economical option, have some know-how when it comes to DIY projects, and own the proper tools for the job, our state-of-the-art kits are definitely worth it.

To learn more about building a new garage, check out our Garage Estimator tool or visit our store in person. We look forward to serving you!