Choosing the Right Size Car Garage for Your Needs in Salt Lake City (One, Two, or More Cars)

Here at Dave Johnson Construction, with over 30 years of experience building high-quality detached garages and custom garages throughout the Salt Lake City, UT area, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate this exact question. Getting the garage size right from the start is crucial for satisfaction and functionality down the road. Let’s break down how to determine the perfect dimensions for your needs.

It’s More Than Just Counting Cars

The first instinct is often to simply count the number of vehicles you own. While that’s the starting point, it rarely tells the whole story. A garage often needs to be a multi-functional space. Underestimating the needs of your space is one of the most common regrets we hear from homeowners who built before consulting with experienced builders.

Evaluating Your Needs: Key Questions to Ask

To determine the ideal garage size, take some time to honestly assess your current lifestyle and future plans. Ask yourself:

How Many Vehicles – Really?

• Current Fleet: How many cars, trucks, SUVs, or motorcycles do you own right now?
• Future Plans: Do you anticipate buying additional vehicles soon? Will teenagers start driving? Might you acquire a recreational vehicle (ATV, side-by-side, small boat) that needs indoor storage?
• Guest Parking: Do you need occasional space for a visitor’s car inside?

What Size are Your Vehicles?

• Dimensions Matter: A large pickup truck or SUV requires significantly more width and length than a compact sedan. Consider not just fitting the vehicle in, but also having enough room to comfortably open doors without hitting walls or other cars.
• Height: Do you have tall vehicles, roof racks, or plan to install a vehicle lift? Ceiling height is an important consideration often overlooked.

What Else Needs a Home? (Storage Considerations)

This is where many people underestimate. Think about everything currently cluttering your basement, shed, or yard that could ideally live in the garage:

• Lawnmower, snowblower, gardening tools
• Bicycles, scooters
• Salt Lake City recreational gear (skis, snowboards, kayaks, camping equipment)
• Ladders, tools, workbench
• Seasonal decorations
• Trash and recycling bins

List it all out! You’ll likely be surprised how much space these items require for organized storage.

Do You Need Workspace?

• Hobbies & Projects: Do you dream of a dedicated space for woodworking, automotive work, crafting, or other hobbies? Factor in space for a workbench, tool chests, and room to maneuver around your projects.
• Home Gym: Some homeowners utilize garage space for exercise equipment.

Thinking Ahead: Future Flexibility

Your needs might change. While you can’t predict everything, building slightly larger than what your immediate needs are often provides valuable flexibility down the road. Adding on later is significantly more complex and expensive than getting the right size garage from the beginning.

Exploring Common Garage Sizes

While we specialize in custom garages tailored to exact specifications, here’s a general overview of common configurations:

Three Cars & Beyond: Maximum Space and Versatility

• Best For: Families with multiple vehicles, extensive storage needs, dedicated workshop areas, space for boats, trailers, or recreational toys.
• Considerations: Requires more lot space and represents a larger investment, but offers the ultimate flexibility and capacity. Allows for truly multi-functional use without compromising vehicle parking.