Choosing The Right Size Commercial Garage For Your Business Needs

Whether you are a business owner looking for a new retail space or a workshop, commercial steel garages are the best bet. They are fast to install, have low operational costs, and retain their structural integrity with time. But what size should you pick? Let’s break this down.

The Blueprint For Success: Determining The Optimal Size For Your Commercial Garage

1. Assess Your Business Needs

Evaluate your business needs. Consider factors such as vehicle size, clearance, use patterns, and space requirements to avoid any immediate costly renovations. First, measure the space available and subtract any setback. That will give you the maximum space you have for installation.

Consider security and energy efficiency, as the garage will hold valuable tools, equipment, and vehicles. Next, keep commercial metal garages’ proportionality and aesthetics in mind when designing. You can also seek professional advice when designing the facility. 

2. What Size Vehicle Do You Want To Park?

This is another important factor. The size of vehicles will depend on the type and model of vehicles that you want to park or repair inside the garage. If you install commercial garages for retail space, event venue, or fitness center, consider the number of people you would want to host at a time.

This will give you a clear picture of what size garage you should opt for.

3. Set A Budget

Define a budget for what you want to spend. Be sure to be realistic and consider all expenses, such as:

• Soft Costs (insurance, land survey, permit fee, furnishing items, etc.) – Roughly 30% of the construction budget
• Hard Costs (raw material, foundation installation, labor cost, plumbing, electricity)

You can create a checklist, consider what project you will DIY, and determine whether you will need a construction crew. It is best to include details in your budget from start to finish. Opt for galvanized steel for your garage, as it is sturdy, rust-resistant, and lasts a long time.

4. Zoning Laws & Permits For Commercial Buildings

Zoning laws define how land can be used for construction. There may be maximum height, size, or footprint restrictions, including noise levels. You can review zoning maps and ordinances to make sure your intended commercial use aligns with regulations.

For any new commercial construction, a building permit is necessary. It ensures that your commercial metal garages’ design aligns with the zoning laws and building codes. You can consult local authorities to understand requirements and restrictions if in doubt.   

5. Evaluate Location & Accessibility

Check the topography and soil conditions of the land to ensure a stable foundation for your metal garage. You can hire a soil inspector to gauge the quality of the soil. If all is good, you can start preparing for the foundation; otherwise, you may need to excavate and fill the site with a new batch of soil.

Tip: Check your location to see how much R-value an insulator will need and what moisture level is needed for an adequate vent system.

Consider access to utilities like electricity, water, gas, etc. You must plan the necessary infrastructure if you want to use the steel garage for commercial purposes. If you are planning a commercial parking space or a car repair shop, consider its proximity to the main road.

6. Select Dimensions

The typical size of a commercial steel garage is 30 to 100 feet wide and 50 feet or more in length. Depending on local laws and metal dealers, the height of a commercial steel unit can be up to 80 feet or even more.

For an open layout without any interior obstructing columns or walls, opt for a clear-span design. This type of design can span up to 300 feet in width. You can opt for a vertical height that gives room to install a mezzanine to create extra storage or workspace.

If you are on a tight budget, try commercial garages near me online. The search result will give you tons of options nearby to explore.

7. Future Growth & Expansion

Consider possibilities of future growth. If you think you may need a larger garage, plan for it now to reduce construction costs later. With steel structures, you have the option of removing end walls. At the time of expansion, you can remove them, add more side walls to increase length, and place them back.

Tip: Plan for the foundation in advance as well. You can also opt for a lean-to for an open, shaded area. This place can be used as an open seating space or parking space.

Pick The Right Garage Doors

Size

Typical commercial steel garage doors range from 8 to 24 ft. in width and 7 to 20 ft. in height. However, you can customize the size for large vehicles and machinery. You can choose any length depending on space available, local building codes, and needs.

Types

The most popular types of doors are overhead garage doors in both residential and commercial sectors. Rollers control how the door will move. It rests parallel to the ceiling when opened. You can choose from various operation methods, from remote to manual. These are durable and long-lasting.

Roll-up garage doors are another popular one. They coil up when opened and are common in warehouses, storage units, and industrial sectors. They are secure and efficient.

If you want to control indoor temperature precisely, we suggest installing insulated garage doors. They ensure energy efficiency and proper temperature control, especially where climate control is crucial.

Style

There are many styles of doors you can choose from to increase functionality and aesthetics, such as:

• Sectional Doors: They have horizontal panels that slide up when opened.
• Full-View Doors: These glass panels allow visibility and natural lights and amp up the aesthetics. 
• Rolling Steel Doors: These are sturdy, secured, and useful for high-security applications.
• Aluminum Doors: They are lightweight, rust-resistant, and suitable for various sectors. 

Various Uses Of Commercial Space Garages

1. Car Repair Shop
2. Parking
3. Retail Space
4. Event Venue
5. Coffee Shop
6. Fitness Center
7. Brewery & Distillery

Get Your Go-To Commercial Garage Space

When determining size, consider how much space you need without overcommitting or underestimating your requirements. You don’t want to end up with a garage that is too large or too small for your current needs. Finding the Goldilocks size will enhance smooth operations and avoid costly mistakes down the line.