About this garage
This 12′ x 20′ modular garage (240 sq/ft) was built for a newly bought duplex in Langley, BC. Storage there was limited, so the owners wanted more room. The garage has red LP SmartSide siding with cream trim, asphalt shingles, a 9-foot by 7-foot garage door and a 36-inch steel door.
Quick facts about this modular garage
- Location: Langley, BC
- Size: 12′ x 20′ (240 sq/ft, about 22.3 m²)
- Design: Modular garage
- Overhangs: Front 18″; sides 6″
- Siding: LP SmartSide
- Door: 36″ steel door and a 9′ x 7′ garage door
More storage for a duplex
Storage in the duplex was limited, so the owners ordered a modular garage for the lot. The garage has an open-stud interior, a wooden ramp at the door opening and a gable roof with asphalt shingles.
Built in a factory, delivered ready to use
The garage was built in a factory in North Vancouver and trucked to the site as a complete building. The special delivery trailer has wheels that turn sideways, a feature called crabbing. It let the driver steer the load around tight corners and past building overhangs on the way in.
Inside the garage
Inside, the garage is open stud with exposed roof trusses and plywood sheathing above. The photos show the trusses and the steel door from inside.
Why a modular garage suits a tight lot
A modular garage is built in a factory and delivered as a finished building, so there is little building work left on the lot. That helps on a lot with a tight driveway or a neighbour’s fence close by. Because the garage is built ahead of time, the site can be prepared while the building is under construction.
What a 240 sq/ft garage can hold
A garage that is 12 feet wide and 20 feet long has 240 sq/ft of floor space. That is enough for a vehicle or for bikes, tools, a workbench, seasonal gear and storage shelving.
Why delivery planning matters
Getting a finished building to a lot is a project in itself. The route, the width of the lane or driveway, overhead wires and the turns the trailer must make all affect the delivery. A trailer with sideways-turning wheels can follow a tighter path than a regular trailer.
Preparing the site
A building is only as flat and solid as the ground under it. Before delivery, it helps to:
- Pick a spot with clear access for people, materials and a delivery trailer, and keep it away from overhead wires and low branches.
- Level the area and set a firm base, such as compacted gravel or a leveled frame, so the floor stays flat and water drains away.
- Check the setbacks from the property lines and any easements in your city’s shed rules.
- Leave room in front of the garage door for the ramp and for a vehicle to approach.
Keeping the siding in good shape
The siding is LP SmartSide, a primed engineered wood siding that is painted after it is installed. Like any painted wood product, it lasts longest when the paint is kept in good condition. Look the building over once a year, repaint any worn spots, keep soil, mulch and plants from touching the bottom of the walls, and keep the roof edges clear of leaves.
| Location | Langley, BC |
|---|---|
| Size | 12′ x 20′ (240 sq/ft, about 22.3 m²) |
| Design | Modular garage |
| Overhangs | Front 18″; sides 6″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide |
| Ceiling | Open stud |
| Door | 36″ steel door and a 9′ x 7′ garage door |
| Roofing | Asphalt shingles |
| Electrical | No |
| Customization | Wooden ramp |
What to plan before building a garage
A garage is a larger building than a shed, so the permit and the delivery need planning.
- Permit: at 240 sq/ft (about 22.3 m²) this garage is over the 10 m² (108 sq/ft) size that the BC Building Code leaves out, so a building permit is needed. See the shed rules by city pages.
- Access: check the lane or driveway width, overhead wires and the turns the delivery trailer must make.
- Door size: pick the door for the vehicles or equipment that will go inside.
- Ramp: a ramp at the door makes it easier to bring in bikes and equipment over the threshold.
Frequently asked questions
How big is this garage?
It’s 12 feet by 20 feet, which is 240 sq/ft (about 22.3 m²).
How was the garage built?
It was built in a factory in North Vancouver and delivered to the site as a complete building.
What is crabbing on a delivery trailer?
Crabbing means the trailer wheels can turn sideways, which helps the driver steer around tight corners and building overhangs.
Does a garage this size need a building permit?
Yes. At 240 sq/ft it is over the 10 m² (108 sq/ft) size that the BC Building Code leaves out. See the shed rules by city and the maximum shed size without a permit guide.
What kind of door does it have?
A 9-foot by 7-foot garage door at the end and a 36-inch steel door on the side.
Does it have power?
No. The garage has no electrical power and the inside is open stud.
What is the garage made of?
A framed gable garage with LP SmartSide siding, cream trim and an asphalt shingle roof.
More outbuildings to explore
Browse more Backyard Outbuildings, see all sheds, garages and barns, or read the Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit guide.