When a family has two vehicles, the most important thing to ask is whether or not it is possible to park both cars in the garage. To open the driver’s door and the passenger door, you must not have to worry about hitting any walls or the vehicle that is parked next to them. Having sufficient room for parking is not enough on its own.
A garage capable of housing two vehicles should have dimensions of 22 feet in width, 22 feet in length, and a wall height of eight feet. Although it is large enough to accommodate most automobiles, there is little room for anything else. If there is a need for additional storage or workspace, a larger area is something that needs to be addressed.
When you don’t have a lot of space on your property for a two-car garage, it is vital that you are aware of the minimal dimensions that are required.
Standard 2 Car Garage Sizes
A few different sizes are available for garages, including single, double, and triple. Most brand-new homes constructed in 2022 will have attached garages that can handle two cars. They are available in a variety of sizes based on the home and local regulations:
| 20′ x 20′ |
| 20’ x 22’ |
| 22’ x 22’ |
| 22’ x 24’ |
| 24’ x 24’ |
| 24’ x 28’ |
When it comes to garages detached from their homes, specific measurements may be employed. Nevertheless, other opportunities can be possible, depending on the size of the land.
Minimum Width & Length For 2 Car Garage
An automobile’s width is typically between six and six and a half feet on average. If you add a few feet on either side to allow space for entering and exiting a car, you will quickly approach the minimum width of a garage, which is twenty feet.
Since most vehicles do not exceed seventeen feet in length, a distance of twenty feet is sufficient to fulfill the requirements for the minimum size.
What Is A Proper Height For A 2 Car Garage?
Around eight feet is the standard height of the ceiling of a two-car garage, and seven feet is the typical height of the entrance leading into the garage.
Keep in mind that a minimum of two inches of headroom is required above the garage door to install an opener. This is the area that the door travels through that is closest to the ceiling. If you want to put in a door that is 8 feet tall, you will need to make the walls at least 9 feet tall to accommodate the door.
Door Dimensions For A Two Car Garage
You typically only have the choice of installing one large door on a two-car garage with a standard size of 20 feet by 20 feet. A double garage door typically has a height ranging from seven to eight feet and a width ranging from sixteen to eighteen feet. These are the standard measurements.
Two-Car Garage Dimensions for Trucks and SUVs
Think about the car you are driving now and the one you might buy in the future. Is there going to be a need for a larger vehicle since the family is growing? Are you going on more adventures, which would necessitate a car with a higher towing capacity, or are you transporting canoes or kayaks on the roof of your vehicle?
| Size Class | Model | Height (feet) | Length (feet) | Width (feet) |
| Small Truck | Ford Ranger | 6.1 | 17.6 | 6 |
| Large Truck | Ford Ranger Raptor | 6.15 | 17.6 | 6.65 |
Comparing two Ford Ranger models shows that although their height and length are similar, one width is half a foot more than the other. You would probably consider building a 22′ x 20′ garage to fit two trucks.
With larger trucks, they tend to have more width for running boards, more prominent side mirrors, and more capacity. Keep that in mind when building a two-car garage, as you need to have space.
| Size Class | Model | Height (feet) | Length (feet) | Width (feet) |
| City Car | Fiat 500 | 4.9 | 12 | 5.3 |
| Small Car | Suzuki Swift | 4.9 | 12.6 | 5.7 |
| Compact Car | BMW 1 | 4.7 | 14.2 | 5.9 |
| Family Car | Toyota Corolla Sedan | 5 | 15.2 | 5.8 |
| Luxury Car | BMW 7 | 4.8 | 16.8 | 6.25 |
| Small SUV | Toyota Yaris | 5.2 | 13.7 | 5.8 |
| Mid-Size SUV | Nissan Ariya | 5.4 | 15.1 | 6.1 |
| Large SUV | Jeep Wrangler | 6.1 | 16 | 6.2 |
| Pick Up Truck | Ford Ranger | 6.1 | 17.6 | 6 |
| Passenger Van | Volkswagen T6.1 Caravelle | 6.5 | 16.1 | 6.25 |
Although slightly more extended than cars, SUVs have a similar width and would still fit in a standard 20′ x 20′ garage.
This comparison of three different sized SUVs shows that any size would fit into the standard two-car garage
| Size Class | Model | Height (feet) | Length (feet) | Width (feet) |
| Small SUV | Toyota Yaris | 5.2 | 13.7 | 5.8 |
| Mid-Size SUV | Nissan Ariya | 5.4 | 15.1 | 6.1 |
| Large SUV | Jeep Wrangler | 6.1 | 16 | 6.2 |
If you have space for only two cars in your garage, your only option may be to make it higher rather than longer or wider. Not only is it beneficial to have additional space from the perspective of resale, but it’s also wonderful to have room for additional storage or even additional living space.
Can You Fit Two Cars in a 20′ x 20′ Garage?
It is possible to park two cars inside a garage that is 20 feet long and 20 feet wide. There will be no room for anything else, and there is a possibility that you will not be able to open your doors all the way. Despite this, both cars should be able to be parked without any additional difficulties.
Once you have determined how big your two-car garage needs, other decisions must be made. Because of this, things can quickly get complicated because you must consider regulations, building codes, and neighborhood constraints.
After determining the size of the garage you want to construct, the next step is to conduct research to identify the best building plan and obtain the necessary permits.
It is also the time to determine if you want to build it yourself or hire a construction company to do the work for you. If you want to build it yourself, it is time to make that decision.
Two Car Garage Dimensions with Loft
The dimensions of a typical two-car garage will not suffice for constructing a two-car garage with a loft because of the additional space required. The dimensions of the building in most floor plans are 34 feet wide, 30 feet long, and 25 feet high.
With a loft added to your garage, you will have extra space for storing household goods, tools, seasonal decorations, or even a hobby workshop. Will there be stairs leading up to this place, or will a ladder be sufficient for getting there?
When deciding whether to have a second floor, the first thing to consider is whether your structure can accommodate that additional height. Because most neighborhoods have height restrictions, you will need to research and determine how much room you can have.
Suppose you have plans to convert the second story of your garage into a living area. In that case, you need to take extra precautions with the electrical and insulation systems, as gasoline and car exhaust do not get along very well with them.
Every region has its conception of what constitutes a conventional size for garages that can accommodate two cars. This is due, in part, to the fact that the country in question has a limited selection of automobiles of varying sizes and models.
If people prefer driving compact cars, then their garages will likely be on the smaller side. When drivers are given access to larger trucks and vans, they have a greater demand for additional space because the vehicles occupy more room.
Two-Car Garage Dimensions in California
As specified by the state’s building rules, the minimum floor area required for a two-car garage in California is 400 square feet, equal to a 20′ x 20′ footprint.
A space inside the garage at least seventeen feet wide and eighteen feet deep must be free of any furniture, water heaters, shelving, or other items of similar nature.
Two-Car Garage Dimensions in Australia
According to the Australian Standards, a garage must have a minimum size of 5.4 meters by 5.4 meters (17.4 feet) to be considered a double garage in Australia; however, the typical length of a double car garage is 5.8 meters by 5.8 meters (19.8 feet).
An Australian double garage has enough space for two sedan-style cars.
You should be familiar with both the metric system and the imperial system of measurement in the event you decide to obtain building plans from a country outside of the United States or from a nation that employs a different measurement system.
Two Car Garage Dimension in Square Feet and Meters
Before building, there are many different things to think about. Knowing your garage’s dimensions and square footage allows you to decide how much space you need.
| Feet (width x length) | Square Feet |
| 20′ x 20′ | 400 |
| 20′ x 22′ | 440 |
| 22′ x 22′ | 484 |
| 22′ x 24′ | 528 |
| 24′ x 24′ | 576 |
| 24′ x 28′ | 672 |
| Feet (width x length) | Meters (width x length) |
| 20′ x 20′ | 6 x 6 |
| 20’ x 22’ | 6 x 6.7 |
| 22’ x 22’ | 6.7 x 6.7 |
| 22’ x 24’ | 6.7 x 7.3 |
| 24′ x 24′ | 7.3 x 7.3 |
| 24′ x 28′ | 7.3 x 8.5 |
Two-Car Garage Dimension Plans
When building from the ground up, you will need blueprints for the appropriate size two garage you wish to develop. Custom blueprints allow for more customization to the space you want.
There is plenty of websites where you can purchase building plans for two-car garages. You can find the best plan that suits your needs and purchase the number of copies you need.
There is also the premade approach as an alternative. Using this method, the walls and trusses of the structure are constructed at a workshop before being transported to the construction site.
A lift or crane is utilized on the construction site to install the walls and trusses properly. This strategy is favored over others due to the improved productivity that results from constructing individual components of the garage in a factory rather than on the construction site itself.
The prefab approach can be utilized for the construction of garages of a large variety of sizes, and it is particularly well-suited for multi-story garages. It is also an excellent choice to eliminate any load-bearing walls inside the building.
What Permits Do I Need For a Two-Car Garage?
When it comes to granting building licenses, each country and state has its requirements. It is usually better to check with your local authority to determine the required permits.
In some states, a permit is only necessary for buildings no more than 10 feet by 10 feet in size. Some municipalities may only demand building licenses for more than ten feet tall structures.
The building and construction permit should be the only required permission. You must apply for this authorization if you want to perform the work independently. If you choose a construction business to execute the job for you, it is their responsibility to acquire the necessary permits.
You must obtain individual permits if you decide to add plumbing, electrical work, or mechanical components to your two-car garage. After construction, each open permit will require an inspection as the last step. Some cities even request a site inspection before completion.
What Are The Right Dimensions When Doing An Addition
Most of us want to keep more than simply cars in our two-car garage. When you add an ATV, a motorcycle, or even a few bicycles to the mix, your garage may rapidly become overcrowded. Add wall shelves or a workbench and watch your floor space decrease!
There are various ways to add more space to your garage design by changing the dimensions.
Width
Make it a two-and-a-half-car garage. The additional half space can have its door, but it will be half the size. This is ideal for bikes or scooters and can be used as a tiny workspace.
It is advisable to use 24’x24′ or larger measurements for a two-car garage, as this will provide additional space for entering and exiting the vehicle. The minimum specifications for a two-car garage are 20 feet wide by 20 feet deep.
The standard width for a garage is 24′ to 28′ wide. The width of an automobile is typically between 6 and 6.5 feet on average. If you add a few feet on either side to allow space for entering and exiting a car, you will quickly approach the minimum width of a garage, which is twenty feet.
Length
Increasing the garage’s length provides storage or a workstation that does not interfere with parking your vehicles. The main disadvantage is that if you remove stuff from that spot, you will most likely need to move a car because there will not be enough space to transport more oversized items.
Height
The addition of height opens a considerable number of storage possibilities. If you have the space and the means, you could even convert some of your garage’s upper level into a workspace by adding an attic or a second floor.
Although it’s pretty unlikely that we have two of the same car, we can have two vehicles that are roughly the same size. It is much simpler to decide on the proportions of a two-car garage if one knows the dimensions of the automobiles that will be stored inside.
Head Space
Around eight feet is the standard height of the ceiling of a two-car garage, and seven feet is the typical height of the entrance leading into the garage. If you want to park a full-sized truck or van inside the garage, you might need to choose a two-car garage with greater dimensions and a larger garage door.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a minimum of two inches of headroom is required above the garage door to install an opener.
This is the area that the door travels through that is closest to the ceiling. If you want to put in a door that is 8 feet tall, you will need to make the walls at least 9 feet tall to accommodate the door.
In some situations, you might be able to go higher, but in others, you might start to bump up against height restrictions.
Deciding On How To Build Your 2 Car Garage
Building a garage large enough for two cars can be done in several ways. Building a garage from scratch can be a relatively straightforward endeavor for an informed homeowner. It is essential to have a solid understanding of the materials you will be working with, as well as to adhere to all applicable building codes and obtain the required permits.
It may be more cost-effective to go with a professional construction company when building a garage.
You won’t have to do as much work if you hire a professional construction company because they will obtain the necessary permits and order the appropriate supplies. However, you will have to pay for their expertise, experience, and labor.
From The Ground Up
The “stick-built” method is the most used method for building two-car garages. Constructors utilize this technique to construct homes and garages that are too vast and complicated to be transported on the back of a truck.
The term “stick-built” refers to a garage built on the site, beginning with the ground and working its way up. On-site assembly and installation of all components, including walls, rafters, and all other pieces, are performed.
This strategy works wonderfully for garages that have been custom created. Everything may be arranged, and alterations can be made on the fly if necessary. For example, if you have the impression that something ought to be wider or want to make more room on one side, you can make small changes.
Prefabricated
There is also the premade approach as an alternative. Using this method, the walls and trusses of the structure are constructed at a workshop before being transported to the construction site. A lift or crane is utilized on the construction site to install the walls and trusses properly.
This strategy is favored over others due to the improved productivity that results from constructing individual components of the garage in a factory rather than on the construction site itself.
The prefab approach can be utilized for the construction of garages of a large variety of sizes, and it is particularly well-suited for multi-story garages.
Attached or Detached
If the garage is detached from the house, will the only way to enter the space be through the garage doors, or will there also be a door that allows for quick passage? Do buildings need to have windows to comply with the building code? Will the construction of a driveway be required so that vehicles may get access to the building?
Do you need to tear down an older garage before building the new one if the new one will be attached to the house? Is there anything that needs to be done with the load-bearing walls? Will there be a door leading from the garage into the house?
Level Up
If you can have a second level added to your garage, you will have the ability to have extra space for storing household goods, tools, seasonal decorations, or even a hobby workshop. Will there be stairs leading up to this place, or will a ladder be sufficient for getting there?
When deciding whether to have a second floor, the first thing to consider is whether or not your structure can accommodate that additional height. Because most neighborhoods have height restrictions, you will need to investigate and determine how much room you are allowed to have.
If you have plans to convert the second story of your garage into a living area, you need to take extra precautions with the electrical and insulation systems, as gasoline and car exhaust do not get along very well with them.
Roof Angles
At this point, many variations are available for garage roofs. You might go the traditional route and install a pitched roof, or you could even go with a flat roof. Both have their advantages, but if you are limited on room, having a pitched roof offers the opportunity for additional storage, provided that the truss support is sufficient.
All The Power to You
Most people don’t give it much thought at the moment. Still, you will almost certainly require a power source to your garage to have lights, electrical outlets, and, depending on the temperature where you live, either air conditioning or heat.
During the warmer months, having air conditioning is a valuable addition. When you utilize the two-car garage for mechanical maintenance or projects during the winter months, having a hardwired heater is an incredible asset.
It would be best to consider how many watts you will require for the garage, whether you will need it for power tools, plugging in the vehicles, lights, and any further add-ons. It could be in your best interest to put an electrical panel in the garage so that power is not drawn from your main house.
It is always a good idea to obtain a professional perspective on any garage project. Whether an architect for the blueprints or a construction business for the complete project, this is a substantial structure on your property. You want to ensure it will last as long as you live there.
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