How Big is the Standard 2-Car Garage and What Dimensions Suit Modern Cars?
When considering the size of a two-car garage, it's important to understand both the standard measurements and the evolving needs of modern vehicles. The typical size for a standard two-car garage often ranges from 400 to 600 square feet, with common dimensions including 20 feet by 20 feet (20 x 20 feet, 400 square feet), 20 feet by 24 feet (20 x 24 feet, 480 square feet), 24 feet by 24 feet (24 x 24 feet, 576 square feet), and 24 feet by 30 feet (24 x 30 feet, 720 square feet). These dimensions can vary based on local building codes, the size of the vehicles, and personal preferences for storage and workspace.
Standard Size Requirements for Two-Car Garages
To ensure compliance with local building codes and specify the exact size for your garage, it's advisable to contact your city building department. While there are standard size requirements that may vary slightly depending upon location, it's crucial to understand both the traditional and modern standards.
The Evolution of Garage Dimensions in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the idea of a double garage as a standard feature is relatively rare. The traditional "standard" garage size, which dates back to the 1930s, is nominally 16 feet by 8 feet (16 x 8 feet). This size was based on 9 by 4 by 3 inch brick modules. The standard garage measures 16 feet by 8 feet 3 inches or 4.88 by 2.51 meters on the inside. A row of standard garages, for example, for a block of flats, would be slightly narrower at 16 feet by 8 feet or 8 feet 1 inch exactly, or 4.88 by 4.4 meters. If you want a double garage, the internal dimensions would be 16 feet 0 inches by 16 feet 1 inch wide (4.88 by 4.91 meters).
However, these dimensions may not be sufficient for modern cars. The larger width of contemporary vehicles can make parking and exiting the garage more challenging. For instance, modern cars can be up to 1.98 meters wide, which is significantly wider than the original design of the UK standard garage (1.772 meters). This increased width can make it difficult to fold in the passenger side mirror and slightly decrease the ease of exiting the car.
Recommended Modern Garage Dimensions
If you are building a garage with the intention of fitting a car inside, it is sensible to build it to accommodate modern vehicles. Building a garage up to 6 meters by 3 meters (6 x 3 meters) or a minimum of 5.5 meters by 2.8 meters (5.5 x 2.8 meters) would be advisable, especially if you have the space. For a double garage, the minimum dimensions should be 6 meters by 5.8 meters (6 x 5.8 meters) or 5.5 meters by 5.6 meters (5.5 x 5.6 meters). Additionally, consider making the interior height of the garage at least 2.5 meters with beams that can support a reasonable weight, as this can facilitate the use of the garage for storage, workbenches, or hoisting items. Installing some insulation in the roof and walls can also help maintain comfortable temperatures and prevent freezing or heating extremes.
Conclusion
When looking to rent or buy an existing garage, expect it to be described as "large" if it is 5.5 meters by 4.88 meters (5.5 x 4.88 meters) or larger for a single garage and 5.5 meters by 5.5 meters (5.5 x 5.5 meters) or larger for a double garage. The door should provide a clear opening of at least 1.95 meters or 3.90 meters wide by 1.90 to 2.10 meters high.
Understanding both the traditional and modern standards for garage sizes can help you make informed decisions when purchasing or building a garage for your vehicles and other possessions.