The best alternative to a garage depends on your primary goal. For vehicle protection, a carport or portable garage is ideal. For extra storage, a backyard shed or a local off-site storage unit works best.
The most popular garage alternatives are carports, sheds, Quonset huts, awnings, and car covers.
20×20 Garage Prices
20×20 multiple-car garage prices range from $17,311 to $55,736 and above, depending on building design, style, siding, add-ons, and more. The lowest-priced 20×20 garages are those built in the “Double Wide” style, while our “Legacy” collection and Modern 20×20 garages have the highest price point.
Not having a garage generally devalues a house and shrinks the buyer pool, as most buyers heavily prioritize secure parking and bulk storage. However, the exact impact depends on your area’s property norms, climate, and whether you can offer alternative parking.
9 Best garage conversion ideas
A garage conversion is one of the most cost-effective ways to add square footage to your home, which almost always translates to a higher property value. You're using an existing structure, which saves a significant amount on foundation and framing costs compared to building a brand-new addition.
Setting up a storage shed, carport or metal garage can be a good option if you don't have a garage connected to your house.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.
The 10 year rule applies to any breach of use of land or buildings (excluding dwellings) which has not been challenged by enforcement action for the period of at least ten years. A garage conversion changes the use from a non dwelling (garage) to a dwelling (somewhere you will live).
A 24×24 garage is one of the best value sizes for homeowners needing two-car storage. In 2026, prefab garages typically start around the mid-$10,000s, while custom-built garages can range from the mid-$20,000s to $40,000+ depending on upgrades, materials, and site conditions.
Yes! Prefab garages are more cost-effective than garages built on-site because they are manufactured in a controlled environment, reducing labor costs and material waste. You get a high-quality, durable garage at a lower price with faster installation, saving you both time and money.
Pouring a 20x20 (400 sq. ft.) concrete slab typically costs $2,400 to $6,500 fully installed. The exact price depends on the thickness, site preparation, and finish.
In the majority of cases planning permission is not required for a concrete garage as they are classed by law as a temporary structure. You can find details of some of the factors that may trigger a need for planning below. In all cases we recommend checking with your local planning authority first.
Less Storage Space: Without a dedicated garage, you might face storage challenges. Seasonal items, tools, and outdoor equipment will need alternative storage solutions.
A trackless garage door operates without the traditional overhead tracks found in a garage door with rails. Instead, it utilizes mechanisms like side hinges, folding panels, or bottom tracks to open and close.
An uninsulated garage door is perhaps the biggest culprit for heat loss in your garage, as there is no barrier to slow the heat transfer out of your garage. In order to protect your garage from heat loss, you need a door with insulation.
The absolute cheapest way to build a garage is to construct a DIY post-frame (pole barn) or prefabricated metal carport, skipping a poured concrete slab in favor of a leveled gravel and geotextile base. By acting as your own general contractor and handling the framing and assembly yourself, you can build a basic 20x20 space for under $3,000, or a larger 24x24 garage for around $15,000 to $20,000.
A general rule of thumb though is that a single garage can add between 5-10% of the total value of your property and a double garage up to 20%.
A well-executed garage conversion can boost your home's resale value by as much as 10-20%, depending on the local housing market and the quality of the renovation. Factors such as insulation, flooring, lighting, and heating/cooling systems play a crucial role in determining how much a garage is worth post-conversion.
Yes, you can convert a garage into a granny flat (or annexe), but it usually requires planning permission for a "change of use" because you are turning non-habitable space into a dwelling. While internal conversions can sometimes fall under permitted development, creating a separate living space with kitchen and bathroom facilities almost always requires formal approval from your local planning authority.
Planning permission is not usually required, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building.
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
The biggest value-adds for a home are functional square footage (like finishing a basement or adding a bedroom) and first impressions (curb appeal). While major renovations can be costly, strategic, high-ROI updates yield the best return on investment.
As of 2023, China has one of the highest home ownership rates in the world, with 90% of urban households owning their homes.