Time for a New Garage? Hire an Experienced Garage Builder!

Once your garage design has been finalized, the next step is to complete a survey of your property (where necessary). After the survey, all of the required permit documentation is organized, and your building permit is applied for and approved. If your contractor asks you to apply for an “owner permit,” beware! Many times this is because the contractor is not properly licensed or insured. If you pull the permit for your builder, you are ultimately responsible for building code compliance and may also bear any liability due to accident or injury on the job.

Preparing your site for the new garage entails removing any old garages, concrete, sod, trees, bushes, and fences that were identified during design. It’s important to choose an experienced removal specialist. Heavy equipment is required, which takes a highly skilled operator to avoid damaging your property (and your neighbors’). A contractor with a high level of skill and experience can also help ensure the grade and elevation are set correctly for your new garage.

Producing quality concrete is both art and science. We ensure a high-quality job by selecting only experienced concrete professionals. From ground preparation, to setting up the forms, to placing the reinforcement, to selecting the appropriate mix, to pouring the concrete, to applying the final finish, experience means everything.
At Sussel Garages, our concrete professionals utilize only the highest quality redi-mix to meet our select specifications. These specifications include utilizing 4000 PSI (pounds per square inch), high-strength concrete redimix. This product is recommended by the Portland Cement Association for Upper-Midwest weather conditions for extra strength and to maintain a smoother and much harder surface.

It goes without saying: the quality of your garage largely depends on the quality of the materials used to build it. Make sure to select a builder that takes the quality of their materials seriously. Some builders simply look for the lowest priced materials they can find, regardless of quality. Avoid any builder that sources its construction lumber from a big-box retail store. These retails stores typically carry low-grade, picked-through materials of inconsistent quality. The best way to ensure you receive the highest quality materials is to choose a builder that only sources its materials from professional, contractor-grade lumber yards. There is quite a difference!

Just as important as the quality of materials is the quality of the carpentry work. Insist on only highly experienced and skilled carpenters—those with a long history of specialized carpentry knowledge, skills, and expertise. It’s generally best to avoid the “jack of all trades” types who also do concrete work, install siding or roofing, etc. Choosing a builder who utilizes carpentry specialists will provide a higher level of workmanship with more consistent results.

Siding is another area where specialization is critical. There are many types of siding products, all with quite different physical properties and installation specifications. It is critical that your siding professional understands the specific installation requirements of the product they are installing for you. Given the ever-changing weather conditions we experience here in Minnesota, it is even more important to make sure your siding materials are properly installed. If incorrectly installed, changes in temperature and humidity will adversely affect the appearance of your siding, as well as the durability.

A properly installed roof will protect and extend the life of your garage. There are a few key elements to consider. When it comes to selecting a shingle brand, choose a major manufacturer with a proven history and strong reputation in roofing products. All of the top manufacturers offer a wide range of shingle types, styles, and color selections. Also consider the differences in warranties provided by each manufacturer. An experienced roofing professional ensures your roofing products are installed per the manufacturer’s requirements. When roofing is improperly installed, the underlying building and product warranties are put at risk.

Only qualified and licensed electricians should be allowed to do work on your garage. Your electrical team should ensure that your electrical system will provide reliable service that meets all of your needs. But more importantly, shoddy electrical work can compromise your safety.