ᐅ Single-Family Home with Large Garage – Prefabricated or Masonry Construction?

Hello everyone,

We are currently in the process of choosing a general contractor and are still quite uncertain specifically about the garage.

We recently visited a large prefabricated garage at a friend’s new development, and to be honest, we were quite disappointed.

It is the Kemmler large garage type IX – both visually and quality-wise, it reminds me more of a temporary shed.

Our contractor’s price for this garage is around €25,000 (about $26,700) all told. Now we are wondering what alternative options might be available.

Has anyone had experience with a masonry garage, and what are the approximate costs for that? I often read that it is about 60% more expensive, but I suspect it may not be that much higher nowadays, since prices for prefabricated garages have increased significantly.

In principle, I am simply not willing to pay 25k for such a fortress... Does anyone have alternatives?

What type of garages do you have? About 80% of new homeowners currently have prefabricated garages – probably because they are clearly more affordable than masonry garages.

What has been your experience? Also, how long-lasting are concrete prefab garages? Should I expect to deal with renovation or repair work after about 15–20 years? I believe a masonry garage would easily last 40 years or more.

exto1791 schrieb:

What experiences have you had? How durable are these precast concrete garages? Can I reasonably expect to need renovation work after 15 to 20 years? I believe a masonry garage will last me 40 years or more.

I have experience with both now. The precast garage is still like new after 15 years (a real gem). The masonry garage is now 50 years old and basically a structural "ruin," with a second roof structure by now, moisture in the ceiling, cracks in the walls...

Our white plastered precast concrete garage (2.85 x 7 m (9.35 x 23 ft)) with a Hörmann sectional door and built-in electrical wiring cost €8,000.
Two of these side by side (with wall openings!) then amounts to approximately €17,000 including delivery and assembly.
Strip foundations (then 2 x 5.7 m (18.7 ft)) will add to the cost...

Just as a comparison for you.

Golfi90 schrieb:

Our white plastered precast concrete garage (2.85x7m (9.35x23ft)) with a Hörmann sectional door and built-in electrical wiring cost 8,000€.
Two of these side by side (with wall openings!) then come to about 17,000€ including delivery and installation.
Strip foundations (then 2x5.7m (18.7ft)) would be an additional cost...

Just as a comparison for you.

We have already received offers from several general contractors for the Kemmler large garage – all prices include foundation, door, and windows – around 25,000€.

We also have quotes from Ott, Zapf, and Steidle. All are within this price range...

nordanney schrieb:

I know both now. A prefabricated garage still looks like new after 15 years (a gem). A masonry garage, now 50 years old, is basically a structural "ruin" with its second roof construction, moisture in the ceiling, cracks in the walls...

Well, comparing a 15-year-old prefabricated garage to a 50-year-old masonry garage is quite difficult.

But yes, it’s definitely a starting point and good to know.

Could you share the price difference? Do you have any experience with that?

I have a prefabricated garage here that is almost 50 years old. As far as I can tell, it is free of defects. The roof is watertight, everything is dry. Please just call these double garages; the large multi-car garage belongs to @rick2018.