One of the most common questions we get is simple:

“How big should my garage be?”

It sounds straightforward. It rarely is.

Because most people don’t regret building a garage or workshop.
They regret building one that’s just a little too small.

Especially when that space becomes more than just storage.

Start With How You’ll Actually Use It

This is where most people go wrong.
They plan for vehicles… and forget everything else.

Think about:

• Vehicles (cars, trucks, trailers)
• Equipment (lawn, ATV, snowmobile)
• Tools and workbenches
• Storage (seasonal gear, shelving)
• Hobby or personal space

For some, it’s a garage.
For others, it quickly becomes a workshop, a hangout space, or a place to actually spend time.

That changes everything.

Where People Undersize

It usually happens in three places:

1. Door Width & Clearance

Modern vehicles are bigger than people expect. Add mirrors, trailers, or snowbanks, and tight openings become frustrating fast.

2. Depth

A 24’ depth fits a vehicle.
It doesn’t leave much room to move around it, work, or set up a proper bench.

3. Ceiling Height

10’ walls are fine for basic use.

But if you’re thinking about:

• vehicle lifts
• overhead storage
• better airflow and openness

12’–16’ starts to make a big difference.

The “One More Bay” Rule

If you’re debating between sizes, this is the simplest advice we give:

If you’re already close… go one size bigger.

Adding space during design is relatively inexpensive.
Trying to create space later is not.

Common Sizes (Ontario)

Here’s what we see most often:

• 24’x24’ → Basic 2-car garage
• 24’x30’ → Vehicles + light workspace
• 30’x40’ → Garage + workshop + storage
• 40’x60’ → Full multi-use space (work, storage, hobby)

The shift usually happens when people realize they don’t just want to park —
they want to use the space.

Think Beyond Parking

The best builds aren’t just garages.

They become:

• working shops
• storage hubs
• hobby spaces
• places to get away and focus

That only works if the layout supports it.

A tight garage gets used for parking.
A well-sized building actually gets used.

Plan for the Next 5–10 Years

Ask yourself:

• Will you add equipment?
• Upgrade vehicles?
• Want more workspace?
• Spend more time in the building itself?

If the answer is “maybe,” that usually means “yes.”

The Kodiak Approach

We don’t start with square footage.

We start with how you want to use the space:

• storage
• work
• hobbies
• flexibility

Then we size the building to support that — properly.

Because the right building isn’t just about fitting what you have today.
It’s about not outgrowing it tomorrow.

Final Thought

Garage and workshop size decisions are easy to underestimate.
Until you live with them.

If you’re planning a steel garage or multi-use space and want to get it right the first time, request a quote and we’ll walk through it with you.

Or reach out to our team with your questions — we’re here to guide you through engineering, permits, timelines, and everything in between.