Garage planning journal

Garage Site Discussion Checklist

You can make the first garage discussion more useful without having a final design. Bring a clear account of what exists, what must fit and what you still need to find out.

01 / THE DETAILS

Gather the records you already have.

Locate available property documents, surveys or real property reports, old garage drawings and permit records. Note their dates and whether the property has changed since they were prepared. A document helps the conversation, but the project team must assess whether it is suitable for the proposed work.

Keep detailed documents and personal information out of the initial public chat or enquiry message. Say what records you have and arrange an appropriate exchange when the team follows up. You do not need to obtain new documents blindly before discussing what the project requires.

02 / THE DETAILS

Record the visible site conditions.

  • Is there a garage, parking pad or undeveloped area now?
  • Does access come from a lane or the street?
  • Are there narrow gates or other obvious access constraints?
  • Where are visible service connections and nearby structures?
  • Which areas of the yard must remain usable?
  • Have you noticed pooling, uneven concrete or deterioration?

Use these as observations, not diagnoses. Do not identify underground service positions by guessing, or enter unsafe areas for photographs. Investigation, utility locating and structural assessment need an agreed professional process.

03 / THE DETAILS

Measure the things that must fit.

Bring vehicle dimensions, including accessories, and list permanent storage. Record door and tailgate movements that matter to your family. If you want a workbench, include the bench depth and how you intend to use it. A list of activities is often more useful than an untested standard footprint.

Keep two lists: essential requirements and optional improvements. For example, comfortable access to both vehicles may be essential while a larger bench is optional. These priorities help when the preferred design meets a site or budget constraint. See the garage size guide before settling on a dimension.

04 / THE DETAILS

Leave with the next decisions clearly assigned.

Questions to record during the discussion
TopicUseful outcome
Buildable layoutWhat needs checking before the footprint can be confirmed?
Existing workWho assesses reuse or removal?
Drawings and approvalsWho prepares, submits and follows up?
QuoteWhich assumptions and options will be priced?
TimingWhat information is needed before dates can be discussed?

Write down the person responsible for each next step. If something remains uncertain, preserve it as an open question instead of treating a preliminary conversation as confirmation.

05 / THE DETAILS

Send a brief, useful first enquiry.

A good starting message might say: “Calgary, existing parking pad, considering a double garage for two vehicles and bicycles. Size undecided. I have an older property report and can be flexible on timing.” This is an illustrative brief, not a real customer project.

Use the AB Garage Builders enquiry form to share your city, project description and contact details. The form does not book a site visit or reserve a build date. Read how to compare quotes for the next stage and keep your enquiry reference for follow-up.

MAKE SPACE FOR WHAT MATTERS

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Put your city, space and priorities in one simple brief.

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FlorYour garage project assistant

Hi, I’m Flor, the AI assistant for AB Garage Builders. Are you planning a garage in Calgary or Edmonton?

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