Garage Site Discussion Checklist

Copy these headings into your own notes. Write the date and a revision number at the top so everyone prices the same starting point. Leave unknowns marked “to confirm”; a useful brief makes uncertainty visible instead of hiding it behind a preferred garage size.

1. Property and existing condition

City; existing garage, pad or open area; lane or street access; records available. Keep the exact address and property documents for an appropriate private exchange.

2. Everyday use

Vehicles and their measured dimensions; parking order; bicycles, storage and workbench needs; movements that must remain possible with vehicles parked.

3. Essential scope

What the completed garage must do. Separate removal, site preparation, foundation, building shell, doors, electrical work and restoration so each responsibility can be discussed.

4. Options to price separately

Alternative footprint, door arrangement, exterior finish or future equipment. Mark whether each is essential now, optional now or only a future possibility.

5. Questions and next decisions

For each unknown, record who will confirm it, what evidence is needed and when the answer is needed. A requested date is not a reserved construction slot.

For example, “existing concrete pad: suitability unassessed; ask who will inspect it before reuse is priced” is more useful than “reuse the pad.” Keep a preferred footprint and an alternative if you have not settled the layout. This is a planning worksheet, not a construction specification or permit application.

Send the same dated brief when seeking comparable written estimates. Ask the provider to identify exclusions, provisional items and any assumptions they changed. If a later site discussion changes the proposed door or foundation, update the brief and identify which earlier estimate needs revision. Do not silently combine a price from one version with the scope from another.

The Government of Alberta: hiring a contractor guidance recommends written estimates with a clear work description and material specification. Use the quote comparison guide to review the resulting proposals. A completed worksheet does not verify a contractor, permit, price or site condition.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.