You’ve probably found your way here through a search we’ve been seeing a lot lately. Let’s take a wild guess—did you search for something like “Oak frame garages for sale” or maybe “oak frame garages near me”?
Now more than ever, virtually most garage builders are fully booked well into the future. That’s not a bad thing. Whether you’re looking to buy a garage nearby to install yourself or searching for the most experienced installer who has availability, we’re here to guide you through the process. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of your oak frame garage options and the best route for you.
At Mottaghan Reid, we manufacture oak frame and softwood frame garages and constructing them and supplying them to builders or self builders nationwide. Beam by beam and post by post we are crafting oak frame garages, but we understand that an oak frame garage isn’t the right fit for everyone. There are certainly cases where brick or treated timber might be a better solution, and we want to help you figure out which option works best for your needs.
Now, let’s dive in!
To Build or To Buy?
For some of you, the decision to build or buy may already be long overdue. For others, buying a home with an existing garage could still be a viable option. Let’s break down some considerations when buying a home with a garage already in place:
- No control over design: When the garage is already there, you won’t have any say in its size, shape, or style. If you were to have one built, you'd have total control over the design.
- Unknown garage history: If the previous homeowner didn’t keep up with garage
maintenance, there might be underlying issues you’ll need to deal with, depending on how long the garage has been around.
- Could be in great condition: On the flip side, you might luck out and end up with a well-maintained garage, saving you from paying extra for new construction. If you’re purchasing a new home, not having to budget for a new garage can be a nice bonus.
If you’re not looking for a home but instead want to add a brand new garage to your property, there are definitely pros and cons to that approach. You’ll have full control over the design, size, and placement, and you'll start with a fresh slate in terms of maintenance. However, keep in mind the cost and the construction time before it’s ready for use. Knowing your options ahead of time will help you avoid any potential regret down the road, as you'll have a clear understanding of what you're getting into.
What Are Your Garage Options?
If you’re leaning toward a home garage, you’ll have 2 main options: treated timber, and oak frame. We have plenty of resources that dive deeper into the differences, but here’s a quick rundown:
Treated Timber (Softwood):
- Fully constructed or supplied as a kit ready to assemble complete with full instructions
- Requires occasional maintenance
- Can take 4-6 weeks to install
- Lowest overall cost
- Lower residual value
- Expected lifespan: 5-10 years
- Good environmental credentials
Oak Frame:
- Fully constructed or supplied as a kit ready to assemble complete with full instructions
- Requires minimal maintenance
- High residual value
- Can take 4-6 weeks to install
- Expected lifespan: 50+ Years
- Excellent environmental credentials
For more information reach out to use at Mottaghan Reid and we can assist and help you with any information you don’t have to make an informed decision.