VI. Changing the Size of Your Garage Opening
As homeowners look to adapt their garages to meet modern vehicle sizes or improve home functionality, resizing a garage door opening becomes a critical project consideration. Whether you’re trying to fit a larger SUV, add an automatic door system, or simply upgrade the look and accessibility of your home, understanding what’s involved in changing garage door sizes is essential.
According to MGS Contracting Services, modifying a garage opening can be done, but how easy or complex the project is depends on whether you’re reducing or enlarging the current size.
A. Reducing the Opening Size: Straightforward Framing Modifications
If you’re downsizing your garage door, perhaps replacing a double-car opening with two single doors or installing a smaller door for aesthetic or security purposes, this is typically a less complicated project.
MGS Contracting Services explains that reducing the opening size mainly involves basic framing adjustments. Contractors can add framing members such as studs and headers to close off part of the original opening while maintaining the structure’s integrity. Insulation, sheathing, and exterior finishing materials are then added to match the existing structure. From a construction standpoint, this is a relatively straightforward process and is often less costly and time-intensive compared to enlarging the opening.
B. Enlarging the Opening Size: More Common, But Requires Code Compliance
Most homeowners today are more interested in enlarging their garage door opening, especially as average vehicle sizes increase and garages are being used for more than just parking.
According to MGS Contracting Services, enlarging a garage door opening is entirely feasible but involves careful planning, structural alterations, and adherence to building codes. Let’s break it down:
1. Building and Fire Code Checks Before the Project
Before any structural changes can take place, MGS Contracting Services emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough review of your local building and fire codes. These regulations ensure that your modified garage remains safe, functional, and legal.
Your contractor will need to check for:
- Zoning setbacks
- Permitted structural modifications
- Fire separation requirements between garage and living spaces
- Load-bearing implications of removing or relocating garage headers
Skipping this step can result in fines, failed inspections, or dangerous structural flaws.
2. Headroom Challenges and Standard Requirements
Headroom, the vertical space from the garage floor to the ceiling, is often the biggest limitation when increasing garage door size. Many homeowners underestimate how much vertical clearance is required, especially when transitioning to automatic doors or taller vehicle access.
MGS Contracting Services outlines key headroom guidelines:
- Minimum 8 feet of ceiling height is typically required just to accommodate most standard residential garage doors.
- 12 feet of headroom is recommended for manual garage doors, ensuring enough clearance for the track and door swing without scraping the ceiling or obstructing light fixtures.
- 15 feet of headroom may be needed for automatic garage doors, which require additional space for the opener mechanism, motor housing, and guide rails.
If your existing garage ceiling height falls short, you may face additional construction work, such as roof lifting or ceiling adjustments.
3. Header Modifications
One of the most significant structural changes required when enlarging a garage door opening involves modifying the header, the horizontal structural beam above the door that supports the load from above (walls, attic, or roof).
According to MGS Contracting Services, the existing header may need to be:
- Raised higher to increase door height
- Widened or replaced to accommodate a broader door span
- Reinforced to meet updated structural load requirements
This type of work is highly specialized and should always be done by professionals, as incorrect header sizing or placement can compromise the structural integrity of your entire garage facade.
4. Potential Need to Raise the Garage Roof
In cases where headroom is insufficient and modifying the ceiling isn’t enough, MGS Contracting Services says the project may require raising the garage roof. This is more common in older homes or detached garages that were originally built with minimal clearance.
While this significantly increases the project’s cost and complexity, it’s sometimes the only way to meet clearance requirements for taller garage doors, especially if you plan to store RVs, lifted trucks, or install overhead storage systems.
5. Allocate Space for Garage Door Opener Systems
Finally, don’t forget to make room for the garage door opener, especially if switching to an automatic system. Modern openers, including belt-drive and wall-mounted models, require space for the motor unit, track systems, and power connections.
According to MGS Contracting Services, homeowners should:
- Allow at least 12–18 inches of space behind the top of the garage door for opener hardware
- Ensure proper electrical connections and possibly upgrade wiring if switching from manual to automatic operation
- Plan for backup battery access or smart tech integration, which may require space above the garage door rails
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C. Assessing Garage Depth and Width Post-Enlargement
Beyond height and header modifications, it’s also critical to assess your garage’s overall depth and width to ensure it comfortably fits your vehicles and allows for daily functionality.
1. Ensure Sufficient Clearance Around Parked Vehicles
MGS Contracting Services recommends a minimum of 3 feet of clearance around each parked vehicle. This ensures:
- Doors can open fully without hitting walls or adjacent vehicles
- Easy movement around the car for loading/unloading
- Space for storage or workbenches if desired
Simply fitting the car into a larger opening isn’t enough, functional space is key.
2. Evaluate Impact on Usable Side and Front Space
Increasing the garage door size can reduce sidewall and front-wall storage space. According to MGS Contracting Services, homeowners should consider:
- How much wall space will be left for shelving, tools, or bikes
- Whether the larger opening will impact driveway slope or alignment
- The placement of interior systems like water heaters or electrical panels, which may now be closer to the new opening
A professional contractor can help you redesign the space to maintain usability, even after enlarging the door.
By thoroughly evaluating these elements, from code compliance and headroom to header changes and spatial planning, homeowners can confidently pursue a garage door enlargement project that is not only functional but future-proof. As MGS Contracting Services puts it, changing your garage door size is a smart investment in both practicality and property appeal, provided it’s done with foresight and professional expertise.
VII. Build a New Garage
A. When Enlargement Is Impractical, Tear Down and Rebuild
According to MGS Contracting Services, there are situations where attempting to retrofit or expand an existing garage simply isn’t feasible. This can be due to zoning restrictions, structural limitations, or the overall condition of the current garage. In many older homes, garages were originally built with dimensions that catered to smaller vehicles of the past, often featuring garage door sizes as narrow as 7 or 8 feet wide and only 6 to 7 feet high. These dimensions are inadequate for today’s larger SUVs, trucks, and luxury vehicles, which often require a minimum garage door width of 9 to 10 feet and a height of 8 feet or more.
When you’ve maxed out the potential for expansions, whether due to property setbacks, local code constraints, or outdated structural designs, the most practical and long-term solution may be to tear down the existing structure and start fresh. A rebuild allows homeowners to design a garage that not only accommodates modern vehicles comfortably but also meets today’s energy efficiency standards, storage needs, and aesthetic preferences.
B. Design Considerations for Larger Vehicles: Lot Size, Footprint, and Ceiling Height
Designing a new garage from the ground up gives you full control over every essential detail, starting with the lot size and footprint. MGS Contracting Services advises clients to plan based on their current and future vehicle needs. For instance, many modern trucks and SUVs can be over 6.5 feet tall and nearly 18 feet long, requiring interior garage dimensions of at least 24 feet deep and 10 to 12 feet wide per vehicle bay.
Equally important is selecting the right garage door sizes to allow easy entry and exit without scraping mirrors or damaging vehicle roof racks. MGS Contracting Services recommends a minimum garage door width of 9 feet for standard vehicles and up to 10 to 12 feet wide for oversized or modified vehicles, particularly lifted trucks or vans. Garage door heights of 8 feet or more are increasingly in demand, especially for vehicles with rooftop carriers or work equipment.
Ceiling height is another critical factor. While 8-foot ceilings were once the norm, today’s ideal garages often feature ceilings of 10 to 12 feet. Higher ceilings not only accommodate taller vehicles and larger garage doors but also make room for overhead storage, suspended shelving, and even automotive lifts, an excellent bonus for hobbyists or DIY mechanics.
C. Convert Existing Garage into Living Space, Build a New One That Fits
In cases where the existing garage is too small and poorly positioned to justify expansion or upgrading, MGS Contracting Services often recommends a creative and value-adding solution: convert the existing garage into a livable space, such as a guest suite, home office, or gym, and construct a new garage elsewhere on the property that meets modern standards.
This dual-purpose approach not only solves the problem of inadequate garage door sizes and cramped parking conditions, but it can also increase your home’s usable square footage and market appeal. The newly built garage can be designed to match your home’s architecture, maximize curb appeal, and include modern conveniences like smart garage door openers, custom storage solutions, and energy-efficient insulation.
By separating the vehicle storage from the old garage footprint, you also have more freedom to choose the ideal location, orientation, and driveway layout for the new structure. This allows for better traffic flow on your property, easier access to street or alleyways, and optimal sun exposure for any rooftop solar panels.
VIII. Garage Door Costs
When planning for a new garage door, whether you’re building a new garage or upgrading an old one, it’s essential to understand how garage door sizes impact costs. According to MGS Contracting Services, the size, material, style, and features of a garage door are the primary drivers behind pricing differences. While the average cost of a garage door installation in the U.S. hovers around $1,200, actual costs can swing widely depending on your choices.
A. Average Cost Overview
MGS Contracting Services explains that the national average for a garage door installation is around $1,200, but costs can range anywhere from $750 to over $4,000 depending on garage door size, automation, material, insulation, and aesthetic preferences. For example, a basic single-car garage door (typically 8′ x 7′) will cost significantly less than a double or oversized door that’s designed for large trucks, SUVs, or custom builds.
B. Price Range Examples
- Standard Single Door (Manual)
According to MGS Contracting Services, a standard manual, non-insulated steel garage door for a single-car garage (typically 8 feet wide by 7 feet high) generally starts at about $750. These are great for budget-conscious homeowners who don’t need high-tech features or advanced insulation. - Automatic Garage Doors
Upgrading to an automatic garage door opener, with remote access and smart-home integration, can add several hundred dollars to the cost. MGS notes that the installation of an automatic system typically increases your total by $300 to $600, depending on the brand and level of automation. Larger garage door sizes also often require more powerful motors, which can further impact the price.
C. Material Cost Differences
Different garage door materials come with distinct pros, cons, and price points. MGS Contracting Services offers the following breakdown:
- Steel
Steel garage doors are the most popular and cost-effective option on the market. They’re durable, low maintenance, and widely available in various garage door sizes. Expect to pay less upfront, with standard steel doors falling in the $750–$1,200 range for single-size configurations. - Fiberglass and Vinyl
These materials provide better dent resistance and weatherproofing compared to steel but come at a higher price. Fiberglass and vinyl doors typically cost 20–40% more than steel, especially in larger sizes. According to MGS, these are best for coastal or humid environments where rust is a concern. - Wood (optional note)
While not mentioned above, it’s worth noting that custom wood doors, especially in larger garage door sizes, can exceed $3,000–$4,000, but offer unmatched aesthetics and curb appeal.
D. Style Impacts on Cost
The style of the garage door you choose plays a big role in your budget. As MGS Contracting Services notes, homeowners often overlook how much visual design can increase cost, even when garage door sizes remain the same.
- Standard Panel Doors
These are the most budget-friendly, especially in common garage door sizes like 8×7 or 16×7. They’re straightforward, functional, and ideal for minimal or traditional home designs. - Carriage-Style Doors
Carriage-style garage doors are known for their distinctive, barn-like appearance. According to MGS, they can cost up to 50% more than standard panel doors due to the complexity of design, custom hardware, and often higher-grade materials.
E. Labor and Additional Work
Beyond the door itself, labor and add-ons contribute significantly to your total garage door cost, especially for larger or custom-sized installations.
- Installation Labor
MGS Contracting Services estimates that labor costs for garage door installation range between $300 and $500 per door, depending on the complexity of the project and whether structural changes are needed to accommodate the door size. - Electrical Work for Automatic Doors
If you’re adding a motorized opener, expect additional charges for wiring and switch installations, especially if your garage lacks existing electrical service in the area where the opener will be mounted. This can add another $100 to $300 to your bill. - Insulation Add-Ons
Especially in colder climates or garages attached to living spaces, insulation is crucial. MGS recommends upgrading to insulated garage doors if energy efficiency and comfort are priorities. Insulated doors usually cost $150 to $500 more, depending on the R-value and door size. Larger doors require more insulation material, so the cost goes up proportionally.
Garage door sizes directly influence cost, not just in materials but in everything from hardware to labor. Whether you’re choosing an 8-foot single garage door for a compact car or a 16-foot double door for a multi-vehicle setup, understanding how size, material, style, and installation needs interconnect will help you budget wisely. According to MGS Contracting Services, working with a contractor early in the planning process can help avoid unnecessary upgrades and ensure your new garage door fits both your home and your lifestyle.
IX. FAQ: Common Questions About Garage Door Sizes (According to MGS Contracting Services)
When planning or renovating your garage, getting the correct garage door size is crucial, not just for aesthetics, but for safety, functionality, and long-term convenience. Below, MGS Contracting Services, a trusted name in home remodeling and structural planning, answers some of the most frequently asked questions homeowners have about garage door sizes.
A. What Size Garage Do I Need for Two SUVs?
Answer:
According to MGS Contracting Services, the minimum recommended size for a two-car garage housing two full-size SUVs is typically 20 feet by 20 feet. However, they strongly advise upgrading to 24 feet by 24 feet or larger to ensure ample clearance and usability.
Why It Matters:
SUVs are significantly bulkier than sedans or compact cars. With a 20×20 ft garage, you can technically park two SUVs side-by-side, but you’ll likely sacrifice ease of access. For instance, door dings and limited space for walking or unloading groceries become common problems. A 24×24 ft garage provides better maneuverability, enough room to open doors fully, walk around vehicles, and even add shelving or storage cabinets without crowding.
Pro Tip from MGS:
When designing a two-car garage for modern vehicles, plan for future vehicle sizes as well. SUVs continue to grow in size, and electric vehicles (EVs) often require additional space for charging equipment.
B. How Deep Should a Garage Be for a Full-Size Pickup Truck?
Answer:
A full-size pickup truck typically demands a minimum garage depth of 24 feet, according to MGS Contracting Services.
Why Depth Is Critical:
Standard pickup trucks, such as a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado, can be up to 20–22 feet long. A 24-foot-deep garage allows for not only the length of the vehicle but also provides 2–3 feet of clearance for walking space, storage at the front of the garage, or accessing tailgates and rear hatches.
Additional Considerations:
- If your garage is less than 24 feet deep, your pickup may fit, but you could be forced to park extremely close to the wall or leave the tailgate hanging out.
- Many garages built decades ago were designed for smaller cars and may only be 20–22 feet deep, which may require a remodel or extension to accommodate today’s trucks safely.
MGS Contracting Services Tip:
Consider adding a bump-out or rear extension if you’re already close to your lot line. This is a cost-effective way to increase garage depth without tearing down the entire structure.
C. What Is the Minimum Distance Between Two Garage Doors?
Answer:
According to MGS Contracting Services, the minimum distance between two adjacent garage doors should be at least 4 feet.
Why Spacing Is Important:
This space isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s about functionality and safety. The 4-foot buffer allows:
- Uninterrupted door operation: So both doors can open and close without interfering with one another.
- Safe vehicle movement: Ensures that if one vehicle is parked partially outside while the other door is being used, there’s enough space to prevent dings or scrapes.
- Architectural integrity: Prevents structural crowding and allows room for necessary framing and supports between openings.
Customization Tip from MGS:
In homes with larger front elevations, consider widening the space between garage doors to 5–6 feet. This gives the garage façade a more balanced appearance and allows you to add exterior lighting or architectural details like columns or trim between bays.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right garage door size is more than just picking a number, it’s about enhancing your everyday life. Whether you’re parking two SUVs, storing a full-size pickup, or just making sure your garage layout supports functionality, these measurements matter. According to MGS Contracting Services, thoughtful planning upfront saves time, money, and stress in the long run.
Looking for expert guidance? MGS Contracting Services offers custom consultations to help homeowners design garage spaces that blend beauty, function, and future-proof planning.