Building a prefabricated garage: Schedule and time constraints for garage construction

Basic time structure for the construction of a prefabricated garage

The schedule for prefabricated garage construction differs significantly from that of a brick garage. While conventional construction methods require several trades to work consecutively and drying times to be taken into account, prefabricated garages are produced in a factory. The work on the property is essentially limited to laying the foundations and assembly.

The total period from the initial planning meeting to the finished garage can be divided into several phases:

1. Information and planning phase
2. Quotation, order and technical clarification
3. Approval phase (if necessary)
4. Production time at the factory
5. Foundation construction
6. Delivery and assembly
7. Final work

The actual duration depends on individual circumstances, but typical time frames can be defined.

Phase 1: Planning and quotation phase (approx. 1–4 weeks)

The first phase includes selecting the garage model, configuring the equipment and dimensions, and clarifying the technical aspects of the property. This includes:

• Agreeing on the garage size
• Selecting the door, doors, and windows
• Clarifying electrical preparations
• Checking access and assembly options

Depending on the decision-making process and the need for coordination, this phase often takes between one and four weeks in practice. Delays are usually caused by missing property information or necessary queries regarding buildability.

Phase 2: Building application and official approval (approx. 2–8 weeks)

Whether a building permit is required depends on the state and the size of the prefabricated garage. If a building application is necessary, it must be submitted to the relevant authority.

The processing time varies from region to region and can take between two and eight weeks or longer. During this phase, the schedule can only be influenced to a limited extent, as the decision depends on the authorities.

If no approval is required (approval-free garage according to state building regulations), this phase is omitted and the total period is shortened accordingly.

Phase 3: Production time for the prefabricated garage

Once the order has been placed and technical approval has been granted, production of the prefabricated garage begins at the factory. The production time for a prefabricated concrete garage depends on:

• The manufacturer's order situation
• Model and special equipment
• Season (high demand in spring/summer)

Typically, the delivery time is between four and eight weeks. This period may be extended if the manufacturer is working at full capacity.

An important advantage: While the garage is being produced, the foundation can be prepared at the same time. This allows construction times to overlap efficiently.

Phase 4: Laying the foundation (approx. 1–2 weeks)

The foundation work itself usually takes only a few days. However, you should allow about one to two weeks for preparation, earthworks, concreting, and any curing times.

The following factors are relevant in terms of time:

• Scheduling of the civil engineering company
• Weather (frost or heavy rain can cause delays)
• Drying and setting times of the concrete

The foundation must be completely finished and load-bearing before the installation date.

Phase 5: Delivery and installation (usually 1 day)

The actual construction of the prefabricated garage usually takes place in a single day. The prefabricated concrete garage is delivered by special transport and placed on the prepared foundation using suitable lifting equipment.

The actual assembly often takes only a few hours. The prerequisites for this tight time frame are:

• Unobstructed and load-bearing access
• No obstacles in the crane's swivel range
• Dimensionally accurate foundation

For double or row garages, the assembly time may be longer, but it usually still takes less than a day.

Phase 6: Connection and remaining work (approx. 1–3 days)

After assembly, the following may be necessary:

• Electrical connection
• Sealing work
• Installation of downpipes
• Adjustment of the terrain

This work usually only takes a few additional days and can sometimes be done in parallel.

Total duration: How long does it take to build a prefabricated garage?

Taking all phases into account, the following time frame is typical for the construction of a prefabricated garage:

• Without permit requirement: approx. 6–10 weeks
• With permit requirement: approx. 8–16 weeks

The actual construction time on the property is only a few days. The majority of the time is spent on planning, approval, and production.

Factors that influence the garage construction schedule

Several aspects can shorten or extend the time frame:

Approval period

Official review times vary from region to region and are difficult to control.

Season and weather

Frost periods can delay foundation work. Heavy rainfall makes earthworks more difficult.

Manufacturer's capacity

Production and delivery times increase during the peak season.

Complexity of the equipment

Special solutions or special dimensions may require longer production times.

Access conditions

Difficult site conditions may require additional coordination.

Optimal timing for integration into new construction projects

If the prefabricated garage is being built as part of a house construction project, the following schedule is recommended:

• Foundation construction after completion of the shell construction phase
• Assembly after completion of the main access road
• Electrical connection parallel to the exterior work

This avoids duplication of work and allows construction processes to be coordinated efficiently.

Conclusion: Building a prefabricated garage – easy to plan and clearly structured

Compared to conventional construction methods, the construction of a prefabricated garage is easy to plan in terms of time. While production takes place in the factory, the work on site is limited to the foundation and assembly. With realistic planning, the garage construction can be limited in time and efficiently integrated into existing construction processes.

By clarifying approval issues at an early stage, preparing the foundation in good time, and taking assembly conditions into account, you can plan the entire process in a structured manner and avoid unnecessary delays.