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What to Expect When Buying a DIY Garage Kit (Cost, Time, and Skill Level)
Buying a garage kit is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle. You click "order," and a few weeks later, a truck drops off the materials for a brand-new building. However, between that delivery and parking your car inside, there is a lot of work to do.
Many first-time builders get blindsided by the hidden costs or the time it actually takes to finish the job. We want you to go into this with your eyes open. If you are eyeing either the Best Barns Tailored Titan or Maker’s Loft DIY garage kits, here is exactly what you should expect in terms of money, time, and effort.
Key Takeaways
- Budget Beyond the Kit: Expect to spend an additional 30% to 50% of the kit price on a foundation, shingles, paint, and permits.
- Time Commitment: A 1-car garage kit typically takes two people 3 to 4 full weekends to assemble, roof, and paint.
- Skill Level: You do not need to be a master carpenter, but you must be comfortable using a circular saw, a drill, and a level.
- Foundation is Key: Garage kits do not come with a concrete slab; you must pour this or build a heavy-duty wood floor before the kit arrives.
- Delivery Reality: The kit arrives on a large pallet via a semi-truck; you are responsible for moving the pieces from the curb to your backyard.
The True Cost (Beyond the Sticker Price)
The price you see on the website is just for the "shell." It includes the framing, the siding, and the hardware. It usually does not include the things that make the building weather-tight or the ground you build it on.
Here is a realistic breakdown of the "hidden" costs you need to budget for:
- The Foundation ($500 - $3,500+): You cannot build a garage on grass. For a car, you ideally need a concrete slab. Hiring a pro to pour a 12x20 slab can cost over $3,000. If you use the Best Barns wood floor kit (FortressFloor), you still need gravel and concrete blocks to level it, which costs a few hundred dollars.
- Roofing ($600 - $1,200): The kit includes the roof trusses and sheathing, but rarely the shingles. You need to buy bundles of shingles, roofing felt (tar paper), and a metal drip edge from your local hardware store.
- Paint and Caulk ($200 - $400): The LP SmartSide siding comes primed, but it is not waterproof yet. You need to buy high-quality exterior latex paint and several tubes of exterior caulk to seal the gaps.
- Permits ($200 - $600): As we discussed in our previous guide, your town will likely charge a fee to review your plans and inspect the build.
The Bottom Line: If the garage kit costs $5,000, you should have a total budget of around $7,500 to $8,000 to finish the project completely.
The Time Commitment
Do not expect to build this in a single Saturday. A garage kit is a construction project, not an IKEA bookshelf.
- Delivery (2-4 Weeks): Most kits are made to order. You will usually wait a few weeks for the freight carrier to schedule the drop-off.
- The Build (3-4 Weekends): For a standard 12x24 Best Barns kit, two people can frame the walls and roof in about 3 to 4 days of hard work. However, you still need to install the siding, lay the roof shingles, and paint the exterior.
- The Weather Factor: You are building outside. If it rains, you stop. Realistically, most DIYers finish their garage over the course of one month working on weekends.
The Skill Level Required
You might be wondering, "Do I need to be a pro?" The answer is no. Best Barns designs these kits for homeowners. The wood is pre-cut, meaning you do not have to calculate angles or cut standard studs to length.
You are ready for this if:
- You know how to read a tape measure accurately.
- You can operate a power drill and a circular saw safely.
- You are physically fit enough to climb a ladder and lift 40-50 lbs repeatedly.
- You have a buddy. This is the most critical tool. You cannot safely lift the wall sections or install roof trusses alone. You need a second pair of hands.
The Delivery Experience
This is often the most surprising part for new buyers. Your garage kit will arrive on a massive 18-wheel semi-truck. The driver will have a liftgate to lower the pallets to the ground at the end of your driveway (curbside delivery).
They will not drive the forklift into your backyard. You need to break the bands on the pallet and carry the pieces to your build site by hand or with a wheelbarrow. This "unloading phase" is a workout in itself, so have your helper ready on delivery day.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cut any wood myself?
Mostly no. The framing and siding are pre-cut. However, you will need to cut the final shingles to fit and possibly trim the last piece of siding to match your specific layout.
Does the kit come with a garage door?
Typically, no. Most Best Barns kits include the opening for the door, but you must buy the actual sectional garage door separately to match your home’s style.
Can I build on a wood floor if I park a car?
It is risky. While the FortressFloor is strong, road salt and water dripping from a car can rot a wood floor over time. A concrete slab is superior for daily vehicle parking.
What tools do I absolutely need?
You need a cordless drill, a hammer, a level (4-foot is best), a circular saw, a ladder, and safety glasses. A framing nailer makes the job faster but is not required.
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