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Garage / Shop Pre-Estimate Checklist

Help us understand your garage or shop project and determine pricing feasibility

1 Client Contact Information
We'll use this information to reach out regarding your garage or shop project.
2 Property Information
Tell us about the property where your garage or shop will be located.
3 Building Type & Purpose
What is the primary and secondary use of your garage or shop?
4 Size & Layout
Tell us about the dimensions and layout of your garage or shop.
5 Engineered Plans & Drawings
If you have blueprints, engineered plans, or any drawings for your garage or shop, upload them here.
Accepted file types: PDF, JPG, PNG, DWG, DXF, DOC, DOCX (max 25 MB)
Note: If you have multiple files, you can email additional plans to kory@dreamtorealityllc.com after submitting this checklist.
6 Foundation & Structure
What type of foundation and structural system are you planning?
Michigan Code Note: Detached garages/shops under 600 sq ft require a minimum 24" footing depth. Buildings over 600 sq ft require footings extending 42 inches below grade with a minimum 12" wide foundation. Garage floor concrete must meet 3,500 PSI minimum compressive strength if exposed to deicing chemicals. All slabs require a minimum 4" thickness.
7 Exterior & Roofing
What type of exterior finish and roofing do you prefer?
Michigan Code Note: Exterior wall coverings require a water-resistive barrier (house wrap). In Climate Zones 6–7 (Upper Peninsula), insulated buildings require a vapor retarder on the interior side of frame walls.
8 Electrical & Mechanical
What electrical and mechanical systems do you need?
Michigan Code Note: All 125V–250V garage receptacles require GFCI protection. At least one 20-amp, 120V circuit is required. If the garage is attached to the house, a fire-rated separation (minimum 1/2" drywall on garage side, 5/8" if beneath living space) and a self-closing, fire-rated door are required between the garage and living space.
Michigan Code Note: Attached garages require a carbon monoxide detector in the adjacent living space. If the garage/shop includes a finished living area or loft, smoke alarms are required — hardwired, interconnected, with battery backup.
9 Site Work
Tell us about site work and access for your project.
10 Permits & Approvals
Have you looked into local permit requirements?
We handle all permit applications and inspections as part of our process.
11 Budget Pre-Qualification
Help us understand your budget expectations.
Tier 1: $30,000–$60,000
Standard detached garage with quality construction. Basic slab, vinyl or metal exterior, standard doors and electrical.
Tier 2: $60,000–$120,000
Upgraded garage/shop with insulation, heating, 220V, heavy-duty slab, premium doors, and finished interior walls.
Tier 3: $120,000+
Premium shop build with in-floor heat, full insulation, plumbing, loft, custom doors, and commercial-grade electrical.
Note: Pricing varies based on size, site work, finishes, and mechanical systems.
12 Timeline & Readiness
When would you like to start and are you ready to move forward?
13 Michigan Building Code Compliance
Key Michigan code requirements for garage and shop construction.
Michigan Code Requirement: A building permit is required for all garages and shops. Plan review is required before the permit is issued. Inspections are required at footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing if applicable, mechanical if applicable), and final stages.
Why this matters: Buildings under 600 sq ft have reduced foundation requirements (24" footing depth). Buildings 600 sq ft and over require full 42" frost-depth footings with a 12" minimum foundation wall.
Michigan Energy Code: If the building will be heated or conditioned, it must meet Michigan energy code insulation requirements for Climate Zone 6–7: R-49 ceiling, R-20 or R-13+5ci walls. Unheated buildings are exempt from energy code requirements.
Note: Detached garages and shops must comply with local setback requirements from property lines, other structures, and easements. We verify all setback and zoning requirements during the permit process.
14 Acknowledgment
Please review and acknowledge the following:

What Happens Next?

We'll review your checklist and contact you within 24 hours to schedule your consultation. No obligations — just honest conversation about your garage or shop project.

Questions? Contact Us