Adding a garage to your property is a smart investment, but before construction begins, you’ll need to decide how that garage should be built. At Amish Barn Company, we offer both prefab garages and garages constructed entirely on-site, and each method brings its own advantages. Understanding the differences will help you choose the approach that best fits your property, timeline, and long-term goals.
Understanding Prefab Garages
Prefab garages are constructed off-site and delivered fully assembled, ready for quick installation. Because most of the work is completed in a controlled environment, prefab garages tend to have shorter turnaround times and a streamlined installation process. This makes them an ideal option for customers who want a fast, efficient solution without sacrificing craftsmanship or durability.
For those who prefer this option, we offer a wide range of prefab garages with various styles, sizes, and materials available. While prefab buildings are sometimes seen as limited in design, ours can be customized in meaningful ways, from window and door placement to siding and roof lines, ensuring the finished garage still aligns with your property’s aesthetics and your practical needs.
When Built-On-Site Makes More Sense
A built-on-site garage is constructed entirely at your location. This approach becomes especially useful when your property has limited access for delivery trucks, narrow driveways, or sloped terrain. By building the structure piece by piece on-site, we’re able to overcome logistical challenges that might make prefab delivery difficult or impossible.
This method also offers the highest level of customization. If your plans involve an oversized layout, taller walls, integrated lofts, or more advanced architectural elements like dormers or breezeways, on-site construction gives you the freedom to bring those ideas to life without worrying about transport limitations.
Considerations for Your Property
As we’ve already alluded to, one of the most important things to evaluate is the condition and layout of your property. If it’s easy for delivery trucks to access your site and there’s a clear space for placement, a prefab garage could be a straightforward and time-saving option. However, if the terrain is uneven, access is restricted, or you’re planning to place the garage in a hard-to-reach spot, then building on-site will likely be the more effective route.
We always recommend meeting with one of our team members before deciding. We can help assess potential challenges and identify which method will deliver the best results with the least number of complications.
How Timeline and Budget Factor In
Time and cost are two other key elements to think about when choosing between prefab and built-on-site construction. Prefab garages are typically quicker to install, since much of the work is completed before it ever reaches your property. If you’re hoping to put your garage to use as soon as possible, a prefab option may help you get there faster.
While still quick with Amish Barn Company, on-site builds usually require a bit more time due to the hands-on construction process and potential weather-related delays. However, what they require in time they make up for in flexibility and detail, particularly for complex or oversized designs. Budget-wise, prefab garages tend to be more cost-effective, while built-on-site garages may involve a higher upfront investment to accommodate their fully custom nature.
Customization Options and Limitations
Both prefab and built-on-site garages can be customized, but each has its own limitations. With prefab structures, there’s a cap on size and configuration due to transportation constraints. Additionally, certain features may be difficult to implement in a prefab format.
By contrast, on-site construction allows for significant customization. Whether you need a multi-car garage with storage lofts, a dedicated workshop area, or a space that matches your home’s architecture exactly, building on-site gives you more design freedom to achieve those goals.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between prefab and built-on-site construction depends on what matters most to you. If you want something quick, cost-effective, and easy to install, a prefab garage is likely your best bet. If you’re working with a difficult site or have a very specific design in mind, building on-site provides the flexibility needed to bring your vision to life.
At Amish Barn Company, we’re here to talk through your ideas and recommend the most practical solution for your goals. No matter which you choose, your garage will be crafted with the care and quality we’re known for.
If you’re thinking about adding a garage to your property, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Contact us today to start a conversation about your needs, and we’ll guide you through the process from concept to completion.