A 1960s garage that fit two sedans can be a squeeze for two SUVs. Adding a bay or a few feet of depth often costs less than starting over.
A garage addition makes an existing garage bigger: a third bay, more depth for a full-size truck, extra height for a lift or a camper, or a workshop wing on the side. Many Santa Rosa ranch homes from the 1960s and 1970s have garages under 20 feet deep, which is tight for today's pickups and SUVs, and that is often the reason for the call.
The new part has to join the old cleanly. We open the end wall or side wall, build new footings to the plans, and tie the new slab to the old one with dowels or a planned joint so they do not shift apart. On clay soil a slight difference in level between old and new is common, and we plan for it in the slab design.
Additions count against lot coverage and setbacks just like a new garage, and in some neighborhoods the HOA must approve the look. If the roof line changes, we design the new roof to drain away from the joint and away from the house. A wider opening may also mean a new header and a larger door. We also check that the old wall being opened up is not carrying more load than it seems.
Garage additions in Santa Rosa: common questions
Can you make my garage deeper for a truck?
Usually, if setbacks allow. Adding depth at the back or front, sometimes only a few feet, can turn a tight garage into one that fits a full-size pickup.
Will the new slab match the old floor?
We tie the new slab to the old one with steel dowels or a planned joint. A small color difference between old and new concrete is normal.
Do I need a permit to extend my garage?
Yes. An addition needs a building permit and zoning review, the same as a new garage.
How it works
- Free on-site estimate: Call, text or book online. We look at the lot, access and where the garage can go.
- Plans & written quote: Size, layout, materials and price in writing.
- Permits & site prep: We check what the job needs, then prepare the ground and the slab.
- Build & walk-through: Framing, roof, doors and finish, then a walk-through with you.