What's Included

What's Included in Our Standard Garage Package

At Ontario Garage Plans, our goal is simple: to provide high-quality, permit-ready garage drawings that are practical, durable, and designed specifically to meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code.

Every garage plan we offer is based on real-world construction experience and thoughtful design decisions. While our plans are intended to be cost-effective and straightforward to build, they are also designed with long-term durability, functionality, and future value in mind.

Below is a detailed overview of what is included in our standard garage package and why we design our garages the way we do.

Foundation Options

We offer several foundation types to suit a wide range of site conditions, budgets, and construction preferences.

Our standard foundation options include:

  • Slab-on-Grade
  • Concrete Block Frost Walls
  • Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Frost Walls
  • 8" Poured Concrete Frost Walls

Each option has its own advantages, and we are happy to help you choose the most appropriate foundation for your property and intended use.

Slab-on-Grade Foundations

A slab-on-grade foundation can be an excellent and cost-effective option, depending on your site conditions.

Our slab-on-grade designs include:

  • A 6" high concrete curb around the perimeter
  • Welded wire mesh reinforcement
  • Reinforcing steel along the perimeter
  • Compacted granular base beneath the slab

The raised concrete curb helps elevate the wall framing above surrounding grade, providing additional protection to the bottom plate and helping extend the life of the structure.

Slab-on-grade foundations are a practical solution, but it is important to understand that they are not frost-protected foundations. Seasonal movement may occur as the ground freezes and thaws.

Building Code Size Limitations

The Ontario Building Code limits non-engineered slab-on-grade designs to approximately 592 square feet. Because most double-car garages exceed this size, slab-on-grade foundations are generally not included as a stock option for our larger plans.

If you would like a slab-on-grade foundation for a larger garage, we can provide an engineered design upon request.

Frost Wall Foundations

Our frost wall foundations include:

  • Concrete block walls
  • Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls
  • 8" poured concrete walls

All frost wall systems are constructed on reinforced concrete footings located at least 4 feet below finished grade or pinned to bedrock where suitable.

These foundations provide a stable, long-lasting base that minimizes movement caused by frost and seasonal conditions.

While frost wall foundations require more excavation and site preparation than slab-on-grade designs, they offer exceptional durability and are often the preferred choice for permanent structures.

Wall Construction

Our standard garage walls are designed using 2x6 wood framing.

We can also provide 2x4 wall construction upon request for stud wall heights up to approximately 9'-10".

Why We Prefer 2x6 Construction

Although garages are often uninsulated, we believe they are long-term investments. A 2x6 wall assembly:

  • Provides additional insulation space
  • Improves energy efficiency if heated in the future
  • Adds long-term resale value
  • Creates a stronger and more substantial structure

Even if you do not intend to insulate your garage immediately, having the option available can be beneficial down the road.

Standard Exterior Wall Components

Our standard wall assembly includes:

  • 7/16" oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing
  • Typar house wrap
  • Vinyl siding

Alternative exterior finishes such as wood siding or steel cladding can be incorporated upon request.

Roof Construction

Our standard roof systems are designed using engineered gable roof trusses.

Each roof package typically includes:

  • Engineered gable roof trusses
  • 24" roof overhangs
  • 1/2" plywood roof sheathing
  • Ice and water shield at the eaves
  • Roofing felt underlayment
  • Fiberglass asphalt shingles
  • Ridge vent
  • Aluminum fascia and vented aluminum soffit

Why We Use Engineered Trusses

Engineered trusses are an efficient and cost-effective way to construct garage roofs.

When purchasing your truss package from a local building supplier, the truss manufacturer will prepare:

  • Sealed truss design drawings
  • Truss layout plans

These documents are typically required by municipalities as part of the building permit process.

For certain projects, stick-framed roofs may also be appropriate. While they may use slightly less material, they generally require more labour on site and are subject to span limitations within the Ontario Building Code.

Fascia and Soffit

Our standard fascia uses a 2x6 sub-fascia capped with aluminum, along with vented aluminum soffits. These are durable, low-maintenance materials designed for long-term performance.

Alternative materials such as wood or composite trim can be specified if desired.

Permit Information

All of our garage plans are prepared to be permit-ready and designed in accordance with Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code.

However, permit approval depends on more than just the building drawings.

Across Ontario, there are hundreds of municipalities, each with its own zoning bylaws, planning requirements, and interpretation of building regulations.

Important Considerations

Permit approval may depend on:

  • Setback requirements
  • Maximum building height
  • Lot coverage limitations
  • Easements and conservation restrictions
  • Local planning policies

These site-specific requirements are the responsibility of the property owner and/or contractor.

Our Commitment

If your municipality requests additional information or minor revisions during the permit process, simply send us their comments. We are committed to supporting our clients and will review the feedback, provide guidance, and make reasonable updates to help move your application forward.

If the request involves missing details from the drawings or simple clarifications (such as adding dimensions, notes, or required information), we will typically complete these revisions at no additional charge.

However, if the requested changes are related to site-specific zoning or by-law requirements - such as building height limits - these may require a redesign. In these cases, additional fees may apply, as these conditions are the responsibility of the homeowner and/or contractor to confirm prior to ordering.

Our goal is always to provide a permit-ready garage plan designed to meet the Ontario Building Code, along with clear, reliable support throughout the approval process.

Customization Options

Every one of our garage plans can be customized.

Common modifications include:

  • Changing overall dimensions
  • Adjusting wall heights
  • Modifying roof pitch
  • Relocating doors and windows
  • Adding loft storage
  • Revising exterior finishes
  • Adapting the design to municipal restrictions

If you have specific requirements or are unsure which configuration best suits your property, we are always happy to help.

Our Design Philosophy

We believe a garage is more than just a place to park your vehicle.

A well-designed garage can serve as:

  • A workshop
  • Storage space
  • A hobby area
  • A long-term investment in your property

That is why we design our plans with durability, practicality, and future flexibility in mind.

Our Commitment to You

When you purchase a plan from Ontario Garage Plans, you receive more than just a set of drawings.

You receive:

  • Professionally prepared permit-ready plans
  • Thoughtful construction details
  • Real-world design experience
  • Responsive customer support
  • Assistance with permit-related revisions

We are committed to helping you successfully build a garage that meets your needs today and adds value to your property for years to come.