Summary
Thinking about adding a detached garage to your Saskatoon property? Here's what the process looks like, what permits you need, and what to expect from a framing crew.
A detached garage is one of the most common projects WLG Homes gets called for in Saskatoon — and one of the most asked-about. It adds usable space, protects vehicles from Saskatchewan winters, and adds clear value to a property. Here's a realistic look at the full process.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Detached Garage in Saskatoon?
Yes. Any detached garage in Saskatoon requires a building permit from the City. The permit process involves submitting drawings of the proposed structure showing dimensions, setbacks from property lines, and construction details. The city reviews for zoning compliance and structural adequacy before issuing the permit.
WLG Homes manages the permit application on your behalf. We prepare the documentation required and submit it so you don't have to navigate the process yourself.
Key zoning considerations in Saskatoon:
- Minimum setbacks from rear and side property lines (typically 0.6m to 1.2m depending on your zone)
- Maximum height restrictions for accessory structures
- Maximum lot coverage rules (your garage can't cover more than a set percentage of your lot)
- Whether your zone allows a secondary suite above the garage
If you're not sure what's allowed on your specific property, the City of Saskatoon's zoning bylaw lookup is a good starting point, or we can check it for you during the estimate.
What Does Garage Framing Include?
Once the permit is approved and the concrete pad is poured (typically done by a separate concrete contractor), the framing phase covers:
- Sill plates anchored to the concrete pad with appropriate fasteners
- Wall framing on all four sides, sized to your planned garage dimensions
- Garage door opening framed to your door size with an appropriate header
- Walk-through door opening framed to standard rough opening
- Window openings if planned
- Roof framing — either stick-framed rafters or engineered trusses, depending on the span and your budget
- Sheathing on walls and roof deck, ready for exterior finishing and roofing
WLG Homes does the complete framing scope from sill plates to the roof deck. We coordinate with your roofing, siding, and electrical trades to keep the project sequenced properly.
Do You Need Electrical in a Detached Garage?
Most homeowners want at least basic electrical in a detached garage — lights and a few outlets. Many want more: a dedicated circuit for a welder, an EV charger, radiant heat, or a full workshop setup.
Electrical in a detached garage requires its own sub-panel fed from your house panel, and it needs to be permitted and inspected. WLG Homes has two Saskatchewan-licensed electricians who can handle the full electrical scope for your garage, coordinated with the framing so rough-in happens at the right stage before sheathing goes on.
If you're planning an EV charger or high-draw equipment, this is also the time to assess whether your home's main panel needs to be upgraded to support the added load.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Detached Garage?
The timeline depends on the permit approval process (typically 2-6 weeks from application), concrete cure time, and the construction schedule. Once the pad is cured and we're on site, the framing for a standard single or double garage typically takes 3-5 days. Electrical rough-in adds another 1-2 days before the walls are closed in.
What Size Garage Should You Build?
Common sizes in Saskatoon:
- Single car (12x22 or 14x22): Fits one vehicle with limited storage
- Double car (22x22 or 24x24): The most popular choice — two vehicles plus wall storage
- Oversized double (24x28 or 26x30): Fits two vehicles with room for a workshop or more storage
Building slightly larger than you think you need almost always pays off. The cost difference between a 22x22 and a 24x26 is relatively modest at the framing stage — much cheaper than expanding later.
Getting a Quote for a Detached Garage in Saskatoon
WLG Homes provides free estimates for garage framing projects in Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville. We'll visit your property, confirm setbacks and zoning, and give you a clear scope covering framing and electrical so you know exactly what you're getting into before the permit is even submitted.
Contact WLG Homes to get started on your detached garage project in Saskatoon.
