A leaning 1930s garage with a broken slab is a common sight behind Newark houses. Its replacement has to meet current setbacks, which is checked before any demolition.
A lot of the garages in Newark, Irvington and Bloomfield were built between the 1920s and the 1950s. After that many winters, many of them lean, have rotted sills and roof boards, and sit on slabs that have cracked into pieces. When repair would cost close to a new garage, tearing it down and rebuilding is usually the better choice.
Demolition needs its own permit in New Jersey, and utilities to the garage must be shut off first. Older garages can have asbestos siding or roofing and lead paint, so we look for them before the work starts. On a shared driveway, we plan the dumpster and truck access with you and your neighbor. Concrete, metal and wood are separated where we can, and the rest goes to a licensed disposal site.
Rebuilding on the same footprint is often the simplest path on a narrow lot, but the new garage must meet today's zoning. An old garage that sat on the property line may not be allowed in the same spot. We check that before demolition, so you know what the new garage can be. Sometimes a small shift on the lot gives you a wider garage and a better turn from the driveway.
Old garage tear-down & rebuild in Newark: common questions
Can I rebuild my garage in the same spot?
Often, but not always. If the old garage did not meet current setbacks, the new one may have to move. We check first.
Do I need a permit to tear down a garage?
Yes. Demolition needs a permit in New Jersey, and the utilities have to be disconnected first.
What happens to the old slab?
It is usually broken out and hauled away, so the new footings and slab start on firm ground.
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.