What to Look For—And What to Do About It

Most folks in Southeast New Hampshire and Southern Maine don’t think about their garage until something goes wrong. The door sticks. The walls are leaning. The roof starts to sag. And by the time you notice the signs, it’s already costing you.

At Veterans Builders, we’ve built and rebuilt more garages than we can count—attached, detached, one-car, three-bay, and everything in between. If you’re wondering whether your garage just needs a few repairs or it’s time to start fresh, this article will give you a clear, no-nonsense answer.

1. The Foundation Is Cracked or Sinking

Small surface cracks are normal in older concrete slabs. But large, shifting, or uneven cracks mean the structure is no longer stable. If water pools inside, the slab’s no longer doing its job—and that puts your walls, framing, and everything stored inside at risk.

If your garage is leaning, the door won’t shut right, or frost heaves are visible—it’s time to rebuild.

2. The Roof Is Sagging or Rotting

In New England, garage roofs take a beating. Heavy snow, wind, ice dams—all of it adds up. If you can see visible sagging, shingle loss, or daylight through the roof from inside your garage, you’ve got a problem.

Rotting roof rafters or joists aren’t something to patch—they’re something to replace. A new garage with the right roof pitch and materials will save you time and headaches for years to come.

3. The Walls or Doors Are Warped

Wood-frame garages from decades ago were built with materials that just don’t hold up over time. If your siding is peeling, walls are bowing, or your garage door won’t track properly anymore, those are all signs of structural failure.

We can build new with:

• Proper framing and sheathing

• Insulated or vented walls

• Weather-tight, insulated doors

•Durable siding to match your home

4. It Doesn’t Fit Your Needs Anymore

If you’ve outgrown your garage—or your vehicles have—you’re not alone.

Maybe you:

• Added a second car

• Want a workshop or hobby space

• Need more storage

• Are using it for gear, tools, or bikes

We build garages that do more than just store a car. Think built-in workbenches, electrical service, overhead storage, and even second-story lofts.

5. It’s Not Secure or Weatherproof

If you’re seeing:

• Moisture or mold inside

• Rusted hardware

• Pest or rodent problems

• No insulation or sealing

…you’re dealing with a structure that’s no longer doing its job. And in New England, that means higher energy costs, damaged equipment, and even lower home value.

6. You’ve Already Spent Too Much Fixing It

Some homeowners spend years patching a garage that just won’t stay fixed. New roof here. Door track there. Quick siding repair. Before long, you’ve dumped thousands into something that still doesn’t work right.

At some point, it’s smarter—and more cost-effective—to build new and do it right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to build a new garage?

Most garages take 4–8 weeks from permitting to final paint, depending on site conditions, features, and inspections.

Q: Do you pour new foundations?

Yes. We handle full site prep, excavation, drainage, and slab or footings depending on your build.

Q: Can you match my home’s siding and roof?

Absolutely. Every garage we build is designed to complement the main home—visually and structurally.

Q: Do you build second-story garages or lofts?

Yes, we specialize in multi-purpose garages with second-story storage, office, or even guest suite space.

Ready to Replace That Garage

the Right Way?

Don’t wait for your garage to collapse or rot out. If you’re noticing the signs—or just know it’s time—we’re ready to help you plan a rebuild that adds value, storage, and peace of mind.

Visit our Contact Page to schedule your free consultation:

👉 veteransbuildersllc.com/contact-us