Decide what the garage must do
A buyer storing bikes and skis needs different dimensions and security from someone parking a long truck, building a workshop, or charging an electric vehicle. Measure the opening, interior depth, ceiling height, turning radius, and driveway—not just the advertised stall count.
Confirm the legal designation
In a strata, the garage may form part of the strata lot, be limited common property, or be common property assigned for use. The designation affects control, repair obligations, insurance, alterations, and resale.
Check strata and municipal rules
Review bylaws for storage, workshops, commercial use, door changes, heating, plumbing, EV charging, parking, and occupancy. A garage generally cannot be converted to living space without proper approvals and permits.
Think about Pemberton conditions
Test snow storage, drainage, meltwater, ventilation, dust, summer heat, exterior hose access, and the route from garage to living space. Rural properties may add septic, well, outbuilding, agricultural, or home-business considerations.
Garage viewing checklist
Bring a tape measure and inspect the details.
- Door width and clear interior dimensions
- Power supply and EV-charging feasibility
- Heating, insulation and ventilation
- Water entry, drainage and slab condition
- Secure bike and ski storage
- Driveway grade and snow-clearing responsibility
From the original Pemberton garage article
Storage for the way Pemberton owners actually live
The original post focuses on garages as space for bikes, dirt bikes, sleds, skis, boards, family gear, workshops, and sheltered parking. The expanded checklist above helps verify whether a specific garage can do the job.
Get notified early
Garage-equipped townhomes can be limited. Richard’s original page offered alerts for both newly listed and coming-soon Pemberton opportunities.
Match the space to the equipment
A garage described as “single” may not fit a long truck, sled, bike bench, and winter storage at the same time. Dimensions and access matter more than the label.