How Much Does It Cost To Build a Garage?
Building a garage typically costs between $42 and $72 per square foot, with the final price influenced by the garage’s size, the level of finishing, and whether it is attached or detached. A standard 2-car garage, which usually ranges from 400 to 576 square feet, costs between $23,520 and $33,840. A 3-car garage, measuring between 576 and 864 square feet, generally costs from $33,840 to $50,760.
Cost to Build a Garage by Size & Number of Cars
Here are the costs for standard garage sizes and how many cars each can hold. Prices are based on an average of $58.80 per square foot.
Average Cost to Build a Garage
Garage Size | Square Feet | Average Cost | 1 Car | 2 Cars | 3 Cars | 4 Cars |
12’ x 24’ | 288 | $16,920 | ✓ | |||
14’ x 28’ | 392 | $23,040 | ✓ | |||
20’ x 20’ | 400 | $23,520 | ✓ | |||
24’ x 24’ | 576 | $33,840 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
36’ x 24’ | 864 | $50,760 | ✓ | ✓ |
When determining the garage size needed, consider not just the number of cars you have but also their length. A passenger car is about 14 feet long, while a full-size pickup truck, SUV, or minivan measures between 18 and 22 feet long.
Additionally, allow space for any aftermarket modifications like bull bars, a wheelchair lift, or a rear-mounted bike carrier. For comfort, provide 4 to 5 feet of clearance around the vehicle.
When planning your garage, it’s essential to account for additional storage or workspace needs. For instance, if you plan to use your garage for hobbies, a workshop, or storing lawn equipment, you might need extra space beyond what’s required for parking cars.
Consider future-proofing your garage by including provisions for potential expansions, such as electrical outlets for power tools or an electric vehicle charging station. Insulating your garage can also be a worthwhile investment, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperatures or plan to spend a significant amount of time working in the space.
Cost to Build Attached or Detached Garage
The cost of building a garage varies whether it’s attached or detached. Generally, attached garages are cheaper, but final costs depend on interior finishes, driveway paving, and whether you plan for living space above the garage.
Attached Garage Cost
Building an attached garage typically costs:
- $10,800 to $18,000 for a one-car garage,
- Starting at $20,304 for a two-car garage,
- Up to $61,488 for a four-car garage.
You have the option to choose between a fully enclosed and finished garage or an open carport-style structure with just a roof and no walls.
Detached Garage Cost
For a detached garage, the average cost ranges from $28,800 to $82,944. The total price depends on the garage’s size and whether you decide to include an apartment or living space above it. Detached garages cost more than attached ones because they require an additional wall and are farther from the home’s plumbing, HVAC, and electrical connections.
Garage With Apartment Cost
An average 400 square foot garage with a fully finished apartment costs between $86,400 and $100,800. Building a detached garage with a loft above, used as a rental unit, may improve your return on investment (ROI). However, initial costs are higher due to necessary plumbing, HVAC systems, and a new roof installation.
Comparing Costs: Site-Built vs. Prefab Garages
When deciding between building a garage from scratch or opting for a prefab solution, cost and convenience are key factors to consider. Prefabricated garages are often the more economical and faster choice, with kits starting at $7,200 for a two-car garage. This price, however, excludes expenses like a concrete slab or gravel foundation.
However, homeowners should note that prefab garages might not align with aesthetic preferences and could potentially lower property values, leading many homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to prohibit their installation.
Cost Breakdown for Building a 12′ x 24′ Garage
Item | Quantity | Cost per Unit | Total Cost |
Foundation | 5.33 CY | $139 | $888 |
Framing plus Walls | 480 SF | $11.50 | $6,600 |
Ceiling Panels | 288 SF | $1.80 | $624 |
Ceiling Insulation | 288 SF | $0.93 | $324 |
Windows | 2 | $350 | $840 |
Entry Door | 1 | $200 | $240 |
Garage Door | 1 | $500 | $600 |
Roof Trusses & Supports | 288 SF | $4.90 | $1,680 |
Shingles | 288 SF | $3.60 | $1,260 |
Electrical | 1 | $1,500 | $1,800 |
Vinyl Siding | 480 SF | $3.30 | $1,920 |
Gutters | 60 LF | $4 | $288 |
Total Cost | $17,304 |
This equates to approximately $58.13 per square foot for the completed garage.
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Garage Materials Cost Breakdown
The cost of a garage foundation varies based on size and specific requirements. Here’s an updated breakdown:
Garage Foundation Cost
The cost of a garage foundation ranges from $2,400 to $8,400, considering. For example:
- A standard 16’ x 24’ (1-car) garage foundation costs approximately $3,000.
- A 24’ x 24’ (2-car) garage foundation averages around $4,200.
- A 36’ x 24’ (3-car) garage foundation typically costs about $6,600.
Size (4” Deep) | Square Feet | Average Cost Range |
16’ x 24’ | 384 | $2,400 – $3,840 |
20’ x 20’ | 400 | $2,520 – $3,960 |
24’ x 24’ | 576 | $3,600 – $5,760 |
20’ x 30’ | 600 | $3,840 – $6,000 |
36’ x 24’ | 864 | $5,520 – $8,640 |
The first step in constructing the garage foundation involves pouring concrete, which typically costs between $144 and $204 per cubic yard. Additional charges of $6 to $42 per cubic yard may apply if a boom arm pump delivery method is necessary due to access restrictions.
Garage Framing Costs Explained
When it comes to framing garage walls, there are two primary options: timber frame and concrete blocks, each with their associated costs. Here’s an updated breakdown:
Garage Framing Cost
The cost of framing garage walls now ranges from $12 to $42 per square foot, depending on the framing material chosen.
Garage Framing Cost Breakdown
Frame Type | Cost per Square Foot |
Timber or Wood Frame | $12 |
Concrete Block Frame | $12 – $42 |
Timber or Wood Frame: Costs $12 per square foot. Timber framing is preferred for its lightweight nature, eco-friendliness, affordability, insulation properties, ease of construction, and quick build time.
Concrete Block Frame: Costs between $12 and $42 per square foot. Concrete block walls offer benefits such as air-tightness, energy efficiency, structural integrity, and resistance to pests and mold. However, they are more expensive, and finding experienced contractors for this type of construction can be challenging.
Garage Wall Finishing Costs
The cost of finishing garage interior walls now ranges from $4.80 to $20.40 per square foot installed. This variation depends on the chosen material and desired finish. Drywall remains the most economical option, while MDF and faux brick are positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum. Unfinished drywall is typically required by building codes due to its fire-resistant properties.
Cost to Finish Garage Walls
Garage Finishing | Cost Per Square Foot* |
Drywall | $2.16 |
Garage Wall Panels or Planks | |
Melamine Slatwall | $2.10 |
PVC | $2.28 |
Metal Wall | $2.28 |
Bamboo Wall | $2.76 |
Galvanized Steel | $9.60 |
Rosewood MDF | $14.40 |
Faux Brick | $16.80 |
Concrete Block | $17.70 |
Windows and Doors | |
Extra for Window or Door Opening | $192 each |
Texture and Paint | |
Drywall Plaster Application | $2.40 – $12 per SF |
Paint | $1.80 |
Garage Roof Construction
Installing an asphalt shingle roof typically costs between $3.60 to $6 per square foot. Here’s an updated breakdown of the roof construction process for a standard 2-car garage:
- Framing the roof now ranges from $2,760 to $13,920.
- Roof trusses are priced at $6 to $16.80 per square foot installed, or $72 to $600 per truss for materials alone.
After installing the roof trusses, contractors proceed with laying plywood sheets, followed by underlayment, and then the asphalt shingles are applied to complete the roofing structure.
Installing Gutters on a Garage
The cost of installing aluminum gutters now ranges from $4.80 to $14.40 per linear foot. Vinyl gutters typically cost between $3.60 and $8.40 per linear foot after the same adjustment.
A well-installed rain gutter system ensures water is efficiently directed down the corners of the garage through pipes, dispersing it at least two feet away from the foundation. This preventive measure helps avoid issues such as foundation leaks and wood rot in the siding and soffits caused by pooling water.
Garage Siding Costs Explained
The cost of garage siding now ranges from $3.60 to $13.20 per square foot. This variation depends on the material and style chosen. Here’s an updated overview of the price ranges for common siding options:
Siding Material | Cost Per Square Foot* |
Vinyl Siding | $3.60 – $13.20 |
Aluminum Siding | $3.60 – $13.20 |
Brick Siding | $9.60 – $21.60 |
Fiber Cement Siding | $7.20 – $15.60 |
Stone Siding | $12 – $54 |
Wood Siding | $4.80 – $15.60 |
Garage Ceiling Installation
The cost of installing a garage ceiling now ranges from $2.16 to $12.00 per square foot. Various materials such as cork, wood veneer, drywall, gypsum, plastic tile, or Styrofoam tiles can be used.
Finishing and insulating the garage ceiling is beneficial for maintaining energy efficiency. However, insulation may not be necessary if you live in a region with a consistent year-round climate or if the garage is primarily used for parking your vehicle.
Cost of Insulating a Garage
Insulating a garage typically ranges from $1.90 to $3.10 per square foot, depending on the type of insulation chosen. Batt and roll insulation are the most economical options, while spray foam insulation tends to be the most expensive. Additionally, many insulation companies impose a minimum callout fee ranging from $420 to $480.
Insulation Type | Average Cost Per SF | 1 Car (12’x24’) | 2 Car (24’x24’) |
Batt | $1.08 | $324 | $648 |
Blown In | $1.80 | $516 | $1,032 |
Spray Foam | $3.30 | $960 | $1,920 |
Garage Windows and Skylights
Adding windows to a garage now typically costs between $120 and $720 per window. Despite the added cost, most detached garages include at least one window, while larger garages with workshop areas or extra storage may have up to three windows.
Garage windows come with frames made of steel, composite, vinyl, or wood. Additional features and options include:
- Single-, double-, or triple-panel windows
- UV protection film for the glass
- Exterior additions like shutters
- Paint options
Cost To Finish Garage
Skylight installation for a garage ranges from $1,920 to $5,040. Skylights are available in three main types: fixed, ventilating, and tubular. Ventilating skylights can be manually operated or powered with a remote or switch.
When finishing a garage attached to a home with siding or a brick wall, you typically have two options:
- Leave the existing surface as it is, which may not match the interior walls of the garage.
- Frame over the existing wall, install drywall, and finish the surface to match the other interior walls of the garage.
Cost to Convert a Carport to a Garage
Converting an existing carport into a garage now typically costs an average of $30,000, with prices ranging from $12,000 to $48,000. The total cost varies based on factors such as the size of the structure, its type, the number of existing walls, and the desired new garage features and finishes.
Cost of Garage Door Installation
The cost to install a garage door ranges from $550 to $1,800, depending on the style, size, and quality selected. Installing a single-car garage door can start as low as $550, encompassing the cost of the doors themselves, labor, tracks, and necessary materials.
Garage Door Prices
The cost of garage doors now ranges from $360 to $1,440 on average, with variations based on size, style, material, design options, and customizations. Aluminum doors, the most affordable option, are more susceptible to dents and physical damage, while fiberglass and wood doors offer a broader selection of designs.
Material | Single Door* | Double Doors* |
Aluminum | $250 – $1,400 | $300 – $2,000 |
Wood | $1,000 – $4,000 | $1,200 – $8,000 |
Faux Wood / Composite | $300 – $4,000 | $500 – $5,000 |
Vinyl | $300 – $2,500 | $400 – $4,000 |
Steel | $250 – $2,500 | $500 – $4,000 |
Fiberglass | $350 – $3,500 | $600 – $5,000+ |
Glass | $700 – $5,000 | $2,000 – $8,000 |
Insulated | $600 – $1,400+ | $1,200 – $3,000+ |
Screen Door | $375 – $1,300 | $500 – $2,500 |
Garage Door Opener Installation Cost
The average cost to install a garage door opener now ranges from $360 to $1,080, including labor and the opener unit. Prices vary based on factors such as the brand, model, power, and type of garage door being automated.
Garage Entry Doors
Installing garage entry doors typically costs between $420 and $1,800 for an exterior door, or $540 to $1,320 for a fire-rated interior door, including both the door itself and labor. Building codes often require fire-rated doors between the house and the garage for safety compliance.
Garage Electrical and Lighting Costs
Incorporating electrical and lighting features into your garage construction now typically adds between $1,200 and $3,000 to the overall project cost, reflecting. Electricians charge between $60 and $156 per hour for tasks such as running wiring, installing outlets, circuits, lighting, or a subpanel.
Specific costs include
- Installing a GFCI outlet, which typically costs between $180 and $420.
- Setting up a dedicated circuit with a 240V outlet, necessary for appliances like clothes dryers or electric vehicle charging stations, now ranges from $300 to $1,080.
- Installing a light fixture costs approximately $96 to $240 for fluorescent lighting or $84 to $480 for LED lighting, covering both labor and the fixture itself.
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Conclusion
Building a garage entails costs ranging from $50 to $86 per square foot, influenced by size, finishing, and whether it’s attached or detached. A standard 2-car garage (400-576 sq ft) costs $28,224 to $40,608, while a 3-car (576-864 sq ft) costs $40,608 to $61,008. Consider both car size and additional space for hobbies or storage. Future-proofing with electrical outlets and insulation can enhance functionality and value. Attached garages are generally cheaper, whereas detached ones, with potential living spaces above, range from $34,560 to $99,532. Prefab options start at $8,640 but may impact aesthetics and property value. Accurate planning ensures a garage that meets both current and future needs efficiently.
FAQs
Building a garage typically costs between $42 and $72 per square foot. For example, a standard 2-car garage (400 to 576 square feet) costs between $23,520 and $33,840.
The cost of building a garage is influenced by its size, level of finishing, whether it’s attached or detached, and additional features like electrical wiring or insulation.
Here’s an average cost breakdown based on garage size:
- 1-car garage (288 square feet): $16,920
- 2-car garage (576 square feet): $33,840
- 3-car garage (864 square feet): $50,760
Attached garages are generally cheaper to build than detached ones. Costs for attached garages range from $10,800 to $61,488, while detached garages cost between $28,800 and $82,944 on average.
Additional costs to consider include driveway paving, interior finishing (like drywall or insulation), and any electrical wiring or plumbing needs, especially for detached garages.
Insulating a garage typically ranges from $1.08 to $3.30 per square foot, depending on the insulation type chosen. This is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency and climate control.
A garage with an apartment can serve as rental income or extra living space. Costs for such a structure range from $86,400 to $100,800, depending on size and finishing.
Prefab garage kits are generally more economical and faster to construct, starting at around $7,200 for a two-car garage kit. However, custom designs may be necessary to match aesthetic preferences.
Converting a carport to a garage typically costs between $12,000 and $48,000, depending on the structure’s size, existing features, and desired new garage specifications.
Installing a garage door ranges from $550 to $1,800, depending on the door style, size, and material. Additional costs may apply for automation and customized designs.
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Our experience with Estimate Florida Consulting's takeoff and estimating services has been outstanding. Their accuracy and attention to detail have greatly improved our project planning and budgeting. Their team is knowledgeable and always ready to assist with any queries. Since we started using their services, our efficiency has increased, and we've been able to bid more competitively on projects.
Process To Get It Cost To Build a Garage Estimate Report
Here I am going to share some steps to get it cost to build a garage estimate report.
