What to Know About the Cost to Build a Garage in 2024
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Building a garage is a worthwhile investment for a home’s value and affords homeowners storage space and vehicle protection. The cost to build a garage ranges between $16,281 and $39,472, with an average cost of $27,867.
Highlights
- Building a garage typically costs between $16,281 and $39,472, with a national average cost of $27,867.
- The garage size will have the largest impact on total cost. Other cost-affecting factors include the installation of a foundation, door, roof, and siding as well as the cost of labor and permits.
- There are many benefits to building a garage, including vehicle protection, convenience, increased storage space, and higher home value.
- Building a garage is a major home improvement project, and the majority of homeowners will want to hire a professional to manage and carry out the construction.
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Building a garage is a great way to boost home value. Garages offer secure storage space, protect cars from the weather, and can even serve as workshops for handy homeowners. Adding a garage is no small feat, though, and costs vary based on size, complexity, and location.
According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the cost of building a garage ranges from $16,281 to $39,472, with an average cost of $27,867. It’s common to spend $40 to $70 per square foot for standard garages that don’t have significant upgrades. This guide covers the most common factors that determine the cost to build a garage for any budget.
Key Cost Factors
As with most construction projects, there are several factors that can affect the total cost of the project. The following factors for estimating the price of a garage will provide homeowners with a better understanding of what to expect when asking for a quote. For specific numbers, homeowners may consider searching online for “cost to build a garage calculator” or contacting a local builder for a quote.
Garage Size
The average cost for a new garage is about $50 per square foot. A single-car attached garage is the least expensive option and averages $10,500 to $27,000. This size includes approximately 240 to 384 square feet. A 2-car garage is a popular option that allows a small amount of work space and comes with an average cost of $14,500 to $40,300.
| Garage Size | Cost Range |
| Single-car | $10,500 to $27,000 |
| 2-car | $14,500 to $40,300 |
| 3-car | $28,200 to $57,100 |
| 4-car | $32,000 to $73,900 |
| Garage with living space | $60,000 to $270,000 |
| RV garage | $36,000 to $140,000 |
| Attached | $29 per square foot |
| Detached | $40 to $70 per square foot |
Foundation Installation and Framing
The garage foundation is a critical component of a new garage structure and can sometimes make up a significant portion of the cost. The size of the pad is a determining factor in overall cost, and the average price of a garage foundation is $2,000 to $7,000 or an average of $4 to $25 per square foot.
Unlike building a carport, building a garage includes constructing four enclosed walls, which means framing costs will need to be included in the cost if homeowners are not using metal garage kits or concrete blocks. Garage framing costs per square foot are dependent on the building material.
| Material | Cost Range |
| Brick | $27 to $45 per square foot |
| Brick-veneered | $5 to $30 per square foot |
| Cinderblock | $29 to $62 per square foot |
| Metal | $3,000 to $22,000 total |
| Prefab pole barn | $40 to $85 per square foot |
| Stick-built | $40 to $70 per square foot |
Roof and Gutter
The most common style of roof is asphalt shingle. This type of roof has a long lifespan of 20 to 40 years, depending on the quality of the materials. Roofing costs have a wide price range based on the size, style, insulation, and potential additional features such as skylights. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $1,600 and $16,000 for roofing materials and labor. The price might be quoted per square (100 square feet) or per square foot.
It’s essential to install gutters on a new garage to protect the structure from long-term water damage. Homeowners can choose from aluminum, vinyl, or steel varieties to best suit the garage style. Downspouts will be positioned to prevent water from pooling near the foundation. On average, gutter installation costs between $4 and $30 per linear foot.
Siding
The cost to install siding on a garage will depend on the material as well as the size of the garage. There is a wide variety of siding material options available, but vinyl siding is popular because it is durable and relatively affordable. Other considerations include style, ease of installation, and energy efficiency. Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $0.70 and $18 per square foot for garage siding.
| Siding Material | Cost Range Per Square Foot |
| Aluminum | $4 to $7 |
| Brick | $11 to $15 |
| Engineered wood | $3 to $8 |
| Fiber cement | $6 to $10 |
| Stone | $11 to $18 |
| Vinyl | $0.70 to $3 |
| Wood | $3 to $10 |
Labor and Permits
Since building a garage is a large project that involves several kinds of laborers to install the foundation, walls, roof, and electrical components, labor will be a large part of the cost. Labor rates can account for 50 to 70 percent of the final price. The range for labor costs can be between $20 and $49 per square foot, with factors like location and the accessibility of the property affecting the overall price. To get a sense of labor prices in their area, homeowners can look up “garage builders near me” and request a quote.
Local building codes may include requirements for garage structures and may also stipulate that the final construction be inspected. Before building, the contractor will need to obtain a permit. A permit may cost between $1,200 to $1,500, depending on the region.
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Geographic Location
Geographic location can affect how much homeowners pay to build a garage, and labor costs are typically dependent on the region’s cost of living. Costs may also be higher if the garage is being built in a remote location or if the contractors must travel a significant distance to get to the job. Materials may also be less accessible in certain locations, which will make the project more expensive.
Labor costs to build a garage will typically be at least 50 percent of the total price, and may be closer to 60 percent. In addition to varying labor costs by city, the cost can vary from state to state. The following are the average costs to build a garage in 10 different states; the actual cost may be higher or lower depending on exact location and the scope of the project.
| U.S. State | Average Cost to Build a Garage |
| California | $44,200 |
| Colorado | $25,600 |
| Illinois | $17,250 |
| Maine | $33,600 |
| Michigan | $22,100 |
| Minnesota | $19,300 |
| New York | $26,800 |
| Oregon | $24,000 |
| Texas | $28,500 |
| Washington | $22,250 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
After determining the basic structure of a new garage, homeowners may need to consider additional features to create the style and accessibility that are needed. These additional features can help create a functional and unique garage.
Attached vs. Detached
The average cost of $40 to $70 per square foot to build a garage applies when the new garage is detached from the main house; however, an attached garage may cost as little as $29 per square foot. This is because it shares wall space with the house, and electrical wiring can be pulled more easily.
Site-Built vs. Prefabricated
There are two options for building a new garage: building the structure on-site, or purchasing a prefabricated garage. Prefab garages, or garage-building kits, are easier to install than a garage built from scratch and cost around $5,000 on average. However, this does not account for the price of permits or labor. Some communities and neighborhoods do not allow manufactured garages, so it’s a good idea for homeowners to check with their HOA, if applicable, before buying.
Window Installation
A garage may rely on windows in the garage door to provide natural light, or some homeowners may opt to go without natural light altogether. Other homeowners prefer to have windows installed for extra light or to match the home’s exterior. Windows are an additional cost, and a quote will not typically include the price unless it’s requested. The cost to install a window ranges between $200 and $2,100 and is influenced by the size, style, and placement.
Insulation Installation
While insulation is not an option for brick or metal garages, homeowners can choose to include it in a new wood garage. This includes blown-in, batting, or spray-in insulation. Insulating an attached garage can help prevent the garage from affecting the ambient temperature of the house during extreme temperature swings. On average, the cost to insulate a garage is approximately $2,000 to $6,000. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation are among the cheaper options and cost $0.40 to $2.80 per square foot. Cork and polystyrene insulation cost $1 to $15 per square foot.
Electrical Work
Running electricity to a garage is common, though it’s an additional cost. Homeowners can use the garage to run power tools or other electrical equipment at night when lights and outlets are installed. An automated garage door will require electricity, and some building codes require a minimal amount of electricity to be installed. It costs between $1,000 and $2,500 to include electrical and wiring when building a garage.
Garage Door Opener Installation
Garage doors come in manual or automatic styles. An automatic garage door costs more, but it also adds more long-term value for prospective home buyers and makes for convenient everyday use for the family. A garage door opener requires electricity to operate the motor and controls. Garage door opener installation costs between $220 and $520. In addition to an electrician, homeowners may need to hire one of the best garage door installation companies for this project.
Add-Ons and Accessories
Adding a work space is a popular option for homeowners who need room to work with tools or equipment in an enclosed environment. A workbench can increase the cost by approximately $375 to $600, and built-in cabinets could cost up to $3,400. All-in-one cabinet systems are available, and a contractor or the homeowner can install them. Fridges and freezers are also popular items that many homeowners choose to add to their garage.
Installing an HVAC system is helpful for homeowners who spend a lot of time working in their garage. The average cost is about $15 per linear foot. Plumbing is an additional upgrade if running water is needed and costs between $900 to $1,300 per plumbing fixture.
Garage Finishing
A bare-bones garage might not include any electricity, paint, shingles, or even a garage door. Finishing a garage will consist of the cost to drywall and paint the interior, which costs an average of $30 per square yard and $1.50 per square foot, respectively. Some homeowners also choose to finish their garage’s concrete floor. An epoxy garage floor costs an average of $2,346. Finally, a homeowner may want to install a heater to make their garage more comfortable in the colder months. The average cost to install a garage heater is $2,075.
Types of Garages
Homeowners will want to consider the exterior aesthetics they prefer, which can influence the type of garage selected. Not every homeowner needs a 3-car garage or a place to store an RV, but larger garages are popular options for most new garage construction projects. Sharing wall space with an existing house as an attached garage can reduce total costs, but increasing the number of cars or overall square footage will push prices higher.
In some cases, choosing to use a prefabricated (or prebuilt) garage kit can be cost-effective, but metal prefab kits are often not approved by HOAs since they have less aesthetic appeal. Homeowners will want to consider walking space between cars when deciding on the preferred width of the garage. The following are the most common garage types and their average costs.
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Attached
For convenience and reduced costs, attached garages are the most popular garage type. They share existing structure space, which makes it easier and cheaper to run electrical or plumbing if needed. Building an attached garage costs approximately 10 to 15 percent less than a detached garage because of these factors. A single-car attached garage usually starts at $29 per square foot.
Detached
Detached garages have their appeal for some homeowners, too. Many include an upper living space, or they’re built large enough to store an RV or create the ultimate garage workshop. Running electrical, plumbing, or HVAC to an exterior location will cost more, so on average, a detached garage costs between $40 and $70 per square foot.
1-Car Garage
Building a 1-car garage is becoming a less popular option since most families have more than one car and want additional work or storage space. The typical width of a single-car garage is 12 to 16 feet, and the length is 20 to 24 feet. For a basic one-car garage, the average cost is $10,500 to $27,000.
2-Car Garage
A 2-car garage has become a common choice for most homes, with the most common 2-car garage dimensions being 22 feet by 26 feet wide and 20 feet by 24 feet deep. These sizes can accommodate most cars, but SUVs may require additional width. A standard 2-car garage costs between $14,500 and $40,300.
3-Car Garage
For larger homes, a 3-car garage might be a great option to hold a household’s typical two cars plus an extra car or recreational vehicle. These are usually 31 to 34 feet wide and 20 to 24 feet deep. It’s common to have a double door and a single door installed for a 3-car garage. On average, the cost to build a 3-car garage is $28,200 to $57,100.