Are you a homeowner who wants to add a garage to your property? According to the National Homebuyers Association, it’s a feature 85% of house hunters are looking for.
Not selling your home anytime soon? A garage is still a sound investment. It’ll protect your vehicles from costly damage. You can even convert your garage into a rentable storage space and generate passive income–just list your garage on Neighbor.
Taking on a project like this raises many questions, but the primary one is: “How much will it cost to build a garage?” Below, we’ll look at the cost breakdown for building a garage, covering options from prefab garages to custom builds. We’ll even examine the impact of materials and additional features on your total building costs.
Estimated Cost of Building a Garage: By Type
The cost of constructing a garage varies widely based on several factors, including size/garage dimensions, materials, and whether you opt for a prefab unit or a custom-built structure.
The garage type will also dictate final costs (single-car, two-car, custom, pre-fab, etc.). Here’s a breakdown to help you start budgeting:
Overview
- Single-car garage: For those needing just enough space to keep a car safe and sound, building a single-car garage can cost anywhere from $7,500 to $15,000. This range accommodates a basic setup without extensive customizations.
- Two-car garage: Families with more than one vehicle or those requiring more storage space might consider a two-car garage, which typically costs between $19,600 to $28,200. The higher end of this spectrum includes costs for more durable materials or added features like automatic door openers.
- Custom builds and additions: Tailoring a garage to specific needs, such as creating a workshop space or designing for rental purposes, pushes the budget higher. Custom garage projects can start at $30,000 and go up significantly based on complexity, size, and high-end finishes.
- Prefab garage: These offer builders a budget-friendly and efficient alternative and come in various sizes and styles. Prefab garages are manufactured off-site and delivered ready to assemble, significantly reducing construction time and labor costs. The cost can range from around $800 to well over $15,000.
Remember, these figures are estimates. Local labor rates, material costs, and any necessary permits can influence the final price. Requesting quotes from multiple contractors is advised, especially if you want a very accurate estimate of your garage build’s total cost.
Cost of an Attached Garage vs. a Detached Garage
Attached garages can be appealing for their convenience, offering direct access to the home, which is invaluable in adverse weather conditions. In your mind, these perks may translate to higher costs, but did you know that you can potentially lower construction costs by utilizing existing home structures? As a bonus, attached garages tout superior energy efficiency due to shared heating and cooling with the house.
On the other hand, detached garages offer unmatched flexibility in terms of design and placement on the property, making them an excellent choice for those requiring more space for vehicles, a workshop, or a hobby area without the constraints of the main house’s architecture.
- Attached garages can range from approximately $15,000 to $25,000.
- Detached garages are standalone structures that require independent construction and utility connections, leading to potentially higher costs. Depending on complexity and size, the average cost for detached garages can range from $20,000 to $30,000 or more.
Cost of a One-Car vs. Two-Car Garage
Deciding on the garage size is another crucial factor that impacts your budget.
Of course, you may not have much of a choice between a one-car and two-car garage. Due to space constraints, depending on the size of your property, you may only be able to build a one-car garage, which can pose problems if you own multiple cars.
Here’s what you can roughly expect each to cost:
- One-car garages provide enough space for a single vehicle and limited storage, making them a cost-effective option for those with modest space and vehicle storage needs. Construction costs for one-car garages typically range from $7,500 to $15,000.
- Two-car garages offer ample space for multiple vehicles and additional storage or workspace, which is reflected in their higher price point. On average, building a two-car garage costs between $19,600 to $28,200.
Comprehensive Cost Breakdown for Building a Garage
Constructing a garage involves several significant steps and considerations that directly impact the overall cost.
Cost of the Basics
- Concrete work: The garage foundation is critical for providing stability and costs around $1,500 for concrete slab and footings.
- Roofing costs: Roof construction includes trusses and support systems, with materials starting at $800, plus labor costs.
- Garage doors: Basic models start at $400, while premium options can go up to $5,000+
- Garage door opener: An essential feature for convenience, adding $150-500 to the total cost.
- Siding: Vinyl siding, a popular choice for its durability and ease of maintenance, can cost about $6,440.
- Windows and doors: Adding natural light and access costs from $300 to $3,500, depending on style and quality.
- Electrical wiring: Electrical work can cost around $75 per hour.
- Carpentry: Expect to compensate framing and other woodwork professionals at a rate of $70 per hour,
Cost of Popular Garage Enhancements
Enhancing the usability of your garage (with the help of little extras) can transform it from a mere parking space to a multifunctional area of your home. Here are ways to augment its functionality. That way, your garage can be multi-functional–serving purposes beyond just parking your car. It can double as a home gym, a workspace, and more!
Of course, incorporating these extras into your garage can result in extra costs.
*Note: Beyond garage enhancement costs, annual garage maintenance can cost anywhere from $100 to $300/year (if you stay up-to-date on routine door lubrication, weatherstripping replacement, and minor repairs).
- Lighting upgrades: Installing bright, energy-efficient lighting can turn a dim garage into a vibrant workspace or gym. Consider motion-sensor lights for convenience and LED fixtures for long-term savings. Generally, installing motion-sensor lighting will cost between $350 and $500.
- Smart storage solutions: Utilizing vertical space with wall-mounted racks, shelves, and pegboards can drastically increase storage capacity. Price varies depending on whether you purchase the storage solutions or build them yourself.
- Epoxy flooring: Applying an epoxy coating to your garage floor can enhance its appearance and make it resistant to stains, cracks, and wear, simplifying maintenance and cleaning. On average, epoxying a 250-square-foot space costs between $750 and $3,000, while a 400- to 500-square-foot space can cost $1,200 to $6,000.
- Insulation and climate control: Adding insulation to walls and doors, along with a small heater or air conditioner, can create a comfortable, climate-controlled environment year-round, expanding the usability of the space regardless of the weather. Note: Purchasing a mini-split for your garage can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000.
- Cabinetry: Installing prefab garage cabinets can cost from $100 to $2000 each for prefab models to over $3,000 for custom units.
- Garage workbench: The cost of building a garage workbench may vary. Pre-fab models typically sell for between $150 and $2,000.
- Garage door upgrades: Upgrading a garage door alone can cost between $200 and $500.
- Smart garage technology: Installing smart technology, like smart locks and lighting, will also hike prices, adding anywhere from $500 to $1,500 to your project.
Cost of Garage Permits
Obtaining a building permit for a garage is an essential step that varies significantly in cost, depending on the scope of your project and location. For a basic garage project, building permits can range from $15 to $500 on average.
However, if you’re considering converting a garage into a living space, which involves more complex requirements like HVAC and electrical work, the permit costs can jump to between $800 and $1,500.
In Boston, MA, a short-form permit for minor remodeling might cost around $20 plus an additional rate per $1,000 of the job cost, while structural modifications requiring a long-form permit could cost $50 plus a similar rate per $1,000 of the job cost. In contrast, in Frisco, TX, a permit could run about $150, showcasing the regional differences in permit pricing.
Total Garage Construction Costs
Average Total Cost:
- Average: $23,900
- Minimum: $7,500
- Maximum: $42,700
- Typical Range: $19,600 to $28,200
Cost Per Square Foot:
- Average: $35 to $60, influenced by dimensions, finishes, and whether it’s attached or detached.
Total Cost Estimate by Garage Size
- One car garage (12’ x 24’): 288 SF at an average of $14,100
- Two-car garage (20’ x 20’ or 24’ x 24’): 400 to 576 SF, costing $19,600 to $28,200
- Three-car garage (36’ x 24’): 864 SF, with costs around $42,300
Total Cost Estimate by Type: Attached vs. Detached
- Average cost of attached garage: $15,000
- Average cost of detached garage: $25,000
Is Adding a Garage a Good Investment?
Adding a garage is a good investment because it can increase your home’s value by tens of thousands of dollars, all while providing secure storage for your belongings and additional protection for your vehicles.
If you build a garage, you’ll typically get back between 75% and 85% of your investment when selling your home.
Final Thoughts
Building a garage is an investment in your property’s functionality and value. But before you pull the trigger, it’s crucial to assess the cost of building a garage–both in terms of the materials and labor but also long-term utility.
If you need more space for storing your project cars, collector cars, or other recreational vehicles, there’s an alternative that bypasses many of the hurdles associated with constructing a brand-new garage.
You can rent a private garage near you through Neighbor, a peer-to-peer vehicle storage marketplace. Instead of bearing the high upfront costs and ongoing maintenance of building a new garage, renting space from a neighbor can be a more immediate and cost-effective strategy.
Through Neighbor, you can easily find a car storage option that meets your needs. If you can’t do without an on-site garage, list other available spaces on your property to help recoup the costs of construction.
