How Much Does It Cost to Build a Garage?
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The cost range to build a garage is $11,000 to $101,000. Most people spend $16,000 to $37,000 on this project. The range of prices depends greatly on size, materials and whether it’s an attached or detached garage.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Two-Car Garage?
The average expense for a two-car garage measuring about 26x26 feet ranges from $27,000 for an attached to $47,000 for a detached.
It’s about $40 per square foot to add an attached garage onto a home. A detached one can run up to $70 per square foot.
The price for installing other typical sizes include:
- One-car (12x22 feet): $11,000 (attached) - $18,000 (detached)
- Three-car (40x30): $48,000 (attached) - $84,000 (detached)
- Four-car (48x30): $57,000 (attached) - $101,000 (detached)
How Much Does It Cost to Build an Attached Garage?
The price can range from $11,000-$27,000 for a one- or two-car structure. “Attached” means you can access it directly from your home. They tend to cost less because of their use of existing walls, power and HVAC systems.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Detached Garage?
The expense can run as high as $70 per square foot, or an average cost of $18,000-$47,000 for one- or two-car options.
“Detached” means it’s a stand-alone building. Common reasons to build one include:
- More secure (break-ins don’t give access to main home)
- Extra space and storage
- Easier to expand
How Do You Calculate the Cost to Build a Garage?
The price depends on size, materials and project scope. Labor costs play a role as well.
Key factors to consider:
- Excavation and Site Prep: $1,500-$5,000. Leveling is needed to ensure even, safe build. Costs depend on amount of clearing necessary.
- Foundations: $75 per cubic yard. Usually includes concrete footings and slab. Damp-proof coating adds $3-$6 per square foot (keeps out soil moisture). Waterproof coating adds $5-$10 per square foot (keeps out rainwater).
- Framing and Roofing: Roof trusses and beam system with walls. Roof truss prices: $5-$6 per square foot. $4-$5 per square foot for wood frame materials (based on lumber prices). 5-15% added cost for a steel frame. $20 per hour for labor.
- Roofing Materials: Average price of asphalt shingles average $120-$400 per square. A “square” is 100 square feet. Galvanized roof flashing costs $250-$500.
- Siding: average $7 per square foot. Vinyl siding: $1-$2.50 per square foot. Fiber cement: $1-$5 per square foot. Brick: $4 per square foot.
- Trim: Basic trim: $2-$3 per linear foot. Custom trim: $8-$10 per linear foot.
- Windows: $300-$700 for typical vinyl style. Includes labor costs.
- Doors: Average $250-$1,000 for basic steel door and lockset. Overhead garage doors range from $400-$900 each. Composite and aluminum doors common, less costly. Wooden doors have higher price tags.
- Utilities: Electricians cost $65-$85 per hour. Most will spend 3-4 hours per project/
Nearly all projects require local permits. Most also require building inspections. Consult a local pro about the rules and fees that will affect you.
Why Build a New Garage?
If you can afford it and have enough space, building a new garage can also make your home more attractive to buyers. On average, a garage adds to home value by providing an 60-80% return on investment.
It can also be a great space for storage, hobbies (art, woodwork, car building, gaming) and added living space/space for entertaining guests
Finally, you may want to build a garage to replace an existing structure that’s aging, damaged or unsound.
What Are Some Hints and Tips for a Building a New Garage?
When building, consider these helpful bits of advice:
1. Pick the right time of year. In a climate with freezing winters, build in early spring, summer or fall to avoid weather delays.
2. Think about the future. The new space should provide room for storage and vehicle needs down the road.
3. Talk to the pros before you make permanent plans. A specialist building pro can help you think through your needs and budget.
4. Make sure it matches. If it clashes with your house, it might reduce its curb appeal and value.
What Are the Benefits of Converting Your Garage Space?
Many families need more living space or storage and parking. With a little planning and the right vision, a garage can find many new uses:
1. An added bedroom. Families grow in all sorts of ways, from new children to older relatives needing care. Extra sleeping space is also useful for guests.
2. More living space. Rather than building a new room, this space can become a family room, dining area or game room.
3. A studio or office. More and more companies let their employees work remotely. This requires office space at home.
4. An apartment. Added income can be important for a home. Changing it into an apartment could provide some help in paying the mortgage.
Look online for more great remodeling ideas.
How Do You Maintain Your New Garage?
Once you’ve built a new garage or remodeled your current one, you’ll want to keep it well-maintained. These guidelines will help keep your structure sound:
1. Tune up your door every year. Checking the mechanical systems and replacing the weather-stripping should keep it in smooth working order.
2. Clean the gutters at least two to three times each year. Failure to manage runoff can speed up wood decay or harm the foundation.
3. Reseal your concrete floors every few years. This helps to keep water out, and prevents gasoline or stored chemicals from eating at the concrete.
4. Power-wash and paint the structure regularly. It provides a tidy look and keeps moisture and decay at bay.
How Do You Hire a Garage Builder?
As with any major home project, you’ll want to thoroughly vet the pros you ask to bid on the job:
- Get at least three estimates.
- Seek out a licensed builder.
- Make sure they have current bonding and insurance.
- Ask if they have practice building these structures.
- Consult client reviews online to check their reputation. A great place to Start Research is your local Angie's List - find your Local Angie's List of Garage Builders here. Are you ready to hire? Quickly Connect with highly-rated Garage Builders in your area here.