Your Garage Addition or Remodel questions, answered
Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much does it cost to build a garage?
The cost to build a garage ranges from $35 to $70 per square foot on average, or $14,000 to $40,300 total for a 2-car garage. Most 2-car garages are 400 to 576 square feet in size.
A 2-car detached garage costs$20,000 to $57,600, depending on the material quality and finishes. A detached garage usually costs more than an attached garage because it has one more wall and is further from the home's electrical and plumbing connections.
Prefab or modular garage prices are $7,200 to $26,000 on average for a 2-car garage kit alone or $11,000 to $37,500 including installation and a concrete slab foundation. However, many HOAs don't allow prefab garages because some basic kits can be unsightly, which may lower property values.
How long does it take to build a garage?
Building a garage takes 6 to 8 weeks on average, depending on the size of the garage and whether the space will be finished or used as an apartment. Delays with the following factors will extend your timeline:
Shipping
Availability
Backorders
Permits
Do garages add value to a home?
Garages add value to a home, giving homeowners a 60% to 80% return on investment (ROI) on average. Garages protect cars from bad weather, increase home security, add curb appeal, and give you more storage space. If your garage has a finished living space, you can generate income by renting it out.
Do you need a permit to build a garage?
Yes, you need a permit to build a garage. A permit for a garage costs $150 to $500, depending on local pricing. Structural work, electrical wiring, and adding plumbing may require multiple permits.
How close can you build a garage to the property line?
Most cities require a setback of 5 to 15 feet from the property line for garages and sheds, although local regulations differ. Setback requirements may be different if you're building a garage in your backyard or in front of a house. Double check local building codes to confirm before starting any projects.
How do I choose a garage builder?
While hiring garage builders, remember these steps:
Get multiple estimates from builders.
Look for professionals with experience installing garages.
Explore reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, insured, bonded, and reputable builder.
Avoid the lowest bids, which usually indicate low-quality work.
Get a detailed estimate before they start.
Never pay in full before the job is complete.
Ask if they'll provide a warranty on the labor or materials.
What questions should I ask garage builders?
Ask these questions to find the best possible garage builder:
How long have you been building or installing garages?
Do you have any applicable certifications?
Will you be using any subcontractors for this job?
Do you recommend a detached or attached garage?
How long will the garage take to build?
Are you insured, licensed, and bonded?
How will you handle any damage that might happen to my home?
What does your warranty cover?
Reviews for Scottsdale garage builders
Recent success stories from people in the Scottsdale area.
John M.
Gret jpb
Milestones Co
Chandler, C.
Don Burns is truly a professional. We called Cactus Valley Homes, along with several other contractors, to give us estimates on our project. He was personally available to quickly give us a very fair quote. We chose Don because of his professionalism, price and his ability to do all of the work with a high level of craftsmanship, design ideas and a made our home a resort oases to live in! He provided us with formal, written quotes and, I'm happy to say, the costs did not exceed these quotes. Everyone at Cactus Valley Homes was there every step of the way. They gave us design advice as we chose the materials and planned the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, and all required fixtures and yes even the paint colors. From there, he and his crew handled everything...plumbing, glass shower surround, granite counter tops, cabinetry, drywall, painting, fixtures and tiled the shower, backsplash, flooring and baseboards. Everything he touched turned out beautifully! Our happiness was Don's top priority. He was always available to answer our questions and checked in frequently to ensure that we were pleased with the progress. The finished product is perfect however, the best part about working with Don is that he is completely trustworthy. It means the world to us that we could have total peace-of-mind when we were away and he was working in our home. It's great to work with one contractor that can do every aspect of a project as we never had to worry about giving access to our home to different crews of people. He constantly went the extra mile, working with our busy schedules and accommodating our 2 big dogs throughout the process. Don is a pleasure to work with. He is a true, honest professional.
Cactus Valley Homes
John D.
GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!
A&C plumbing
Mark F.
Very easy to schedule the repairs Luke was fast and very professional I would hire him again in a heart beat
Handyman services
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