How much does it cost to build a garage?
Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to build a garage?

Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to build a garage?

$35 – $60cost per square foot
$19,600 – $28,200average cost to build a 2-car garage

The average cost to build a garage is $35 to $60 per square foot. The cost to build a 1-car garage is between $7,500 to $14,200, a 2-car garage costs $19,600 and $28,200, and a 3-car garage ranges from $28,200 to $42,700.

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$35 – $60 cost per square foot

$19,600 – $28,200 average cost to build a 2-car garage


The average cost to build a garage is $35 to $60 per square foot. The cost to build a 1-car garage is between $7,500 to $14,200, a 2-car garage costs $19,600 and $28,200, and a 3-car garage ranges from $28,200 to $42,700.

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tom Grupa
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Tom Grupa

Cost To Build A Garage

The average cost to build a garage is $35 to $60 per square foot. The cost to build a 1-car garage is $7,500 to $14,200, a 2-car garage costs $19,600 to $28,200, and a 3-car garage ranges from $28,200 to $42,700. Depending on many factors, you can expect to see about an 80% return on your investment.

Cost to build a garage - chart
Cost to build a garage - chart
Cost To Build A Garage
National Average Cost $23,900
Minimum Cost $7,500
Maximum Cost $42,700
Average Range $19,600 to $28,200

Get free estimates from garage builders near you.

The cost to build a garage is $35 to $60 per square foot on average, depending on the dimensions, finishing, and if it's attached or detached. The most common 2-car garage dimensions fall in the 400 to 576 SF range, which costs $19,600 to $28,200 to build, while a 3-car garage will measure 576 to 864 SF and cost about $28,200 to $42,300.

Cost to build a garage per square foot - chart
Cost to build a garage per square foot - chart

Cost to Build a Garage By Size & Cars

Here are the costs for standard garage sizes and how many cars each hold. Prices are based on an average of $49 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 $14,100      
14’ x 28’ 392 $19,200      
20’ x 20’ 400 $19,600      
24’ x 24’ 576 $28,200    
36’ x 24’ 864 $42,300    

When calculating the garage size needed, consider not just the number of cars you have but also their length. A passenger car will measure about 14’ long while a full-size pickup truck, SUV, or minivan will measure 18’ to 22’ long.

Remember to allow space for any aftermarket modifications like bull bars, a wheelchair lift, or a rear-mounted bike carrier. For the sake of comfort, allow 4 to 5 feet around the vehicle to provide adequate clearance.

New detached one car garage with brick windows and lighting
New detached one car garage with brick windows and lighting

Cost to Build Attached or Detached Garage

Building an attached garage is typically cheaper than a detached garage. However, the final cost depends on the interior finishing, driveway paving, and if you need a living space above the garage.

Attached vs. detached garage cost - chart
Attached vs. detached garage cost - chart

Attached Garage Cost

The average cost for a one-car attached garage is between $7,500 and $12,500, 2-car garages start at $14,100, and 4-car garages go up to $42,700. You can opt for a fully enclosed and finished garage, or an open carport-style garage with no walls and just a roof.

Detached Garage Cost

A detached garage costs $20,000 to $57,600 on average. Your total price depends on the garage size and if you choose to add an apartment or living space above. Building a detached garage costs more than an attached garage because it requires an extra wall and is further from the home's plumbing, HVAC, and electrical connections.

Building a detached two car garage
Building a detached two car garage

Garage With Apartment Cost

An average 400 square foot garage with a fully finished apartment costs $60,000 to $70,000. Your return on investment (ROI) could improve if you build a detached garage with a loft above it and use it as a rental unit. However, your initial investment will be much higher too, because the space will need plumbing and an HVAC system, along with a new roof.

Site Built vs. Prefab Garage Cost

The cheapest and quickest solution is to buy a prefab garage or steel garage kit rather than build a custom garage. Prefab garage prices start at $7,200 for a kit to build a two-car garage, not including a concrete slab or gravel foundation.

Get free estimates from garage builders near you.

Because prefab garages have less visual appeal and a negative impact on property values, many homeowners’ associations (HOAs) prohibit them.

Average Cost to Build a Garage Calculator

The cost to build a garage depends on the features and options you select. The following table provides a breakdown of prices for the construction of a 12' x 24' one-car basic garage.

Cost to Build a Garage Calculator
Item QTY Cost Per Unit Total Cost
Foundation 5.33 CY $139 $740
Framing plus Walls 480 SF $11.50 $5,500
Ceiling Panels 288 SF $1.80 $520
Ceiling Insulation 288 SF $0.93 $270
Windows 2 $350 $700
Entry Door 1 $200 $200
Garage Door 1 $500 $500
Roof Trusses & Supports 288 SF $4.90 $1,400
Shingles 288 SF $3.60 $1,050
Electrical 1 $1,500.00 $1,500
Vinyl Siding 480 SF $3.30 $1,600
Gutters 60 LF $4 $240
Total Cost $14,200
($49 per SF)

*These prices do not include upgrades like workshop finish out, adding running water, heating/cooling, or storage cabinets.

New attached 2 car garage with driveway, christmas lighting, and windows
New attached 2 car garage with driveway, christmas lighting, and windows

Garage Materials Cost Breakdown

Garage Foundation Cost

garage foundation costs $2,000 to $7,000, depending on the size. A standard 16’ x 24’ (1-car) garage foundation costs $2,500, a 24’ x 24’ (2-car) costs about $3,500, and a 36’ x 24’ (3-car) garage foundation runs $5,500 on average.

Garage foundation cost - chart
Garage foundation cost - chart
Garage Foundation Cost
Size (4” Deep) Square Feet Average Cost
16’ x 24’ 384 $2,000 – $3,200
20’ x 20’ 400 $2,100 – $3,300
24’ x 24’ 576 $3,000 – $4,800
20’ x 30’ 600 $3,200 – $5,000
36’ x 24’ 864 $4,600 – $7,200

The first step in building the garage foundation is pouring the concrete. Concrete prices are $120 to $170 per cubic yard. Add $5 to $35 extra per cubic yard if a boom arm pump delivery method is required because of access restrictions.

Garage Framing Cost

The two most common options for framing garage walls are timber frame and concrete blocks. Garage framing costs $10 to $35 per square foot, depending on which option you select.

Garage Framing Cost Per Square Foot
Frame type Cost per square foot
Timber or Wood Frame $10
Concrete Block Frame $10 – $35

  • Timber Frame – Timber frame is the most popular choice thanks to its lightweight for delivery, eco-friendliness/sustainability, low cost, insulation properties, ease of use, and quick build time.

  • Concrete block walls cost $15 to $30 per square foot. Concrete block or Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) structures are airtight, energy efficient, structurally sound, and not susceptible to termites or mold. However, they cost much more, and finding contractors with the right experience may be challenging.

A concrete block garage still requires a timber frame on the interior walls to house electrical and plumbing lines.

Building an all wood one car garage with carport
Building an all wood one car garage with carport

Garage Walls

Garage interior walls cost $4 to $17 per square foot installed, depending on the material and finished look you select. Drywall installation costs the least, while MDF and faux brick fall at the higher end of the range. Most building codes require unfinished drywall at a minimum due to its fire resistance.

Cost To Finish Garage Walls
Garage Finishing Cost Per Square Foot*
Before Adding Any of The Panels  
Drywall $1.80
Garage Wall Panels or Planks  
Melanine Slatwall $1.75
PVC $1.90
Metal Wall $1.90
Bamboo Wall $2.30
Galvanized Steel $8.00
Rosewood MDF $12.00
Faux Brick $14.00
Concrete Block $14.75
Windows and Doors  
Extra for Window or Door Opening $160 each
Texture and Paint  
Drywall Plaster Application $2 – $10 per SF
Paint $1.50

*Per square foot of wall surface area.

Garage Roof

An asphalt shingle roof costs $3 to $5 per square foot installed. The roof must be constructed before the shingles are added:

Once the trusses are in place, contractors secure sheets of plywood followed by underlayment, and finally, the shingles are added.

One car garage built for use as a tool shed
One car garage built for use as a tool shed

Install Gutters on a Garage

Aluminum gutter installation costs $4 to $12 per linear foot installed. In comparison, the cost to install vinyl gutters is $3 to $7 per linear foot.

A rain gutter system will direct the flow of water down the corners of the garage in pipes and disperse it at least two feet away from the foundation. Without gutters, the pooling water can cause foundation leaks or result in wood rot of the siding and soffits.

Garage Siding

Garage siding costs $3 to $11 per square foot, depending on the material and style. Here are the price ranges for the most common siding options:

Garage Siding Costs
Siding Material Cost Per Square Foot*
Vinyl Siding $3 – $11
Aluminum Siding $3 – $11
Brick Siding $8 – $18
Fiber Cement Siding $6 – $13
Stone Siding $10 – $45
Wood Siding $4 – $13

*Including installation.

Garage Ceilings

Garage ceiling installation costs $1.80 to $10.00 per square foot. Material options include cork, wood (veneer), drywall, gypsum, plastic tile, or Styrofoam tiles.

Finishing and insulating the garage ceiling helps to maintain energy efficiency. However, the garage may not require insulating if you live in a location with a year-round temperate climate or you plan to use the garage solely to park your car.

Cost To Insulate Garage

Garage insulation costs $0.90 to $2.75 per square foot on average, depending on the type. Batt and roll insulation is the cheapest, while spray foam insulation costs the most. Most companies charge a minimum callout fee of $350 to $400.

Cost To Insulate Garage
Insulation Type Average Cost Per SF 1 Car 12’x24’ 2 Car 24’x24’
Batt $0.90 $270 $540
Blown In $1.50 $430 $860
Spray Foam $2.75 $800 $1,600

Garage Windows

The average cost to add windows to a garage is $100 to $600 per window. Despite the additional cost, most detached garages have at least one window, and a larger 2-car garage with a workshop area or storage features could have as many as three windows.

Garage windows come in steel, composite, vinyl, or wood frames. Additional features and options include:

  • Single-, double-, or triple-panel windows

  • UV protection film on the glass

  • Exterior additions like shutters

  • Paint

Garage Skylights

Skylight installation costs $1,600 to $4,200. Skylights come in three main categories: fixed, ventilating, and tubular. Ventilating skylights can be manual or powered with a remote or switch.

Cost To Finish Garage

Get free estimates from garage builders near you.

If the side of your home you are attaching the garage to has siding or a brick wall, you have two options:

  • Leave the surface as it is, though it won't match the garage's other interior walls.

  • Frame over the existing wall, hang drywall, and finish the surface to match the other interior walls.

Garage Door Installation Cost

Garage door installation costs $550 to $1,800, depending on the style, size, and quality you choose. Installing a single car garage door could cost as little as $550. This price includes the doors, labor, tracks, and materials.

Two car garage with apartment loft built above
Two car garage with apartment loft built above

Garage Doors Prices

Garage door prices are $300 to $1,200 on average, depending on the size, style, material, design options, and customizations. Aluminum doors are the least expensive but are also more likely to exhibit dents and physical damage. Fiberglass and wood doors offer a more diverse range of designs.

Garage Door Prices By Material
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

*Material prices only.

Garage Door Opener Installation Cost

The average cost to install a garage door opener is $300 to $900, including labor and the opener itself. Prices vary depending on the brand, model, power, and type of garage door you have.

Garage Entry Doors

Garage entry door installation costs $350 to $1,500 for an exterior door or $450 to $1,100 for a fire-rated interior door, including labor and the door itself. Most building codes require fire doors between the house and the garage.

Garage Lighting and Electrical Work

Electrical and lighting work can add about $1,000 to $2,500 to your garage build. Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour to run wiring or install outlets, circuits, lighting, or a subpanel.

  • Installing a GFCI outlet costs $150 to $350.

  • Installing a dedicated circuit and 240V outlet costs $250 to $900. Powerful appliances like clothes dryers and electric vehicle charging stations require a dedicated circuit.

  • Installing a light fixture costs $80 to $200 for fluorescent lighting or $70 to $400 for LED lighting, including labor and the fixture itself.

Garage Accessories & Options

Other common features and options improve the garage's usability:

  • Garage Workshop Area – Carpenters average $75 per hour. Counterspace or a garage workbench can be added to your garage to give you more of a workshop facility. Typically, a simple working area where you can mount a vice and power tools could be installed in 5 to 8 hours at a labor cost of $375 to $600, with something more elaborate taking twice as long.

  • Heating and Cooling Your Garage – For those looking to spend time working in the garage, you can add an all-in-one heating and cooling unit for $700 to $1,500, depending on the size of the space and the temperature you need to address inside your garage.

  • Running Water Plumbing costs $450 to $1,000 per fixture.

  • Depending on how far the garage is from the water supply, what kind of fixtures you want, and whether you just want a functioning sink or a sink and a shower, a plumber should be able to tap into your water supply and connect a faucet and handbasin and/or a shower for $1,100 to $3,000.

  • Fridge and Freezer – A refrigerator or freezer costs $600 to $2,300 for the unit alone.

  • Storage Space & Cabinets – Garage cabinets cost as little as $100 to $150 each for prefab models or up to $3,000+ for a custom-built storage solution.

  • A Door into the House – Demolition to cut an entryway from the garage into the house costs $2 to $3 per square foot.

  • Driveway – A concrete driveway costs $1,600 to $6,400, while an asphalt driveway costs $1,200 to $4,000, depending on the length and width.

  • Permits Building permits cost $150 to $500. Building a garage may require multiple permits for structural, electrical, and plumbing work.

Garage Building FAQs

How Much Does It Cost To Pour A 24x24 Slab Of Concrete?

The average cost to pour a 24x24 slab of concrete is $1,483. A 24’ by 24’ by 6” is approx. 10.67 cubic yards at an average cost of $140 per cubic yard. Add an extra $20 extra per cubic yard if a boom arm pump is required.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A 1-Car Garage?

A 1-car garage will cost between $7,500 and $14,250 to build. The most common sizes for a one-car garage are 12’ x 24’ and 14’ x 28’. One-car garages are becoming less and less popular with only 6% of Americans choosing this size. On the other hand, 63% of homes in the US have a 2-car garage.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A 2-Car Garage?

The average 2-car garage costs between $19,600 and $28,200 to build with most homeowners spending about $20,000. The final price depends on the size, and if it's attached or detached. The most common 2-car garage size is 20’ x 20’ which is 400 square feet.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A 3-Car Garage?

The average cost to build a 3-car garage is between $28,200 and $42,300. The most common 3-car garage sizes are 24’ x 24’ and 36’ x 24’. Overall, you can expect to pay around $49 per square foot, with the average 3-car garage ranging from 576 to 864 square feet.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A 30x30 Garage?

At an average cost of $49 per square foot to build a garage, a 30 by 30 garage is priced at around $29,400. Your final price will depend on the finishes, and if you decide to add plumbing, lighting, or HVAC.

Hiring Your Garage Building Contractor

To hire a professional builder to build your garage, browse the contractors that we list here on HomeGuide to get the work done, and use the following criteria to help create your shortlist:

  • Can show examples of similar work they have done

  • Been in business for at least five years

  • Have the necessary certifications or licenses

  • Are insured and bonded

  • Offer warranties on materials and labor

  • Are A/A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau

  • Have good reviews on HomeGuide and Google

Return on Investment

Because of the expense of adding a garage to your home, it is essential to keep in mind not just the added convenience of having a place to protect your vehicle and store belongings, but also the increase in your property value. Depending on many factors, homeowners can expect to see about an 80% return on their investment (ROI) in relation to home value.