How much does it cost to build a garage?
How much does it 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 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.
$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.
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.
| National Average Cost | $23,900 |
| Minimum Cost | $7,500 |
| Maximum Cost | $42,700 |
| Average Range | $19,600 to $28,200 |
Cost to Build a Garage Per Square Foot
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 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.
| 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
| 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.
Garage Materials Cost Breakdown
Garage Foundation Cost
A 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.
| 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.
| 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.
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.
| 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.
Slatwall panels on the garage walls add a convenient storage solution.
Garage Roof
An asphalt shingle roof costs $3 to $5 per square foot installed. The roof must be constructed before the shingles are added:
The cost to frame a roof is $2,300 to $11,600 for a standard 2-car garage.
Roof truss prices are $5 to $14 per square foot installed or $60 to $500 per truss for materials alone.
Once the trusses are in place, contractors secure sheets of plywood followed by underlayment, and finally, the shingles are added.
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:
| 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.
| 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
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.
Cost to Convert a Carport To a Garage
If you have an existing carport and want to enclose it, the average cost to convert a carport to a garage is $25,000, with a typical range of $10,000 to $40,000. The total cost depends on the size, type, number of existing walls, and the new garage features and finishes.
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.
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.
| 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.