How much does it cost to build a garage with an apartment?
How much does it cost to build a garage with an apartment?
$200 – $350 average cost per square foot
$80,000 – $300,000 average total cost
Garage with apartment cost
The average cost to build a garage with an apartment is $200 to $350 per square foot or $80,000 to $300,000 total, depending on the size. A 24 x 24 garage with an apartment costs $115,000 to $200,000. Adding a living space to a prefab detached garage costs less than a custom build.
| Garage size (feet) | Apartment square footage | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| 20 x 20 | 400 | $80,000 – $140,000 |
| 20 x 24 | 480 | $96,000 – $168,000 |
| 24 x 24 | 576 | $115,000 – $200,000 |
| 36 x 24 | 864 | $173,000 – $300,000 |
Most modern residential garages are about 400 to 576 square feet and fit two cars. Your final cost depends on the garage and apartment size.
Prefab garage with an apartment
A prefab garage with an apartment above costs $60 to $100 per square foot or $35,000 to $100,000 total. These typically come with doors, windows, a roof, and siding but are otherwise unfinished. This means you’ll have to add flooring, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other furnishings.
Without an apartment, prefabricated or modular garages cost $7,200 to $26,000, not including installation or the foundation. These garages are cheaper and faster to install than a custom garage built on-site.
Cost factors for building a garage with an apartment
Building a garage costs $35 to $60 per square foot without a living space. Building a garage with an apartment is a much more complex project.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Concrete foundation cost | $5 – $33 |
| Framing cost | $11 – $30 |
| Garage drywall cost | $1.50 – $3.50 |
| Garage insulation cost | $0.50 – $3.00 |
| Roof cost | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Siding cost | $4.00 – $13.00 |
| Flooring cost | $4.00 – $15.00 |
| Plumbing cost | $4.00 – $5.00 |
| Electrical wiring cost | $4.00 – $9.00 |
| Interior painting cost | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Countertops cost | $50.00 – $150.00 |
| HVAC system cost | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Cabinets cost | $150 – $500 per linear foot |
| Appliances cost | $2,500 – $6,800 per kitchen |
| Toilets cost | $350 – $800 each |
| Light fixture cost | $70 – $300 each |
| Exterior door cost | $300 – $1,000 each |
| Window cost | $450 – $1,500 each |
| Garage door cost | $800 – $1,800 (double door) |
The following factors also influence total construction costs:
Materials used: If you choose higher-quality materials like steel framing, brick siding, or slate roof tiles, you’ll spend more.
Door opener: A garage door opener costs $300 to $900 on average. Your contractor will probably include the opener and remote in their estimate.
Shelving & storage: Carpenters charge $30 to $200 per hour to add custom shelves or storage.
Driveway:
Adding a concrete driveway costs $3 to $12 per square foot or $1,700 to $6,900 for a 2-car garage driveway.
Paving an asphalt driveway costs $3 to $7 per square foot.
A gravel driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
Garage extension: If you have a garage but want to add another stall or make room for a bigger apartment, a garage extension costs $60 to $120 per square foot or $9,600 to $24,000 total.
Repairs: Unlike a tiny house or shed, a garage apartment has moving parts that sometimes need repairs or replacements. Repairing a garage door costs $125 to $290, depending on the size and repair type.
Make sure you leave 4 to 5 feet of clearance around your vehicles when choosing your garage size and layout. Most cars are about 14 feet long. SUVs, minivans, and trucks are usually 18 to 22 feet long.
Labor
You’ll need several different professionals to build a garage and a living space safely, and they each charge different labor rates. Contractors typically charge more for complex jobs in hard-to-access areas.
A general contractor costs $50 to $150 per hour.
Electrician services cost $50 to $130 per hour.
Plumber services cost $45 to $150 per hour.
Converting or extending an existing garage
Updating an existing garage by converting it to an apartment or adding a second story typically costs less than building one from scratch:
Converting a garage costs $5,000 to $50,000+ when turning an existing garage into a living space.
The cost to add a second-story to a garage is $60,000 to $200,000+, depending on the room size and features.
FAQs about building a garage with an apartment
Does adding a garage apartment add value to a home?
A garage apartment can add value and curb appeal to a home as long as it’s legally and safely built. Any poorly built structure can detract from your home’s value, especially if it violates building codes.
Should a garage with an apartment be detached or attached to the home?
You can attach a garage with a living space or leave it detached according to your preferences. If you plan to rent it out, a detached garage may offer both you and your tenant more privacy. If not, it may be cheaper and more convenient to build it closer to existing electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
Without a living space, building a detached garage costs $50 to $100 per square foot or $20,000 to $57,600 total for a 2-car garage.
Do you need a permit to build a garage apartment?
Yes, you will need a permit for this project. Building permits for a garage cost $150 to $500, but additional structural, electrical, and plumbing work may require multiple permits. Getting a permit for converting an existing garage into a living space costs $800 to $1,500.
Getting estimates from garage builders
While hiring a garage builder near you, remember to follow these steps:
Get multiple estimates from nearby contractors.
Look for licensed contractors with experience building garages with living spaces.
Explore their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose an insured, bonded, and reputable company.
Avoid the lowest bids, which often indicate low-quality work.
Ask for a written, detailed estimate before they start.
Never pay in full before they finish the job.
Questions to ask garage builders
Ask these questions to find the best available garage builder:
How long have you been building garages with living spaces?
Do you have any certifications?
Will you be hiring any subcontractors?
Do you recommend a detached or attached garage?
How long will this garage and apartment take to build?
Can you find materials to match my house’s siding and roof?
Are you insured, licensed, and bonded?
How will you handle any damage that may happen during construction?
What coverage does the warranty offer?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.