How much does a detached garage cost?
How much does a detached garage cost?
$50 – $100 average cost per square foot
$20,000 – $57,600 average total cost (2-car garage)
Cost to build a detached garage
The average cost to build a detached garage is $50 to $100 per square foot. A 2-car detached garage costs $20,000 to $57,600 total. Your final cost will depend on the size and level of finishing. Detached garages typically cost more than attached garages because they have one more wall.
| National Average Cost | $38,800 |
| Minimum Cost | $6,400 |
| Maximum Cost | $117,800 |
| Average Range | $20,000 to $57,600 |
Cost of building a detached garage by size
The most common garage sizes are 400 to 576 square feet and fit 2 cars. However, a detached garage may be smaller or larger, depending on its purpose and your budget.
| Garage size (feet) | Square feet | Average total cost | Number of cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12x24 | 288 | $14,400 – $28,800 | 1 |
| 14x28 | 392 | $19,600 – $39,200 | 1 |
| 20x20 | 400 | $20,000 – $40,000 | 2 |
| 24x24 | 576 | $28,800 – $57,600 | 2 |
| 36x24 | 864 | $43,200 – $86,400 | 3 |
A garage extension costs $60 to $120 per square foot or $9,600 to $24,000 total to add another stall to an existing garage. Extending a 1-car garage to a 2-car garage costs $9,600 to $19,200. It costs less to build a bigger garage initially than to extend it later.
Consider the length of your vehicles when calculating the garage size. Passenger cars are typically 14 feet long, while SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks range from 18 to 22 feet long. Leave 4 or 5 feet of extra space around each vehicle for clearance.
Detached RV garage
Building a detached garage for an RV can cost $50,000 to $160,000, depending on the RV’s size. Most of these garages measure at least 40 to 50 feet deep and 12 to 14 feet high. Adding power hookups and sewer lines for grey and black water may increase the overall cost.
Detached garage with living space
A detached garage with an apartment or living space costs $80,000 to $300,000, depending on the size and building materials. Most garage apartments or lofts have a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Some have multiple rooms, while others have a studio layout.
Site built vs. prefab detached garage
Prefabricated or modular garage prices are $7,200 to $26,000 on average, not including installation or the foundation. These garages are cheaper and faster to install than a custom garage built on site.
However, prefabricated garages have less visual appeal and tend to have a negative impact on property values, so many homeowners’ associations (HOAs) don’t allow them.
Detached garage cost factors
The cost of building a detached garage depends on the size, quality of materials, and any add-ons or premium features. The following table gives a breakdown of prices for a 2-car detached garage:
| Factor | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Concrete foundation cost | $2,400 – $6,900 |
| Framing cost | $3,200 – $8,000 |
| Garage drywall cost | $1,000 – $3,900 |
| Garage insulation cost | $800 – $5,100 |
| Garage door cost | $800 – $1,800 |
| Garage door opener cost | $300 – $900 |
| Roof framing cost | $2,300 – $11,600 |
| Roof shingles cost | $1,100 – $3,600 |
| Electrical wiring cost | $1,600 – $5,200 |
| Light fixture cost | $70 – $300 |
| Siding cost | $2,000 – $6,500 |
| Exterior door cost | $300 – $1,000 |
| Window cost | $450 – $1,500 |
| Gutters cost | $300 – $1,100 |
| Painting cost | $320 – $1,800 |
*For a two-car garage
The following factors also influence total building costs:
Materials used: Using premium building materials like steel framing, slate roof tiles, or brick siding will cost more than basic materials.
Labor: Labor fees for detached garage projects make up about 50% of the total cost. Contractors typically charge more in labor for complex jobs and hard-to-access areas.
Plumbing: Installing plumbing costs $450 to $1,800 per fixture, depending on how far the garage is from your home or water line. A basic sink or utility tub may cost less.
Shelving & storage: Adding shelves, storage, or workstations to your garage costs extra. Carpenters charge $30 to $200 per hour for custom work.
Driveway: Adding a driveway costs $3 to $12 per square foot on average, or $1,700 to $6,900 for a 2-car garage driveway. A gravel driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
Attached vs. detached garage costs
The average cost to build an attached two-car garage is $19,600 to $28,200 total, while building a detached garage of the same size cost $20,000 to $57,600. Attached garages cost less to build because they have one fewer wall and are closer to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing connections.
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.
Pros & cons of detached garages
Detached garages are more flexible and customizable than attached garages, but they typically cost more to build and are not as convenient.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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How to save money on a detached garage
Follow these tips to save money on your detached garage project:
Choose a smaller square footage when possible.
Build close to plumbing and electricity connections.
Choose low-cost roofing and siding materials.
Install one or two windows instead of one per wall.
DIY some of the simpler parts of the project, like painting the exterior.
Detached garage FAQs
What is a detached garage?
A detached garage is a freestanding building that is separate from the house. You can place it a few feet away or several yards away. These garages are less convenient because you have to walk farther to get into your home, but they help keep carbon monoxide away from your home.
Is a detached garage considered a dwelling?
Traditional homeowners policies do not consider detached garages part of your dwelling. If you decide to add an apartment or living space in your detached garage, it could be considered a dwelling.
Does a detached garage add value to a home?
Detached garages tend to add value to a home because they protect cars from bad weather and give you more storage space. If the garage has a finished living space, you may be able to rent it out and generate income.
However, a poorly maintained, old, or poorly built detached garage may detract from your home’s value. This is especially true if it violates building codes or looks structurally unsound.
Do you need a permit to build a detached garage?
Yes, you need a permit to build a detached garage. Building permits cost $150 to $500 on average. Structural, electrical, and plumbing work may require multiple permits. A permit for converting a detached garage into a living space costs $800 to $1,500.
How close can a detached garage be to the house?
Local regulations differ, but most cities say you must build a detached garage at least 5 to 10 feet away from your home and any other structures.
Is a detached garage covered under homeowners insurance?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies automatically cover detached garages under a “separate structure” clause. There may be exceptions to this rule, and every insurance policy differs, so contact your insurance company to make sure you’re covered.
Getting estimates from garage builders
When hiring detached garage builders near you, remember these steps:
Get multiple estimates from nearby builders.
Look for licensed contractors with experience installing detached garages.
Explore their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose an insured, bonded, and reputable builder.
Avoid the lowest bids, which may indicate low-quality work.
Get a written, detailed estimate before they start.
Never pay in full before the job is complete and has passed all inspections.
Ask if they will provide a warranty on the labor or materials.
Questions to ask garage builders
Ask these questions to find the best available detached garage builder:
How long have you been building detached garages?
Do you have any certifications?
Will you be using any subcontractors?
Do you recommend a detached or attached garage for my property?
How long will this take to build?
Can you find the materials to match my house?
Are you insured, licensed, and bonded?
How will you handle any damage that may happen to my home?
What coverage does your 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.