How much does a modular garage cost?
How much does a modular garage cost?
$18 – $45 average price per square foot (unit only)
$7,200 – $26,000 average 2-car garage price (unit only)
$11,000 – $37,500 average total cost (with foundation & assembly)
Modular & prefab garage prices
Modular garages prices are $18 to $45 per square foot on average for the unit alone, depending on the size and whether it includes an apartment space. A 2-car prefab garage costs $7,200 to $26,000 for the unit only. Prefabricated garages are cheaper than traditional garages but often have less visual appeal.
| National Average Cost | $16,600 |
| Minimum Cost | $2,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $70,000 |
| Average Range | $7,200 to $26,000 |
*Unit price only; not including foundation or assembly.
A "modular garage" or "prefab garage" is a detached garage structure that is partially or fully assembled prior to delivery.
If you plan to DIY the assembly and installation, the average total cost for a concrete slab garage foundation and 2-car prefab garage is $9,600 to $32,900.
Prefab / modular garage prices by size
Most 2-car garages are 400 to 576 square feet. A prefab garage may be smaller or larger than that, depending on its purpose and your budget.
| Garage size (feet) | Square feet | Average price* | Number of cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12x24 | 288 | $5,200 – $13,000 | 1 |
| 14x28 | 392 | $7,100 – $17,600 | 1 |
| 20x20 | 400 | $7,200 – $18,000 | 2 |
| 24x24 | 576 | $10,400 – $26,000 | 2 |
| 36x24 | 864 | $15,600 – $38,900 | 3 |
*Unit price only; not including the foundation or assembly.
Measure your vehicle when calculating your garage size. Most cars are about 14 feet long, while SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks are 18 to 22 feet long. Allow for 4 to 5 feet of clearance around each vehicle.
Companies like Sheds Unlimited offer a wide range of prefab and modular garages in various sizes and styles to suite any budget, from basic single-story models to units with a dormer, attic, or second story. Their prefab garages can be customized with siding that matches your house and are available with optional features like larger windows and upgraded hardware.
Prefab garage with living space
A modular garage with a second story or living space costs $7,000 to $70,000 on average for the unit and assembly, depending on the size and building materials. This does not include the foundation, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work. Most garage apartments have a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Adding HVAC systems or ductwork costs $40 to $65 per linear foot installed, or $10 to $33 per linear foot for exposed ductwork.
Installing plumbing costs $450 to $1,800 per fixture, depending on how far the garage is from your home.
Installing light fixtures costs $70 to $300 each for the materials and labor.
Prefab & modular garage cost factors
The following table gives a breakdown of prices for building a 2-car prefabricated garage:
| Factor | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Prefab garage materials | $7,200 – $26,000 |
| Assembly / installation labor | $2,000 – $4,600 |
| Building permit | $150 – $500 |
| Concrete foundation | $2,400 – $6,900 |
| Electrical wiring | $1,600 – $5,200 |
*Average cost for a 2-car garage
The following factors also influence installation costs:
Delivery: Many modular garage retailers charge around $5 to $10 per mile for shipping the materials to your home.
Assembly / installation labor: The labor to assemble and install a prefab garage averages $5 to $8 per square foot. Many prefab garages come completely pre-assembled, while others require some expert assembly once it’s delivered.
Material: Modular garages vary in price depending on what the exterior or siding is made of. Most have a steel, vinyl, or wood frame. Steel is common and relatively cheap, while wood is typically the most expensive.
Door opener: A garage door opener costs $300 to $900 each on average. Your installer may include the opener and remote in their estimate.
Shelving or storage: Adding shelves, storage, or a work station to the garage costs extra.
Electrical wiring: The cost to run power to a garage and wire the interior is $1,600 to $5,200.
Prefab garage foundation
Prefab garages need a flat, level surface for installation. Most garages require a concrete slab foundation to support their size and weight, but a gravel pad is suitable for some smaller prefab garages.
Depending on the soil type and site conditions, land leveling costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot, or about $200 to $500 to create a proper base for the foundation.
A 2-car garage floor made of gravel costs $400 to $2,900 for the materials and labor, depending on the type of drainage system installed.
A concrete foundation costs $2,400 to $6,900 installed on average for a 2-car garage.
Installing a driveway costs $3 to $12 per square foot, or $1,700 to $6,900 for a 2-car garage driveway. Adding a gravel driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
Prefab vs. site-built garage costs
Prefab garages are easier to install and more affordable than traditional site-built garages, but they're not as durable or customizable. Depending on your property size and layout, you may have a few options for installing a site-built garage:
An attached garage costs $35 to $60 per square foot or $19,600 to $28,200 total for a 2-car garage. Building a garage that's attached to the house means it's closer to HVAC, electricity, and plumbing connections. It also makes going from your car to the house more convenient.
Extending an existing garage costs $60 to $120 per square foot or $9,600 to $24,000 total to add another stall. Extending a 1-car garage to a 2-car garage costs $9,600 to $19,200.
Detached garages cost $50 to $100 per square foot when built on site, or $20,000 to $57,600 total for a 2-car garage. Site-built detached garages look similar to prefabricated garages but cost much more.
Garage kit prices
Garage kits cost $2,000 to $20,000 and include the raw materials required to build the garage yourself. Some are partially assembled, but not always. They typically include the roof, framing, and siding materials and all necessary hardware. Labor, the foundation, and utilities are separate.
Prefab garage FAQs
What is a prefab garage?
A prefab or modular garage is a type of detached garage that manufacturers pre-assemble and either deliver whole or in a few simple sections. Prefab garages cost much less than site-built garages but are sometimes not allowed in certain HOAs.
How long does it take to assemble a prefabricated garage?
It takes 1 to 3 days to assemble a prefab or modular garage, depending on how much of the assembly process the manufacturer completed before delivery. Before you can install the garage, you will have to pour a foundation and let it fully dry and cure, which takes 7 to 28+ days.
Does a prefab garage add value to a home?
Prefab garages may add value to a home if they are good quality and visually appealing. They still protect cars from bad weather and give you more storage space like other garages. However, some prefab frames tend to look cheap and can detract from your home’s value.
How close can a modular garage be to a house?
Regulations differ from city to city, but most local laws say you must leave at least 5 to 10 feet between your home and any other structures. This includes garages, sheds, and guest homes.
Getting estimates from modular & prefab garage installers
Follow these steps when searching for garage contractors near you for your modular garage installation:
Get multiple estimates from nearby contractors.
Look for licensed companies with experience installing garages.
Read reviews for garage installers on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose an insured, bonded, and reputable garage builder.
Avoid the lowest quotes, which may indicate low-quality work.
Get a written, detailed estimate in person before the installers start the project.
Never pay in full before they finish the job.
Questions to ask prefab & modular garage installers
Ask these questions to find the best prefab garage company:
How long have you been building and installing garages?
Do you have a business license and insurance?
Will you be using any subcontractors for this project?
How much of the garage is pre-assembled?
How long will it take to put the garage together?
How much will the materials match my house?
What kind of foundation will the prefab garage require? Does the estimate include a foundation?
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.