Building a Garage Cost

• Having a contractor build a standard garage typically runs about $35-$45 a square foot. A small, single-car garage is about 240 square feet, or $8,400-$10,800; for a two-car structure it's around 380 square feet, or $13,300-$17,100.
• AskTheBuilder.com^[1] suggests that a "dream" garage with plenty of room for two vehicles (without having to squeeze to get into and out of them) plus adequate work space, lighting, ventilation and attic storage requires 800-850 square feet, at $29,000-$38,000 or more.
• Upgrading the quality of materials can bump the cost to $55 a square foot, or $13,200 for a minimum single-car structure, $21,000 for a two-car garage and $47,000 or more for the dream version.
• Accomplished do-it-yourselfers can cut costs considerably; materials for a single-car garage with a door but no windows start at $3,000-$4,000, depending on the size and style. Kits with pre-cut or pre-fab materials to build a steel or wood garage run $5,000-$14,000 or more, depending on the size of the structure and the quality of materials.

• Most areas require building permits for garages. Consult with a local building inspector (it's free) before you start any work, even simple design plans. Depending on location, the cost for building permits can be relatively inexpensive or quite pricey.
• Building a garage is a complex process that involves design, possibly demolition, excavation, site preparation, foundation work, framing and carpentry, roofing, insulation, windows, doors, eaves, exterior siding, electricity, ventilation and often plumbing. A general contractor will walk you through the process, hiring and scheduling subcontractors to do each phase of the work. ThisOldHouse.com^[2] describes a garage project.

• Plans for simple or elaborate garages run $20-$200; the book Build Your Own Garage Manual^[3] sells for less than $12.

• Do-it-yourself plans or kits are available through Archway Press^[4] , FirstDayCottage.com^[5] , HomePlaceStructures.com^[6] , ABetterGarage.com^[7] and ABetterPlan.com^[8] .
• Contractor referrals are available through the National Association of Home Builders^[9] and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry^[10] .
• Get several estimates, making clear what is (and isn't) included in each quote; request and check references; ask about the contractor's length and type of experience, Be sure they're properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state^[11] . See if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau^[12] .

1.  www.askthebuilder.com/the-dream-garage---it-has-lots-of-room/
2.  www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1092168,00.html
3.  www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Own-Garage-Manual/dp/0934039461
4.  www.archwaypress.com/garage-plans.html
5.  www.firstdaycottage.com/garage.html
6.  www.homeplacestructures.com/frontsite/structures/enclosed-buildings/garages/
7.  www.abettergarage.com/
8.  www.abetterplan.com/garage-building-do-it-yourself.html
9.  www.nahb.org/reference_list.aspx?sectionID=667
10.  www.nari.org
11.  www.contractors-license.org/
12.  search.bbb.org/

Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden		How Much Does a Fence Cost?		How Much Does a Furnace Cost?		How Much Does Garden Service Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Who is planning your big holiday event? A catering company may be able to help. Are you bringing a pet to the big family Thanksgiving? We cover the costs of pet air travel. November is Child Safety Awareness Month. Is your home baby-proofed? Be ready if the worst weather hits -- a portable generator means fewer power outages. Change the batteries on the smoke alarm the same time you set the clocks back for Daylight Savings.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Bat bite Paid: 0.00 On October 25th I was bitten by a bat during mid morning, animal control told me to get the rabies shots due to the fact that several rabid bats had been found in the area... [more] -Rita W Rabies Vaccine Cost 7 stitches to shin Paid: 371.00 My son had 7 Stitches to his shin he fell in the woods and was cut by a old fence. They were super nice in and out, in about one hour. 155.00 for the visit and the remainder was for the Stitches ... [more] -Tavanna Stitches Cost 2 Car Garage Paid: 1700.00 Looks FANTASTIC! The guys done a fabulous job and did it in one day! Highly recommend! 615-739-2146... [more] -Chad Dunn Epoxy Flooring Cost Commercial Real Estate Brochure Paid: 200.00 Quick turn around time! 4 revisions with PDF and hyperlinks embedded. Website management available too... [more] [email protected] Graphic Designer Cost Fairly priced Paid: 0.00 My baby boy choked on some food this evening. While we were on the phone to the emergency services the blockage cleared. Ambulance was sent anyway to make sure everything was ok... [more] -Thank you NHS Ambulance Cost Ripped Off Paid: 46.00 I asked the nail technician how much for a full set. He said he will let me know as soon as he gets the nails on my fingers (WTH?) ... anyway on the board the price said $28 and up...... [more] -Kay. Manicures and Pedicures Cost