Search thousands of topics on CostHelper

BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business sports weddings
CostHelper > Home and Garden  > Construction & Renovation > Building a Garage

Building a Garage Cost


How Much Does Building a Garage Cost?

 
Type of GarageProject Cost And What is Included
A Single-Car GarageHiring a contractor to build a small, single-car garage (about 240 square feet) runs $8,400-$10,800.
A New Two-Car Garage Hiring a contractor to build a new two-car garage (about 380 square feet) typically costs $13,300-$17,100, or about $35-$55 per square foot.
Two- to Four-Car "Dream" Garage Hiring a contractor to build a high-end two- to four-car garage can run $30,000-$50,000 or more.
Typical costs:
  • Users report typically paying $10,000-$20,000 to build a new two-car garage. Occasionally, the cost can come a little under $10,000 if some of the work is already done; for example, if they are converting a carport into a garage. Prices also vary depending on the current cost of materials, including lumber and sometimes brick.
  • People can pay $30,000-$50,000 or more for a high-end, "dream" 2 to 4-car garage which can include fine materials and finishes like cedar wood and a brick exterior, a fully finished interior (like sheetrock), and sometimes even an area that can be used for a living space.
  • 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.
Related articles: Garage Conversion, Home Addition, Garage Doors, Driveway

What should be included:
  • 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. Carlisle Wide Plank Floors[1] lists things to consider before planning a garage addition.
Additional costs:
  • Plans for simple or elaborate garages run $20-$200. The book Build Your Own Garage Manual[2] sells for less than $15.
Shopping for building a garage:
  • 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.
post Post   Comments (35)  
CostHelper News


7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013


7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 2 of 2   -   << Previous   1   2   

32x44 3 bay pole garage
Amount: $46,100.00
Posted by: Rob_H in Harbor Springs, MI.Posted: October 25th, 2020 08:10PM
Contractor: Square Feet: 1408
Garage has 2 9'x8' & 1 9'x10' garage doors, 1 3'x6.5' walk thru door, 2 3x4 windows, 1 ft overhangs, concrete floor included in cost with 4'x44' apron. 5/12 pitched metal roof over 5/8 OSB, metal siding. Electrical nic.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Want a 2 or 3 car garage built on my land that already has a well
Amount: $12,000.00
Posted by: Anita J Peeler in Landrum, SC.Posted: September 16th, 2020 06:09PM
Contractor: Square Feet: 1400
I would like to maybe include the wiring but and plumbing but may be able to handle that with my friends after a place to start.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
32x30 detached garage
Amount: $29,000.00
Posted by: a user in Madison, WI.Posted: January 20th, 2020 12:01PM
Contractor: I am oneSquare Feet: 960
I am a contractor. I had the foundation poured by a local contractor that I have used in the past. Nine ft walls, one 16'x8'OH, one 9'x8'OH, one service door, two 4'x4' windows. I did all the work other that the foundation and installation of the OH doors. I framed, sided with Lp Smart siding and trim, shingled, insulated, drywalled, installed gas furnace (trenched gas and electric underground) from the house, separate electric service, and installed 22 LED ceiling lights on dimmers. If I were to bid this project for a customer, it would be close to a $50,000 project.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Need to build Garage or at least foundation for garage
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Al_Garage in WIlmington, MA.Posted: June 25th, 2019 09:06AM
Contractor: Square Feet: 528
Need to build attached one car Garage or at least foundation for garage. I have all drawings and building PERMIT
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
6 car garage
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: 6 Car Garage in 60030, IL.Posted: May 18th, 2018 01:05PM
Contractor: Square Feet: 1080
6 car garage, 30x36 stick built, 10 ft ceiling, 1 16x9 ft door w/opener, 1 9x9 ft door w/opener, 1 9x8 ft door on back side for access. Forced to pour foundation instead of slab by building code (6 inch). Basic electric. Shingle roof/vinyl siding. 30x35 asphalt driveway. Additional costs for tree removal, re-route gas line, and additional drainage tie in.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
"High End" Two Story Attached Garage and Living Space
Amount: $34,250.00
Posted by: Devil in the Details in Minneapolis, MN.Posted: November 30th, 2016 10:11AM
Contractor: SelfSquare Feet: 2600
Finished 5 car garage attached to our existing home with insulated floors, in floor heat, cobblestone paver floors, sheet rocked walls, 8' O.H. doors and 10' ceilings - tandem 4 car with 16' O.H. door (26'x38') and 9' single bay (12'x20') with staircase to upper level bedrooms and "play room".
48" Insulated (2" Polystyrene) block foundation with 154'-8"x18" footings, 16' balloon framed side walls, 8/12 scissor trusses with 5/12 second floor ceilings, 7 ornamental 6x king trusses on ends of and spaced through out "play room" 6' O.C. and R-60 blown insulation.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
I\'m looking for a builder to build my garage
Amount: $30,000.00
Posted by: Al2016 in Wilmington, MA.Posted: August 9th, 2016 03:08PM
Contractor: Square Feet: 774
I'd like to tear down my old garage and build a new attached garage and remodel my driveway. I have budget of $30,000. Is anyone can help to find an experienced builder?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Possible garage needed
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Danielle S in Tracy, CA.Posted: July 6th, 2016 05:07PM
Contractor: ??Square Feet: ??
Looking for a good contractor in California (near Tracy). Wanted to get an idea of cost of adding a 2 car, detached garage to a 1930's bungalow that I may be purchasing..
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
garage and mud room build
Amount: $29,408.00
Posted by: richard j in derry, NH.Posted: April 22nd, 2016 09:04AM
Contractor: meSquare Feet: 24 x 24 and 10 x12
the garage has a second floor and the mudroom attacheds it to the house. It took us 2 yrs to accomplish with mostly family and friends. The only contractors were the foundation guys and the roof shingle guys
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Researching an attached Garage with finished room above
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Freddy_5575 in North Kingstown, RI.Posted: December 29th, 2015 06:12AM
Contractor: Square Feet: 512 Garage / 384 Room
I am looking at building a one car garage with a bedroom above it. The garage will be 16'x 32' with 16'x'12' of that making two rooms for a 7'x 9' pantry/entryway and 9'x12' for a room to hold 4 pinball machines. The upstairs room will be 16'x24'. I will complete all the finish work, I will contract out the foundation, framing, and exterior. I have not started getting quotes, I am expecting 30K cost... plus an additional 10K worth of finish work done by myself. Does this seem accurate?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Building a Garage
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: howard in Gardner, MA.Posted: September 5th, 2015 07:09AM
Contractor: not yetSquare Feet: 24x24 576 sq.ft.
have 3 estimates 50,000.00, 45,000.00, and 37,000.00 waiting on a 4th. I think all these estimates are too high. Any suggestions
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
size estimation of 2 car garage
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: a user in worcester, MA.Posted: April 20th, 2015 12:04PM
I dont know how the author figures a two car garage is 380 square feet, when most cars require a 24 x 24 foot garage which is 576 square feet, and that just gives you enough room to open the doors of the car.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
2 car garage construction
Amount: $16,325.00
Posted by: audielle in west allis, WI.Posted: October 15th, 2013 05:10PM
Contractor: J.D. GriffithsSquare Feet: 22 x 22
we have a 1 car garage that is leaning and need to replace, had two contractors out for free estimates, still waiting on one quote, the other one (J.D. Grittihs) we got a quote in less than 45 mins. for a 1.5 car garage the estimate is $12,354 for a 2 car garage (with a short approaching driveway) will cost us $16,325 this includes the demolition of old garage, 30 year roof, all electrical, slab, garage door, an entrance door and 1 window.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
garage 24 by 24
Amount: $18,300.00
Posted by: susan cox in wadsworth, IL, IL.Posted: July 5th, 2013 03:07PM
Contractor: danleySquare Feet:
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
1 car 2 story attached garage
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: P. Davis in Hopkinton, MA.Posted: March 5th, 2013 10:03AM
Contractor: Square Feet: ??
We are hoping to have a 1 car attached garage built with finished upstairs and some room to move around in the garage... any ideas on what I can expect to pay?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Having a garage built
Amount: $12,500.00
Posted by: ANW in Springfield, OH.Posted: July 13th, 2011 07:07AM
Contractor: Square Feet: 2 and 1/2 car garage
We has a garage built last summer and the cost was really good. Check into out the Springfield ohio contractors. It also depends on the price of lumber at the time the garage is built. Maybe you could keep an eye on the lumber prices and when the price is low hire a contractor.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Garage in Illinois
Amount: $57,500.00
Posted by: Shelley Maberry in Belleville, IL.Posted: June 11th, 2011 06:06AM
Contractor: Square Feet: 512
We have obtained 2 bids for a garage add on. We have a three car garage and want to add a 4th bay. The quotes have been $38,900 and $57,500. I believe that we will go with the higher bid, simply because this contractor explained all of the costs and the rationale for various steps in the process. He provided a detailed plan. The other contractor sent an email with no itemization. For those comparing cost, our add on will be brick, which accounts for nearly $10,000 of the estimate. Finished size will be 32 X 16.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Garage
Amount: $55,000.00
Posted by: City in Pittsburgh, PA.Posted: May 12th, 2011 08:05AM
Contractor: Square Feet: 1005
Bids in, not built, may be my own general contractor to try to reduce price. Split faced block garage with brick front to match house. 40x26'. this is a dream and the dream is falling on hard times. One more bid due hope it comes in lower, or I'll have a big project on my hands. Already have finished concrete and electrical broken out. Hoping for $42K without those, then I'll move forward.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
garage /work shop
Amount: $42,000.00
Posted by: sherry Lynn in Goldsboro, NC.Posted: January 23rd, 2011 12:01PM
Contractor: Lee Roofing and ConstructionSquare Feet: 1500
I got a very well built garage. The quality was great and The contractor did every like he said he would. It has 2 8x18 ft roll up doors with openers, wiring through out. 5/12 roof pitch with shingles on the roof and vinyle siding for the walls. It is not finished inside, but it was framed ready to go back and finish later. It has a concrete floor and is framed off of a 20" brick block wall that sits on the concrete pad with a footing underneath. The inspector said it was a nice built building as is all of the buildings that this contractor builds. He is located in Goldsboro,NC and I will glady give him your # if you would like to talk to him about building you a garage. just email me with your # to [email protected]
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Large Garage!
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: a user in Armagh, LA.Posted: November 27th, 2010 04:11PM
I'm looking to build a 25 car garage... anyone know how much that would cost? Any information would be greatly appreciated!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
2 Car Detached Garage
Amount: $24,000.00
Posted by: Fred08 in Mankato, MN.Posted: September 9th, 2010 02:09AM
Contractor: Square Feet: 896
2 Car Detached Garage ~ 28x32 ~ used 2x6 walls for better insulation (R19) as i heat it in winter. vinal siding and 30year shingles. I hired a seperate contracor for the cement and garage. Garage doors 9x8 are best i could get on the market (R18) steel doors @ $1,400 each.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Brand New Garage
Amount: $9,000.00
Posted by: Michael J Terry in Taylor, MI.Posted: August 25th, 2010 11:08AM
Contractor: Home Source ConstructionSquare Feet: 576 24x24
These guys just got done with my new garage and what a great job they did. Working with Frank was like working with my brother. The builders Dave and Jim answered all my questions and even made some small revisions at no extra cost so everything would turn out right! I got 2 8x8 doors with openers, a pedestrian door, and no windows. This job did not include electric or cement as I did that myself.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam

Page 2 of 2   -   << Previous   1   2   



 

Comment On Your Experience With Building a Garage
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Contractor: Square Feet: 
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 



External Resources:
  1.  wideplankflooring.com/blog/things-to-consider-before-planning-a-garage-addition/
  2.  www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Own-Garage-Manual/dp/1580117899
More Home and Garden Topics
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?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles

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
UTI urgent care visit
Paid: 147.00
Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
-nervouschomper
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost
Spanish Medical Interpreter
Paid: 150.00
I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
-Gregory Richardson
Interpreter Cost
Dat
Paid: 495.00
This is how much I am paying... [more]
-Calista Christian
Dental Admission Test Cost
Shingrix
Paid: 48.00
... [more]
-Not that BB
Shingles Vaccine Cost
Skin prick allergy test
Paid: 573.00
Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]
-D’s mom
Allergy Testing Cost
Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat
Paid: 0.00
13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more]
-Terrimarie
Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost