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/

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