How Much it Costs to Build a Garage in 2024

Home Selling Tips

April 16, 2024
By IDEAL AGENT

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At IDEAL AGENT®, we understand that building a garage is a significant investment in your property. Whether you’re enhancing your home for personal enjoyment or preparing it for sale, a garage adds undeniable value. Let’s dive into what it costs to build a garage in 2024.

Why Garages Are Good Investments

A garage does more than shelter your car; it provides additional storage, improves home security, and can boost your property’s value. For savvy homeowners, a well-built garage is an investment that pays dividends in convenience and resale appeal.

Types of Garages

Garages come in various forms, from attached to detached and single-car to multi-car. Choosing the right type of garage depends on your specific needs, property size, and budget.

Attached vs. Detached: An attached garage is connected to your home, offering convenience and cost savings on materials and labor. A detached garage is separate from the house, which can be a benefit if you’re looking to reduce noise or fumes entering the living space.

Single vs. Multi-Car:

The number of vehicles you wish to accommodate will impact the size and cost of building the garage. Single-car garages are compact, while multi-car garages provide more space for vehicles, a workshop, or extra storage.

Type of Garage	Pros	Cons
Detached Garage	– Easy to add later without construction on the house. – Can be used as sheds, workshops, or for storing equipment.	– May require exposure to unpleasant weather conditions. – Less convenient access from the garage to the house. – The cost to build a detached garage is usually about 10% to 15% more than you would for an attached garage. This is especially true if you plan to run electricity and plumbing to your detached garage.
Attached Garage	– Convenient access to the house, especially in inclement weather. – Adds value to the property and saves yard space.	– Security concerns due to direct access to the home. – Difficult to expand or make further additions.
Single-Car Garage	– Cost-effective option, especially for smaller properties. – Easier to integrate into existing home structures. – Can be sufficient for households with one vehicle.	– Limited storage space for additional vehicles or equipment. – Less flexibility for future needs like workspace or storage expansion.
Multi-Car Garage	– Provides ample space for multiple vehicles, bikes, or lawn equipment. – Offers flexibility for additional storage, workspace, or recreational use. – Can increase property value and appeal.	– Higher initial construction costs compared to single-car garages. – Requires more space on the property, potentially limiting yard area.

Type of Garage	Pros	Cons
Detached Garage	– Easy to add later without construction on the house. – Can be used as sheds, workshops, or for storing equipment.	– May require exposure to unpleasant weather conditions. – Less convenient access from the garage to the house. – The cost to build a detached garage is usually about 10% to 15% more than you would for an attached garage. This is especially true if you plan to run electricity and plumbing to your detached garage.
Attached Garage	– Convenient access to the house, especially in inclement weather. – Adds value to the property and saves yard space.	– Security concerns due to direct access to the home. – Difficult to expand or make further additions.
Single-Car Garage	– Cost-effective option, especially for smaller properties. – Easier to integrate into existing home structures. – Can be sufficient for households with one vehicle.	– Limited storage space for additional vehicles or equipment. – Less flexibility for future needs like workspace or storage expansion.
Multi-Car Garage	– Provides ample space for multiple vehicles, bikes, or lawn equipment. – Offers flexibility for additional storage, workspace, or recreational use. – Can increase property value and appeal.	– Higher initial construction costs compared to single-car garages. – Requires more space on the property, potentially limiting yard area.

How Much It Costs Per Square Foot to Build a Garage

The cost per square foot to build a garage varies depending on the type of garage, and the materials, finishes, and regional labor rates. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $30 to $90 per square foot.

Cost Tier	Cost Per Sq Foot
Lowest Cost Per Sq Foot	$30
Average Cost Per Sq Foot	$50
High-End Cost Per Sq Foot	$90

How Much It Costs to Build a Garage by Car Size

The size of your garage plays a significant role in the overall cost. Here are the average costs to build a garage for various sizes:

Cost to Build a Single-Car Garage: Ranging from 12×22 to 16×24 feet, the cost can vary from $13,200 to $19,200.
Cost to Build a 2-Car Garage: Typically, 20×20 or 24×24 to 24×30 feet, expect to pay between $20,000 and $36,000.
Cost to Build a 3-Car Garage: At about 32×22 or 36×24 feet, the price can range from $35,200 to $43,200.

Garage Size	Square Feet	Number of Cars	Average Cost*
12×22	264	1	$13,200
16×24	384	1	$19,200
20×20	400	2	$20,000
24×24	576	2	$28,800
32×22	704	3	$35,200
36×24	864	3	$43,200

*Calculated using the $50/square foot average cost to build a garage

How Much Each Section of a Garage Build Costs

Building a garage involves several components, and understanding the cost of each can help you budget effectively.

Garage Foundation Cost

The foundation is critical to the longevity of your garage. Depending on the type of foundation and the ground conditions, costs can range from$2000 to $7000.

Garage Framing Cost

The cost of garage framing typically ranges from $1 to $5 per square foot, with an additional $4 to $8 per square foot for labor. Here is a summary of the average costs per square foot for garage framing:

Lumber Framing:
- Cost: $1 to $5 per square foot.
- Labor Cost: Additional $4 to $8 per square foot.
Concrete Framing:
- Cost: $1 to $5 per square foot.
- Labor Cost: Additional $4 to $8 per square foot.
Steel Framing:
- Cost: $1 to $5 per square foot.
- Labor Cost: Additional $4 to $8 per square foot.

Garage Roofing Cost

The cost of garage roofing per square foot can vary depending on the material used. Here is a summary of the average costs per square foot for different roofing materials:

Garage Roofing Material	Cost Per Square Foot
Asphalt Shingles	Cost: $4.25 to $8.25 per square foot.
Flat Roofing Material (Rubber, PVC, etc.)	Cost: $5.50 to $7.50 per square foot.
Corrugated Metal	Cost: $5.50 to $11.50 per square foot.
Aluminum Shingles	Cost: $6 to $16 per square foot.
Cedar Shingles or Shakes	Cost: $8 to $14.30 per square foot.
Standing Seam Metal Panels	Cost: $10 to $17.05 per square foot.
Steel Shingles	Cost: $10 to $20 per square foot.
Concrete Tiles	Cost: $11 to $19.80 per square foot.
Copper Tiles	Cost: $12 to $20 per square foot.
Slate Tiles	Cost: $12 to $22 per square foot.
Clay/Ceramic Tiles	Cost: $12 to $24.75 per square foot.

Garage Siding Cost

The cost of garage siding can vary depending on the material chosen. Here is a summary of the average costs per square foot for different garage siding materials:

Garage Siding Material	Cost Per Square Foot
Vinyl Siding	Cost: $3.00 per square foot.
Fiber Cement Siding	Cost: $3.50 per square foot.
Wood Siding	Cost: $10.00 per square foot.
Steel Log Siding	Cost: $9.00 per square foot.
Stucco Siding	Cost: $6.00 per square foot.
Metal Siding	Cost: $3.20 per square foot.
Composite Wood Siding	Cost: $4.50 per square foot.
Brick Siding	Cost: $14.00 per square foot.

Garage Door Cost

The cost of a new garage door can vary depending on factors such as size, material, style, and labor costs. Here is a breakdown of the average prices for garage doors:

Average Price Range: The average cost of a new garage door is around $1,200, with prices ranging from $730 to $1,700.

Cost by Size:

One-car garage door: $500–$3,000.
Two-car garage with double door: $800–$5,000.
Two-car garage with two single doors: $1,200–$4,900.
Three-car garage with single door and extra door: $1,400–$7,000.
Three-car garage with three single doors: $1,700–$7,200.

Cost by Material:

Steel: $600–$2,000.
Aluminum: $700–$2,100.
Faux wood: $950–$4,100.
Fiberglass: $1,000–$2,100.
Vinyl: $1,000–$2,600.

Labor Costs: Hiring a professional installer usually costs $200–$500 per door.

Garage Electrical Work Cost

The cost of electrical work for a garage can vary based on factors like the size of the garage, whether it’s attached or detached, and the complexity of the electrical setup. Here is a summary of the average costs for wiring a garage:

Cost Range:Wiring a garage can cost between $1,200 to $5,200, depending on factors like size, number and type of circuits, and whether it is attached or detached.
Detached Garage:Wiring a detached garage typically costs more than an attached garage due to additional requirements like a subpanel. The cost for a 100-amp service, LED lighting, six 110 receptacles, and one 240 receptacle was quoted at $3,820.
Circuit Addition:Adding circuits to a garage can range from $1,200 to $2,500, with costs varying based on factors like whether it’s a detached garage requiring an underground feeder cable or if 240-volt receptacles are being installed.
Labor Costs:Electricians may charge $100 to $300+ per opening for wiring or rewiring in a garage. Each outlet, switch, and fixture are considered one opening.