How Much Does It Cost To Build A Garage?

Building a garage can be a great way to add value to your home. It can also be a great way to store cars, tools, and other equipment. Most garages are meant to be a permanent fixture of the home, so it's important to make sure they're built correctly.

The cost of building a garage varies depending on the size, style, materials used, and geographical location of the garage. However, Forbes reports the national average to be around $24,000. Building a garage can be a very rewarding investment, but it's important to do your research before making any decisions.

There are many reasons a homeowner may want to build a garage. Maybe they need more space for their car or want to protect their investment from the elements, according to Forbes. Garages can also help eliminate the need for renting out a storage unit.

In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the factors that affect the cost of building a garage, as well as some of the most popular garage designs.

When determining the budget for your garage, there are a few key factors you will need to consider for the cost. Below are some of the most important things that will affect your final budget.

Size

The size of the garage is an important factor to consider. The larger the garage, the more it will cost to build. If you want a basic, single-car garage, the cost will be lower than if you want a three-car garage with a loft. According to Forbes, a 24x24 unit averages about $30,000 for a two-car garage, while a 12x24 single-car garage averages about $15,000. Costs for square footage typically average around $52 per project.

Location

The next factor to consider when budgeting for a garage is the location of the property. If the garage will be attached to an existing home, the cost will be lower than if it is a standalone garage. Consider the geographical location of the garage as well. In Dallas, for example, Credit Union of Texas reports the average cost to build a garage ranging from $18,000 to over $42,000, depending on the vendor.

Materials

The type of materials you use to build your garage will also affect the cost. Laying a concrete foundation, for instance, can range in price from $2,300 to $4,600 or $4 to $8 per square foot for a two-car garage. Siding is another important factor when budgeting for your garage. The cost of siding can range from $2 to $50 per square foot, or $1,150 to $28,000, for a two-car garage. Lastly, the roof is a vital component of the garage. The average cost of roofing material can range from $500 to $5,700 for a two-car garage.

Electrical

If you plan to use your garage for more than just storing cars or tools, you will need to factor in the cost of electrical work. For a detached garage, the costs typically range between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on the complexity of the project, according to Angi. Electricians typically charge between $50 to $100 per hour for their time, with a typical visit costing between $160 and $520.

Attached or Detached

Whether or not your garage is attached to your home will also affect the cost. An attached garage is typically less expensive than a detached garage because it does not require the same amount of materials. While the average cost for an attached garage is around $26,000, a homeowner can pay between $10,000 to $43,000, depending on how you intend to use it. Likewise, detached garages can be the cheapest option, with the average price being $1,500 for a simple stainless steel one-car model. If you want a more luxurious garage, however, the price can reach as high as $50,000.

Plumbing

The price of plumbing depends on the size and location of the garage. If you want to install a bathroom in your attached garage, for example, Designing Idea reports the cost being as high as $25,000 for something luxurious or as low as $300 for something purely functional. A best practice for installing drainage pipes is by constructing a raised platform for the shower and toilet. This allows the water to drain easily and prevents any water damage.

Insulation

A well-insulated garage will help you save money on your energy bill, but the initial cost of insulation can be expensive. According to HVAC Seer, The average price for insulating a two-car garage is $1,200, but the price can range from $0.50 to $1.25, or $350 to $850, respectively. Insulating your garage also helps protect your home from toxic fumes caused by a fire accident. It also prevents rust on any metallic materials if you live in an area with high humidity.

Outside of size and the number of cars they can fit inside, garages come in many shapes and sizes to meet the varied needs of homeowners.

Attached

Attached garages, for example, are attached to the main house and usually share a wall with it. Garage Hold reports they're also the most convenient since most homeowners can enter the garage by going through the house instead of outside.

Detached

Detached garages are great for people who want more privacy or need to store items that they don't want in the main house. They don't have to be built at the same time as your home, offering flexibility in terms of when you want to construct them. They're also a great option if your home doesn't have a suitable access point for an attached garage.

Carport

Carport garages normally feature a roof with no walls. According to Home Stratosphere, They're less expensive than other types of garages, but this comes at the cost of having extra space for storage and protection from the elements. On the other end, some garages can be built with an upstairs home or apartment unit to serve as a storage or living space.

Portable

Even if you don't want to commit to a permanent structure, there are portable garages that can be assembled and disassembled as needed. Many home associations require vehicles such as cars, RVs, boats, and other outdoor equipment to be covered or stored in a garage to maintain the aesthetic of the neighborhood.

Energy.gov reports that an estimated 63 percent of Americans have a garage or carport. There are many reasons to have a garage, even if you don't own a car. Below are some of the reasons people build or buy homes with a garage.

Safety

One of the main reasons people build a garage is for the safety and security of their vehicles. According to Ris Media, storing your car in a garage can protect it from bad weather, animals, and vandals.

Weather

Parking your car in an insulated garage can also shield it from extreme weather conditions, such as hail storms and hurricanes. If you live in a warmer climate, a garage can also keep your car cooler in the summer by blocking out the sun's heat. It also protects your car's paint from damage caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, according to Newport Motors.

Storage

Another common reason for building a garage is for storage. Many people use their garages to store tools, lawn care equipment, and other items that they don't want to keep in their homes. This is especially true for people who live in small homes or apartments where space is limited.

Many benefits come with building a garage, including an increase in the value of your home, the addition of reliable storage, and having a multi-purpose space.

Increased Home Value

According to Pocket Sense, homeowners can expect an 81% return on their investment, while simply replacing your garage door can lead to a 76.9% return on investment.

Reliable Storage

Garages can help you keep your car in good condition by protecting it from the elements. They also provide extra storage space for things like holiday decorations, tools, and sports equipment. In addition, having a storage unit in your home versus a storage facility can save you money in the long run.

Multi-Purpose Space

If you have a home business, a garage can provide you with a dedicated space to work in without having to set up an office in your house. Garages can also be used as extra living space and can be converted to fit more than one function. If you have a teenager who wants their own space, a garage can be converted into a bedroom, home gym, or game room.