How much does it cost to build a garage cost?

Continue reading to learn more about the different variables that can impact the price of your new garage, and find out how you can get cost estimates from contractors near you.

In general, the bigger the project, the higher the cost. That’s because “bigger" means more contractor labor, more time needed to build and more material costs. Anything that will take more time will add to your garage cost. For example, an attached two-car garage on flat ground will take contractors less time to build than a detached four-car garage on a hill.

Garage cost by size

A 12' x 20' garage may cost as much as $16,800 to build, while a 30' x 40' garage could cost $84,000. As you can see, the bigger the garage, the more it will cost to construct. Although it’s pricier, a bigger garage can provide more storage space for your personal goods or provide room for a workshop or hobby space — making it a worthwhile investment for some homeowners.

Before you decide on your garage size, check if there are any size restrictions. In some cities, a garage can't go over a certain percentage of the lot's square footage, according to contractor pro Mateo Homes. Then, think about how many cars you have and if you want extra storage (for bikes or other equipment.)

Garage cost per square foot

A contractor may charge $30-$70 per square foot to build a garage. You'll want to obtain a range of estimates from several different garage builders in order to select the best company in your price range. 

To give you an idea of how much your garage project cost may vary depending on the rate your contractor charges, the chart below shows several garage sizes with the corresponding cost per square foot.

Cost to build a garage by number of cars

Many people think of the garage they want to build in terms of the number of cars it can hold. The number of cars a garage will hold corresponds to the number of garage doors that will be needed, which can increase the total cost of the project. 

Cost to build a 2-car garage 

A 2-car garage is a popular option among homeowners. Some of the most common dimensions for a 2-car garage include:

• 18’ x 20’
• 20’ x 20’
• 20’ x 22’
• 22’ x 22’
• 24’ x 24’
• 24’ x 30’

Based on these dimensions, the cost to build a two-car garage may range from $10,800-$50,400. But remember: it all depends on how much the contractor charges per square foot. Getting estimates from multiple pros near you is the best way to calculate the cost of building a two-car garage.

Garage cost examples

Here are two examples of costs for different garages built by Mateo Homes in the Kansas City area:

6’ x 40’ standard garage cost: $38,000

• Size: 1,040 square feet
• Time to complete: 3 ½
• Extra costs: Built on a hill, so they had to pour a concrete slab for a level base, which cost extra for labor and materials.
• Finishes and features: Electricity, trusses for an open construction, concrete floor with no insulation and exposed framing, one garage door with an automatic entry, standard vinyl lap siding.

40’ x 80’ upscale garage cost: $80,000

• Size: 3,200 square feet (with two stories, 14-feet ceilings)
• Time to complete: 8 weeks
• Style: Loft-style construction with mezzanine storage
• Finishes and features: Auto repair lift installed, specially constructed concrete flooring for the lift, electricity, insulated walls and drywalled interior, mid-level vinyl siding to match the house
• Note: They also poured 80 feet of concrete for a driveway.

Construction materials, finishes and features

• Electrical: How many outlets and what type of lighting will you need in your garage? You may need to hire an electrician to wire the garage the way you want.
• Flooring: Flooring options for garages include unfinished concrete, with options such as epoxy paint or sealer adding to the cost.
• Foundation: How much concrete you need to pour to create the foundation will impact costs. Ask your contractor about the cost of pouring concrete slabs and laying blocks.
• Garage doors: Installing a garage door may cost several hundred or several thousand dollars. Aluminum and steel doors tend to be more affordable than those made from solid wood.
• Paint: Remember to factor in the cost of painting the interior and exterior of the garage.
• Plumbing: While not a must-have for a garage, it may be nice to have a slop sink if you plan to do a lot of work inside the garage. You may also plan to move your washer and dryer into the garage to repurpose your laundry room. If so, plumbing your garage will add to the total cost.
• Roof: Most homeowners will likely want to match the roof of their garage to their home. Options typically include asphalt shingle or more expensive metal roofing. 
• Siding: Again, your siding will likely match your home. Vinyl siding is a cost-effective option, while wood siding will raise your material costs.
• Storage: Aside from vehicles, you may want to create storage space for seasonal goods, equipment, tools or heirlooms. A recent survey found that 85% of homebuyers sought extra garage storage space. Consider the cost of purchasing benches, cabinets, peg boards, overhead shelves and other storage components when planning your garage build.

Related content: Tips for adding a garage.

Detached vs. attached garages

Generally, a detached garage costs more than an attached garage. Because you’re adding on to the existing structure, an attached garage only requires the construction of three walls instead of four. 

A detached garage of the same size would likely cost more since it’s an entirely new construction project that involves more labor and materials.

Adding an apartment

The cost to build a garage with an apartment goes up considerably due to additional requirements, such as insulation, plumbing and an HVAC system. The apartment portion of the garage would have costs commensurate to the cost of finished living space — anywhere from $50-$250 per square foot. 

Although the initial costs of adding an apartment is significant, you could possibly generate extra revenue by renting out the space. 

The national average cost of garage door installation is $450. The selection of doors is a vital component of any garage project — and one that can greatly influence your final cost. Garage doors are usually available in metal or wood. Steel garage doors can cost anywhere from $250-$2,500, while wooden doors run between $1,000-$10,000 each. 

There are also a number of different garage door styles that may affect your price. The most popular is a sectional door. Other styles include swing-out, sliding and bifold. You must also consider the additional cost of a garage door opener if you want push-button access. 

Depending on your builder, you may need to work with a separate door company to install your garage doors properly. 

A new garage can be an expensive home improvement project. But, luckily, you can recoup about 90% or more of the cost of adding new garage doors, according to several industry reports. Because many homebuyers consider a garage a must-have feature in a new home, adding one may add value to your home if you ever decide to sell. 

Of course, having a garage to store your valuable vehicles will give you peace of mind and protect your items from the outdoor elements. The cost of building a garage will also pay off by keeping your cars safe, clean and secure. Garages can also provide needed additional storage space or hobby space.

Building a garage is a major undertaking, and the cost to add a garage to your home can increase as you add more customizations and finishes. To get a more accurate idea of how much it will cost to build your garage, reach out and get estimates from the most qualified garage builders in your area.