If you’re planning to add one, your first question is probably: how much does it cost to build a garage? The answer depends on the size, materials, your location, and whether you opt for the DIY route or hire a contractor. This guide explains average garage costs, the main factors that affect pricing, and examples of both budget and high-end builds so you can plan a realistic budget.

Average cost to build a garage

Location	Low Estimate	Mid-Range (Most Common)	High-End Builds	Notes / Sources
U.S. – One-car garage	$10,000	$15,000–$20,000	$25,000+	$10,500–$27,000 (Angi); Alan’s Factory Outlet averages ~$31,000
U.S. – Two-car garage	$14,500	$25,000–$30,000	$40,000+	Range: $14,500–$40,300, average ~$30,000
U.S. – Detached / Finished	$20,000	$30,000–$35,000	$50,000–$60,000+	Detached garages typically average $26,400, with prices ranging from $19,200 to $33,600. Finished builds with insulation, HVAC, or lofts go higher.
Canada – General range	$28,000 CAD	$35,000–$45,000 CAD	$52,000+ CAD	Approximately $28,000–$52,000 CAD, depending on size and finishes.

Key factors affecting the cost of a garage

The size of your garage has the most significant impact on price. A single-car garage is usually the most affordable, while a two- or three-car garage costs more due to a larger footprint and additional materials.

• The cost to build a 1-car garage typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the finishes and materials used.
• The cost to build a 2-car garage typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, with higher-end builds exceeding this range.
• 3-car garages: often $30,000–$60,000+, especially if finished with insulation or heating.

The bigger the garage, the more you’ll spend on concrete, framing, roofing, and labor.

Materials: Budget vs premium options

Your choice of materials has a big impact on the final cost. Below are the most common options for building a garage, along with their pros and cons:

Wood framing

• Pros: Affordable, easy to customize, blends well with most homes
• Cons: Needs regular maintenance, less resistant to fire

Metal garages

• Pros: Durable, naturally fire-resistant, often cheaper for prefab kits
• Cons: Limited styles, can dent more easily

Concrete block

• Pros: Extremely durable, low maintenance, long-lasting
• Cons: Higher upfront cost, harder to DIY without masonry skills

Complexity: Simple vs custom design

A garage can be as basic or as complex as you want it to be. A simple structure used mainly for storage is the least expensive. Once you add features like insulation, drywall, electricity, or even plumbing, the price rises. Finished garages that double as workshops or extra living space can cost two to three times more than a bare-bones build.

Labor: DIY vs contractor pricing

How you build the garage also makes a big difference in cost.

• DIY builds can lower expenses since you’re not paying for labor, but they require strong skills, plenty of time, and comfort working with permits. According to online sources, labor typically accounts for 50% to 70% of the total cost of a garage build, so doing some of the work yourself can help reduce overall spending.
• Hiring a contractor usually adds to the upfront price, but it comes with clear benefits. You’ll have trained professionals doing the work, the build is more likely to meet local codes, and the project often moves along faster. Most contractors also handle permits and inspections, which can make the process smoother for you.

Location: Regional differences

Where you live affects both material and labor costs. In urban areas, higher wages and tighter regulations usually push prices up. Rural locations may be less expensive for labor, but they can require additional shipping fees for materials. In the U.S., costs vary by state, while in Canada, the average range to build a garage is about $28,000 to $52,000 CAD.

Permits: Local building code costs

Don’t forget about permits. Most municipalities require them for new garage construction, and the cost can range from $500 to $ 2,000 or more, depending on the project size and local regulations. Skipping this step can mean fines or even having to redo parts of the build, so it’s a must.

Basic vs. high-end garage examples

Here are two illustrative scenarios, one basic and one premium, to help readers visualize the features available for different budgets.

Basic garage example

• Type: Single-car, prefab metal or wood kit
• Finish: Minimal; bare bones structure, no insulation, no HVAC, basic walls
• Estimated cost: ~$10,000 to $15,000

Using a metal kit is one of the most affordable routes. For instance, the cost of metal garage construction typically ranges from $8.47 to $15.17 per square foot, depending on the design and features. Some suppliers list ready-made kits (frame, walls, and roof) in that lower cost range before you add extras.

This basic version offers enclosed storage or shelter for a vehicle without any of the comforts or finishes of a livable workshop.

High-end garage example

• Type: Two- or three-car garage (either attached or detached)
• Finish: Insulation, drywall, plumbing, HVAC, finished flooring, office or loft space
• Estimated cost: $50,000 to $80,000+

Adding these upgrades quickly drives up costs. For example:

• Insulation alone typically costs between $1,900 and $7,700, depending on the size and materials used.
• Drywall, painting, and finishing work can cost $4 to $6 per square foot, or even more when premium materials are used.
• HVAC installation (if heating/cooling the space) might add thousands more.
• Plumbing (for sinks, bathrooms, or utility areas) further increases labor and material costs.

Also, building a detached garage as a premium, finished structure can easily reach the higher end of the garage cost ranges. Detached garages range between $19,200 and $33,600, with an average price of $26,400, but that’s for moderate finishes. For a fully finished, premium version, the total will increase substantially.

In short, the jump from a bare-bones garage to a high-end, finished one often costs multiple tens of thousands more.

How much does it cost to build a detached garage?

Detached garages usually cost more than attached ones because they require their own foundation, roofing, and utility connections. The average price to build a detached garage is around $26,400, with most homeowners spending between $19,200 and $33,600, depending on size and finishes. If you want a fully finished detached garage with insulation, plumbing, and heating, costs can climb into the $40,000–$60,000+ range.

Things to consider for pricing variations

Local material and labor costs

Material and labor prices can vary a lot from place to place. In some areas, lumber and concrete may be more expensive due to shipping costs, while in others, they may be more readily available at an affordable price. Labor is another big factor. A skilled carpenter or mason in a large city usually charges more than someone working in a small town.

Regional permitting requirements

Every city or county has its own building code rules. Permits for a new garage typically range from $500 to $ 2,000, depending on your location and the complexity of the project. Some areas require extra permits if you’re adding electricity, plumbing, or heat.

DIY vs hiring contractors

If you’re handy and confident with tools, doing some or all of the work yourself can lower costs since you’re not paying for labor. Labor often makes up 50% to 70% of the total cost of a garage build, so even partial DIY can save money. But DIY projects also take more time and may be stressful if you’re not used to dealing with permits or inspections. Contractors may cost more initially, but they help ensure the garage is built to code, passes inspections, and is completed on schedule.

Get multiple quotes and compare with cost calculators

Before starting, it’s smart to get quotes from at least three local contractors. You can also use online cost calculators (many home improvement sites offer them) to get a ballpark idea of material and labor expenses in your area. Comparing these numbers helps you avoid surprise costs.

Consider upgrades

Even after the garage is built, upgrades can change the overall cost. For example, applying garage floor epoxy provides a durable and easy-to-clean surface that can extend the life of your concrete floor. While it adds to your budget, it’s a popular upgrade for homeowners who want a more polished and long-lasting finish.

Ready to plan your garage build?

For more cost guides and construction insights, check out these helpful resources:

• Cost to build a barndominium
• Sustainable building design is shaping the future of construction
• Cheap American cities to build a home
  

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