How Much Does It Cost to Build a Garage in 2024?

Cost Factors for Building a Garage

Several factors impact the final price of building a garage, with the main price drivers being size, type, and labor.

Size

The bigger the garage, the more expensive the project becomes. The typical rate charged by contractors for a garage runs between $35 and $70 per square foot, or an average price of $49 per square foot for a standard garage. 

Type

Another important cost factor is the type of garage you decide to build. A prefab garage costs about $7,200 on the low end, not including the cost of a concrete slab or other foundation, and should comfortably fit two cars. A site-built garage costs as little as $14,100 for a simple one-car garage, while a large, detached garage costs as much as $70,000 if space is needed for multiple cars and a fully finished living area. 

The middle ground between these two types is an attached garage, which costs about $7,500 for a simple space with room for one car or as much as $42,700 for a large garage with space for four cars.

Location

Location can play a major role in labor and material costs for building a garage. Your garage will cost more in locations with a higher cost of living because these areas generally have higher labor rates. Since you’ll be working with a number of professionals (builders, plumbers, electricians, etc.), your location can increase costs across the board. Building a garage in a more remote or hard-to-access area also increases costs.

Material

You’ll need to pay for several materials to complete your new garage build. 

Labor

One of the main cost factors of building a new garage is labor. This is a large project that normally requires several workers to complete. For the garage building itself, expect labor to make up between 50% and 70% of the overall cost. Generally, this works out to be around $20 to $50 per square foot in labor costs. You’ll also need to hire other experts such as an electrician or plumber to complete the job depending on your needs. 

Additional Cost Factors

Beyond the basic cost factors, there are several extra and optional costs to consider when building a new garage.

Permits

In most cases, you’ll need to acquire building permits before construction can begin on your new garage. Permit prices vary by location but tend to range between $1,200 and $1,500.

Security

Your garage will store your vehicle (and probably other valuable possessions), so it might be a good idea to install a security system for protection. Depending on the system, this can add anywhere from $100 to $2,500 to the final cost of your garage. Choosing a garage door that works with your security system adds another $200 to $4,000 to the project’s total cost.

Windows & Doors

Windows and doors are an optional addition, but they can make your garage feel more inviting. Expect to pay between $100 and $600 per window, depending on size, shape, and position. Skylights are another option, costing around $1,600 to $2,400 to install.

If you have a detached garage, it technically only needs the garage door to allow vehicles and people to come in and out. However, if you’re building an attached garage or simply want a smaller door to enter and exit from, you’ll add around $200 to the project's final cost.

Garage Door

A typical one-car garage door costs between $600 and $1,500, while double-width doors cost between $800 and $3,500. If you want a custom-built door to go with a custom garage, you’ll pay a minimum of $1,000. 

These prices don’t factor in the cost of an automatic garage door opener, which is an optional but popular addition. The mechanism usually costs between $120 and $290, and professional installation costs another $125 to $200.

HVAC

If you plan to create livable space in your garage, whether for an apartment, a workshop, or a lounge area, you may want to consider running an HVAC system to the building from your home. Extending HVAC ductwork from your home to a garage usually costs around $15 per linear foot.

Finishing

Other finishing costs depend on your specific needs. If you want water in the garage, you’ll have to pay a plumber to run a water line from your home. The same goes for electricity. 

Beyond utilities, there are other garage remodel costs to consider. You can pay to have the garage’s interior painted, have flooring installed, or even construct an entire living space on the level above the garage. These add-ons contribute to the final cost of your new or remodeled garage.

Does Building a Garage Increase Home Value?

A garage increases the value of the home it’s built on. Depending on the type of garage you build, expect this project to have as much as 80% ROI when it comes time to sell the home. 

The exception is with detached prefab garage kits, which tend to lower the home's value. If you’re building a custom detached garage or adding one as an attached home addition, expect it to raise your home value substantially. 

Budgeting for Building a Garage

Building a garage is a major investment in the value and functionality of your home. Here are a few ways to make this project more budget-friendly:

• If you need a simple space to store vehicles and other belongings, consider prefabricated garage kits over a custom build.

• Consider other designs that might suit your needs. For example, an open-air carport costs much less than an enclosed, fully-finished garage.

• If possible, build an attached garage instead of a more expensive detached garage.

• Opt out of additional features like electrical hookups or insulation, which significantly increase costs.

• Start your project in the fall instead of the spring or summer, when labor rates tend to be higher.

• Contact garage builders in your area to get several quotes for your project.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.