A garage is an excellent place to store some of your bigger items and items that just simply don’t belong in the home itself. For example, many people will store their lawnmower in their garage because you just wouldn’t have it in your home.
Some homes are constructed without a garage and this can make things rather tricky for the homeowner, especially as you are now without a place to store some common things that do go in the garage.
If you are without a garage, you may be looking into the cost of building one for your home. There are many reasons why you would want a garage and many benefits of having one with the most beneficial reason being you have your own personal secured storage area.
Adding a garage to your home is not something that just happens and it takes a lot of planning to do. The costs of the job will vary and you may be wondering if it is even affordable for you to do. The average cost to build yourself a residential garage can range from $15,000 to $40,000 with the average cost landing somewhere around $25,000. You can expect to reasonably spend anywhere from $40 to $75 per square foot of space building out the garage.
Below, we will talk more about just how much it will cost you and some of the things you should keep in mind as you tackle whether you should take on a project of this scope or not.
Factors That Influence the Cost
As you know, there are many factors that influence the cost of a job and there is no one answer that can be provided to you. Garages range in size from very small to oversized. When it comes to the cost of the garage, it will completely depend on your needs and what it is you want to get from your garage space.
In general, an attached garage will cost you less money than a detached garage will. This is because with an attached garage, it can piggyback off the original structure of your home, whereas a detached garage will need a new foundation and structure.
Building permits also factor into the cost of your project and building a garage. Different cities, towns, and counties all have different requirements and prices for their permits. The only way to know the cost of the permit would be to call your local building office and inquire.
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the more expensive factors to consider and think about as you try to calculate the cost of your garage. (On a side note, there are many different calculators you can use online to try to get a good idea of what you might pay.)
Size of the Garage
First up is the size of your garage. Do you want a single-car garage or do you need a garage that will fit an RV inside of it? The size matters and will determine the cost that you will pay for your space. As we mentioned above, the average cost range is somewhere between $40 to $75 per square foot with the average falling near $50 per square foot.
Here are some calculations to help you better get a general idea of cost based on size:
- Single- Car Garage – $10,000 to $30,000
- Two-Car Garage – $13,500 to $42,000
- Three-Car Garage – $25,000 to $60,000
- Four-Car Garage – $30,000 to $75,000
- Garage with Additional Space for Living – $55,000 to $300,000
- RV Garage – $35,000 to $145,000
Framing of the Garage
Size is not the only cost factor here. In fact, the type of framing you choose for your garage will influence the cost that you pay as well.
Here is an idea of what different materials may cost you as you choose your framing:
- Cinderblock – $25 to $65 per square foot
- Brick – $25 to $45 per square foot
- Metal – $2,500 to $35,000 in total
- Brick-Veneered – $4.50 to $33 per square foot
Siding for the Garage
Siding plays an important role in the cost of the garage as well. It is important that you choose siding that will match your home’s current siding and offer you the protection you need for your home. In most cases, homeowners choose vinyl as their home is already outfitted with vinyl siding and it is relatively cheap and easy to care for. Other options can actually increase the cost of your garage buildout, so keep this in mind as you shop around.
Here is an idea of how the siding material can influence the cost of your garage:
- Fiber Cement – $5 to $11 per square foot
- Wood – $3 to $11 per square foot
- Aluminum – $4 to $8 per square foot
- Stone – $10 to $20 per square foot
- Brick – $10 to $18 per square foot
- Vinyl – $0.50 to $5 per square foot
- Engineered Wood – $3 to $9 per square foot
Labor
The cost of labor can greatly determine how much the cost of your garage will cost. In fact, the total cost of the garage buildout is anywhere from 50 to 70 percent labor costs alone. You can expect to pay somewhere between $27 and $50 per square foot for the labor.
Attached vs. Detached Garages
Above, we briefly discussed that attached and detached garages cost different amounts to construct. There are some major differences between the two, which is why they have a large cost difference.
An attached garage is one that is attached to the structure of your home. Think about current homes with garages. These are attached garages. You do have two main options when it comes to an attached garage. First, you can opt to have it fully enclosed or second, you can choose to have it left open with no walls and simply a roof over top. The option that is best for you will depend on your specific needs.
A detached garage is one that is not attached to the home’s structure. Construction of this type of garage starts at the ground level. Foundation will need to be poured and a completely new structure constructed. Many people choose to add additional features to a detached garage such as an HVAC unit and electricity.
Can I Create a DIY Project to Build My Own Garage?
While you may want to save on the cost of labor, after all, it can cost you a lot of money, you do not necessarily want to take on a project of this scope and for good reason. It is important that a garage is built correctly and to the required specifications to pass inspections and not receive code violations. Garages have many different complex features such as plumbing, framing, ventilation, walls, and wiring that are not so easy to do as a DIY project.
It is important to rely on an experienced, licensed, and insured contractor for these types of jobs. In addition, your homeowner’s insurance and the permits likely will require you to use a contractor for the job.
While you may want to save some money, do not try to do it when it comes to the building part of the job. You can save money other ways such as installing your own shelving when the garage buildout is complete or installing your own garage door opener. Leave the smaller things to do on your own and the larger more technical stuff to the experts. It will save you a lot of time, money, and hassle in the long run.
Do I Need to Remodel My Current Garage or Build a New One?
For homeowners who already have an existing garage, they do not usually need to build a new one at all. There is a lot of money that goes into it and if the space meets your needs in general, then a new one is not needed.
However, there are times where your garage may need an upgrade or update to it to make the space more usable for you.
So, when might you need an upgrade?
- Old or worn out garage door
- Damage to the structure or foundation of the garage
- Adding shelving and storage options to the interior
Benefits to Building Yourself a Garage
Without a garage, you may find yourself limited on space. Having a garage is a benefit and adds additional square feet to your home overall. While it can be an extensive project to complete, there are several benefits to building a garage if you do not have one.
First, homeowners who drive a luxury or antique vehicle may want to have additional protection from the weather for it. Protecting your vehicle can help extend its life and avoid issues with the paint. Homeowners may want a garage to help add that extra layer of protection they seek for their vehicle.
Second, homeowners may want additional storage space. It can be very limiting to not have a garage as many homeowners do use their garage to store additional furniture and things they would not typically keep inside the home.
Lastly, convenience. There is nothing more convenient than parking in the garage or even using the garage to go in and out from your home. Homeowners who want additional convenience can benefit from having a garage.
Tips to Save Money on Your Garage Build
It can get very expensive to build a garage. The cost depends on many factors and with the rising cost of materials and supplies, you are likely to pay on the higher end. If you want to save money, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Don’t opt for expensive upgrades or additional accessories
- Skip the windows
- Do the finishing work on your own
- Build to size and do not overdo it
- Choose an asphalt shingle roof
- Choose vinyl siding
- Install your own storage and shelving inside
- Shop around for prices
- Be flexible with supplies and materials
- Build it in the off season
Will You Build Yourself a New Garage for Your Home?
Building a new garage comes with significant costs, time, and planning. It is not just a project that can be slapped together and done in a weekend. You will need to sit down and think about your budget and then build it. You want to avoid doing it the other way around, as it is easier to build to your budget than to build and then make it fit into your budget.
Always remember to pull permits and work with a reputable company that is not only licensed but insured as well. This will help ensure that you get the best garage buildout and increase the overall value of your home.