How Much Does Building a Garage Cost?
Like most home remodeling projects, how much does building a garage cost varies with the size of the project, the age of your home, and where it’s located. For example, a freestanding garage on the back of your property is going to cost more than a garage addition right onto your home. That’s because there are more building materials and labor in building a free-standing garage.
Figuring the Garage Size
Most garage contractors will bid your garage by the square footage it contains. A typical one-car garage runs around 240-square-feet, and that can run approximately $35 to $45 a square foot, or about $8,400 to $10,800 on average. If you add more bells and whistles, like overhead storage, shelving, and workbenches, the price could go up. A typical two-car garage is about 380-square-feet, or about $13,300 to $17,100. If you want a larger garage that can hold extra appliances and other items, you need to factor that into your final cost. Experts maintain that garage truly large enough to house two cars and all the extras is at least 800 to 850 square feet, with a cost substantially higher than the basic models. What you choose should fit your budget, but it should fit your neighborhood, too. If you live in an area of three-car garages, and you add a one-car to your home, you’ll devalue your home and probably won’t get your investment back when you try to sell the home.
Selecting Your Garage Door
Selecting the proper door for your garage is an important decision. There are many styles and designs available. Choosing which you prefer is largely a matter of aesthetics. But you’ll also need to choose a construction material. And that decision will carry ramifications beyond just the appearance of your garage. These are the materials most commonly used in the construction of garage doors:
- Aluminum or Steel: Aluminum doesn’t rust, so in a particularly humid environment it might be a better choice than steel. Aluminum, however, may not be as durable as steel, and is less damage-resistant. Aluminum doors typically average in the $1,500 to $2,000 range. Steel doors are usually in the $750 to $3,500 range.
- Wood: It’s hard to beat the appearance of a well-crafted wooden garage door. Wood, though, may be less durable and require more maintenance than a metal door. Prices typically average in the $1,000 to $4,000 range.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass garage doors are popular because of their durability and strength. And unlike metal doors, rust and corrosion are not a concern. Prices typically average in the $1,000 to $2000 range.
Get Your Plans Approved
You can look for garage plans online, in books, or in the library. Once you choose the plan that fits your needs, you should have them looked over by your local building inspection department. Usually this is a free service. You should have them approved because in most areas, you need a building permit to add your garage. Your contractor should know this and take care of the process, but you can speed it along by making sure your plans are approved ahead of time. Don’t work with a contractor who says you “don’t need” a building permit! The permit helps protect you and assure the work is done correctly.
How much does building a garage cost? That depends on what kind of garage you’re looking for. Expect to pay more for larger garages or freestanding structures, but for the garage of your dreams, invest in the best quality materials and the right size to make sure your garage adds additional value to your home in the years to come.