What Will It Cost To Add A Garage To Your Home?

When it comes to building a garage, like any large-scale building project, a lot of factors affect the scope and total price. While garage construction costs vary greatly depending on the structure's style, size, materials, and features, most homeowners spend about $25,652 to build an average sized two-car garage. You will most likely spend in the range of $16,799 and $37,091, but that will depend on many factors.


Attached vs. Detached

Putting on an attached garage is more common and tends to be more affordable. Attached garages are building off of an existing structure, and can utilize that as a wall, which cuts down on the average cost to build. It is also less expensive if the driveway is already in place. For a detached garage, the construction costs go up because it's building from scratch. However, these tend to offer more options, like a bigger work space. Here are some other factors to consider when choosing an attached or detached garage.



Attached

Attached garages are considered the less expensive option of the two. It’s easier to build three walls rather than whole new structure. You can have either an open plan (no walls, just a roof), or you can enclose the whole space with walls. They can also be a good place to store fridges, freezers and other secondary supplies. The best benefit of this garage is keeping out of inclement weather. By having an entryway from your home to the garage, you avoid snow, rain or other bad weather as you get into your car.



For a single car attached garage, you’ll pay between $7,500 and $10,000. Two car styles will be between $20,000 and $27,000, depending on materials. You’ll also have to pay electricians, painters and carpenters depending on how complex your structure is. The cost of materials could range anywhere around $40 per square foot or $5,000 to $7,000. This does not include the cost of hiring a contractor or paying for building permits. You will need to consult with several professionals and your local municipality for the best cost.



Detached

Detached garages are more expensive than attached, but they can be beneficial for the cost. If you don’t have room next to an entryway, you can build a detached garage behind the house or in a space that can fit one. These are also safer because you won’t get any carbon monoxide coming in to your house. You can also make the detached garage a secondary living space, if you add a loft space above it. While it costs more to start from scratch, you can see a lot of long-term benefits and ROI.

Costs & Considerations

The cost of a detached garage is between $9,000 and $12,000, since you have to start from the ground up. If you add electrical, plumbing or HVAC capabilities, the price will jump to around $14,000. It will be even more expensive if you add a living space above, potentially $18,000 to $20,000. The DIY cost of building a simple detached garage will be around $4,000 in materials, though you would still pay extra for electrical or plumbing. Factor in about $100 for a permit and then check with electricians & plumbers for their average prices.