Cost to Build a Garage Calculator
24×24 ft detached garage — 576 sq ft
Estimated Total Cost
$34,780 – $54,360
$60.38 – $94.38 per sq ft • 576 sq ft
Foundation
$6,336 – $9,792
Framing
$9,504 – $14,688
Roofing
$4,752 – $7,344
Siding / Exterior
$6,336 – $9,792
Finish / Other
$4,752 – $7,344
Garage Doors (×2)
$1,600 – $2,400
Electrical
$1,500 – $3,000
Home Value Tip: A new garage adds roughly 60–80% of its cost to your home’s resale value. A 2-car garage is the most popular configuration and appeals to the widest pool of buyers. Homes without garages sell for 7–12% less on average.
Permits Required: Garage construction typically requires a building permit ($500–$1,500) and must meet local setback requirements and HOA guidelines. Permit costs, survey fees, and architectural plans are not included in this estimate. Contact your local building department before starting.
Attached vs. Detached: Attached garages share a wall with your home, which can reduce framing and siding costs by 10–15%. However, they require a fire-rated wall, vapor barrier, and code-compliant entry door. Detached garages offer more flexible placement and easier permitting but need all four walls and a separate utility run.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Garage Building Cost Breakdown
Cost per Square Foot by Construction Type
| Construction Type | Cost / Sq Ft | 1-Car (264 Sq Ft) | 2-Car (576 Sq Ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic / Unfinished | $35 – $55 | $9,240 – $14,520 | $20,160 – $31,680 |
| Standard | $55 – $85 | $14,520 – $22,440 | $31,680 – $48,960 |
| Finished / Insulated | $85 – $120 | $22,440 – $31,680 | $48,960 – $69,120 |
| Premium | $120 – $175 | $31,680 – $46,200 | $69,120 – $100,800 |
Average Garage Cost by Size (Standard Construction)
| Garage Type | Typical Size | Square Feet | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Car Detached | 12 × 22 ft | 264 sq ft | $14,520 – $22,440 |
| 2-Car Detached | 24 × 24 ft | 576 sq ft | $31,680 – $48,960 |
| 3-Car Detached | 36 × 24 ft | 864 sq ft | $47,520 – $73,440 |
| 2-Car Attached | 24 × 24 ft | 576 sq ft | $27,000 – $42,000 |
Optional Add-On Costs
| Add-On | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | $1,500 – $3,000 | Sub-panel, lighting, outlets, 240V circuit |
| Plumbing | $2,000 – $4,000 | Utility sink, water lines, drain, floor drain |
| Garage Door Upgrade | $500 – $3,500 | Per door; insulated, carriage-style, smart opener |
| Driveway Extension | $3,000 – $8,000 | Concrete or asphalt approach to new garage |
How We Calculate
Our garage build cost calculator estimates total project cost using garage area, construction type, number of doors, and optional add-ons (electrical, plumbing). The formula starts with: garage area × base cost per sq ft for the selected construction type.
How the math works: We multiply the total square footage by the cost-per-square-foot range for your selected construction type. Garage door costs are calculated separately based on the number of doors and construction quality, then added to the base construction cost. Electrical and plumbing are flat-rate add-ons based on national averages. The total estimate includes all components: foundation, framing, roofing, siding, doors, and selected add-ons.
Cost by Construction Type
Basic / Unfinished ($35–$55/sq ft) includes a concrete slab foundation, standard wood framing, basic asphalt shingle roof, unfinished interior (exposed studs), and a standard steel garage door. This is suitable for vehicle storage and basic workshop use.
Standard ($55–$85/sq ft) adds insulated garage doors, basic electrical (lights and outlets), exterior finish matching your home, and a sealed/painted concrete floor. This is the most common choice for residential garages.
Finished / Insulated ($85–$120/sq ft) includes insulated walls and ceiling, drywall and paint, upgraded lighting, epoxy floor coating, and insulated garage doors. Suitable for workshops, home gyms, or conditioned space.
Premium ($120–$175/sq ft) features climate control (heating/cooling), premium garage doors with smart openers, custom cabinetry and workbench, specialty flooring (polyaspartic or interlocking tile), and premium finishes throughout. Ideal for car enthusiasts or multi-use spaces.
Cost Breakdown by Category
The base construction cost is distributed across major categories: Foundation (20%), Framing (30%), Roofing (15%), Siding/Exterior (20%), and Finish/Other (15%). Garage doors are calculated separately at $500–$3,500 per door depending on construction quality. The foundation percentage is higher than a typical home because garages require a thicker, reinforced slab to support vehicle weight.
Optional Add-Ons
Electrical ($1,500–$3,000) covers a dedicated sub-panel, interior and exterior lighting, outlets (including 240V for tools or EV charging), and garage door opener wiring. Plumbing ($2,000–$4,000) covers a utility sink, hot/cold water lines, drain connection, and floor drain. Both costs assume reasonable proximity to existing utility connections.
What’s Not Included
Our estimate covers construction costs only. It does not include building permits ($500–$1,500), site preparation and grading, driveway extension ($3,000–$8,000), demolition of existing structures, architectural or engineering plans, landscaping, or utility trenching for detached garages. We recommend budgeting a 10–15% contingency for unexpected costs.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, RSMeans construction cost data, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. We review and update this data regularly to reflect current material and labor rates.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a garage in 2026? +
The average cost to build a garage in 2026 ranges from $20,000 to $55,000 for a standard 2-car detached garage (576 sq ft). A basic 1-car garage starts around $10,000–$18,000, while a premium 3-car garage can reach $70,000–$150,000+. Costs depend on size, construction type, number of doors, and whether you include electrical and plumbing.
How much does it cost to build a 2-car garage? +
A 2-car garage (typically 24×24 ft or 576 sq ft) costs $20,000–$50,000 for basic to standard construction, or $50,000–$100,000 for finished or premium builds. The national average is around $35,000–$45,000 for a standard 2-car detached garage with electrical. Add $2,000–$4,000 for plumbing if you want a utility sink or bathroom.
Is it cheaper to build an attached or detached garage? +
Attached garages cost 10–15% less than detached garages of the same size because they share one wall with the house, reducing framing and siding costs. However, attached garages require a fire-rated wall, fireproof entry door, and vapor barrier per code. Detached garages are simpler to permit, don’t affect your home’s structure, and offer more flexible placement on your lot.
How much does a garage add to home value? +
A new garage typically recoups 60–80% of its construction cost at resale. Homes without a garage sell for 7–12% less on average. A 2-car garage adds the most value per dollar spent because it’s the most in-demand configuration. Finished garages with insulation, drywall, and good lighting add even more perceived value to buyers.
How long does it take to build a garage? +
A basic 1-car garage takes 1–2 weeks of active construction. A standard 2-car garage takes 2–4 weeks. A premium or finished 3-car garage can take 4–8 weeks. Add 2–6 weeks for permitting and planning before construction begins. Weather delays, foundation curing time, and inspector scheduling can extend these timelines by 1–2 weeks.
Do I need a permit to build a garage? +
Yes, almost all municipalities require a building permit for new garage construction. You’ll typically need permits for the structure, electrical, and potentially plumbing. Permit costs range from $500 to $1,500. Your garage must meet local setback requirements (distance from property lines), height restrictions, and lot coverage limits. Check with your local building department and HOA before starting.
What is the cheapest type of garage to build? +
The cheapest garage to build is a basic detached 1-car garage (12×22 ft) with slab foundation, unfinished interior, single garage door, and no plumbing. This runs $10,000–$18,000. Pole barn garages and prefab/kit garages can be even cheaper at $8,000–$15,000 for a basic 2-car size, though they may not meet all building codes or HOA requirements.
What is included in garage construction costs? +
Garage construction costs typically include the concrete slab foundation, framing (walls, trusses, roof), roofing materials and installation, exterior siding, and garage door(s). Optional add-ons include electrical wiring and outlets ($1,500–$3,000), plumbing for a sink or bathroom ($2,000–$4,000), insulation and drywall finishing, and windows. Costs that are usually extra include permits, driveway extension, demolition of existing structure, and landscaping.
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