How Much Does It Cost To Build A Garage?

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If your house doesn’t currently have a garage, you might be thinking about building one. Building a garage is a great way to improve the resale value of your home, thanks to the added storage, security and convenience it provides.

But how much does it cost to build a garage? The answer to that question will vary depending on a number of different factors. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and costs of building a garage and how to get started.

Here are a few reasons you might want to build a garage on your property:

• Weather protection: One of the biggest benefits of having a garage is protecting your vehicles from bad weather. Many people live in areas that experience extreme weather conditions, like extreme heat or sleet and snow. A garage will help protect and maintain the life of your vehicles.
• Convenience: Having a garage can make your daily life more convenient. Not only does it save you from rainy days or cold mornings, but offers additional garage storage ideas and organization. Plus, it’ll be easier to unload and bring in your groceries.
• Security: Anytime you leave your vehicle outside, it’s more vulnerable to theft or vandalism. When you keep your car parked in the garage at night, you’ll significantly reduce this risk.
• Increased home value: Finally, building a garage will increase your home’s value. Most homeowners prefer a house with a garage, so if you ever plan to sell your house, having a garage can help you get more money.

According to Home Advisor, the average cost of building a detached garage is $40 to $70 per square foot, and the average cost to build a detached two-car garage is between $19,200 and $45,000.

How much you spend will depend on whether you build a one-, two-, three- or four-car garage. Here is an overview of what you can expect to spend on building a garage, depending on the size and square footage.

Building an attached garage costs an average of 10% – 15% less than building a detached garage. Since you’re adding on to the existing structure of your home, an attached garage requires less construction and fewer labor costs. It also costs less to add new electrical and plumbing to an attached garage since you’re connecting to existing lines.

The average cost to build a detached two-car garage ranges between $19,200 and $45,000. In comparison, you’ll spend 10% – 15% less if you build a garage that’s attached to the house. The average cost of building a garage depends on the following factors:

• Foundation
• Electric system installation
• Siding, roofing
• Insulation
• Painting
• Driveway
• Garage doors
• Average cost per square foot

The following table breaks down how much you can expect to spend for each of these items:

Finding a contractor to manage your project can be a challenge. It can be hard to find someone you trust to complete your project, and labor shortage and supply chain issues have left many homeowners with incomplete projects.

That’s why a contractor-matching service like HomeAdvisor can be so beneficial. You can use HomeAdvisor to easily get quotes and find a contractor in your area. HomeAdvisor can connect you with the professionals you need to complete your project, including electricians, carpenters and foundation work.

Once you’ve found the right contractor to complete your job, you need to think about how you will pay for it. If you have enough money in savings, you could use that to fund your project. But building a garage comes with substantial costs, so many people would prefer to finance the project.

Fortunately, there are many financing options available for home improvement projects. You might consider taking out a personal loan or home equity line of credit.

You could also consider using a cash-out refinance to pay for garage construction. You’ll refinance your existing home loan and replace it with a new loan, hopefully with better terms and rates. You can withdraw the equity you’ve built up in your house and use it to pay for your garage upgrade.

Even if you keep your costs as low as possible, paying someone else to build a garage can get expensive. If you just don’t feel comfortable spending that kind of money, here are some cheaper alternatives. 

Do It Yourself

Labor costs are one of the most expensive parts of building a garage, so you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself. Or you could do a portion of the work on your own and leave the rest to a professional. However, you want to make sure you’re really up to the task before you commit to building a garage on your own. Construction mistakes caused by inexperience can lead to serious property damage or personal injury.

Use A Prefab Kit

Another option is to use a prefabricated garage kit – according to HomeAdvisor, these kits cost an average of $15,000. A prefab kit will come with the plans, materials and resources you need to finish the project. It’s less expensive than having a contractor do the work for you but easier than managing the project entirely on your own.

In addition to using your garage to house your cars or as storage space, you can use it as an accessory dwelling unit to generate rental income. You can also use it to provide a living space to family members who are finding it difficult to buy a home of their own or for long-term visitors.

A garage space can also be converted into a home office, art studio, family space or entertainment area. The options for what you can do with that space are endless.

A garage is an investment that can improve your home’s resale value or create the potential for income or other beneficial use. If you’re ready to start your project, you can apply online for a cash-out refinance to get started.