How Much Does It Cost To Build A Garage?

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 average cost to build a garage in 2024 is $28,688, but ranges from $16,537 – $40,868, according to 2024 data from Angi. The actual overall cost of a garage build will vary depending on a number of different factors, like whether it’s attached or detached and its overall size.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Detached Garage, By Size Of The Structure?

According to Angi, the average cost of building a detached garage is $40 – $70 per square foot. That means the average cost to build a detached, 600-square-foot, two-car garage is between $24,000 – $42,000.

How much you spend will depend on whether you build a one-, two-, three- or four-car garage. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to spend on building a garage, depending on the number of cars it can hold. The averages below are based on an estimated square footage within the range of each standard garage size determined by Angi.

How Much Does It Cost To Build An Attached Garage?

The experts at HomeAdvisor say building an attached garage costs an average of 10% – 15% less than building a detached garage. In other words, you can expect to pay as low as $30 per square foot for an attached garage, compared to $40 – $70 for 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.

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Building A Garage

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

How Can You Find A Contractor For Your Garage Project?

Finding a trustworthy contractor to manage your project can be a challenge. 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 contractors.

How To Finance The Costs Of Building A Garage

Once you’ve found the right contractor to complete your job, you need to think about how you’ll 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 prefer to finance the project.

Fortunately, many financing options are available for value-increasing home improvement projects. You might consider taking out a personal loan, a home equity loan or a 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. Cash-out refinances, home equity loans or home equity lines of credit allow you to withdraw your home’s equity and use it to pay for your garage upgrade.

How To Decrease The Cost Of Building A Garage

Even if you keep your costs as low as possible, paying someone else to build a garage can get expensive. If you 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, make sure you’re 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 Angi, these kits typically cost $4,000 – $11,000. 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.

FAQs About The Cost To Build A Garage

Have more questions about the cost of building a garage? Gather some more information through these commonly asked questions.

How much does building a garage increase a home’s value?

By building a garage, your home’s value can increase by 75% – 85%. According to Angi, you can get a 75% – 85% return on your investment. That means if you spend $20,000, you can expect to increase your home’s value by $15,000 – $17,000.

What is the most expensive part of building a garage?

The most expensive part of building a garage depends on the project, but you can expect labor to be one of the highest charges. In addition, the garage’s size will greatly impact the cost to build a garage.

What are the benefits of building a garage?

Building a garage can add value to a home and also provide protection for your vehicles against extreme weather conditions. Locking your vehicle in a garage instead of parking it outside can protect it against theft or vandalism as well. Finally, the added convenience in terms of storage and transitioning from outdoors to indoors is a popular perk, especially for attached garages.

How can I use my new garage space?

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 for family members finding it difficult to buy a home of their own or for long-term visitors. A garage space can be converted into a home office, art studio, family space or entertainment area as well.

The Bottom Line: A Garage Is An Investment In Your Property

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