Cost to Build a Garage

A GENERAL OVERVIEW ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE COST OF BUILDING GARAGES

Whether you are looking to build a structure to protect your vehicles or need extra space to store your kids’ toys, garages are a perfect place that can serve multiple purposes. From a guest house to workshop, studio, warehouse, or play areas, these backyard buildings are incredibly versatile.

Garages can either be detached or attached; if you are looking to install one, you must know the cost to build a prefab garage and the factors that might impact the price. From a three car attached garage with living space to a smaller outbuilding used to store your RV – some factors will be obvious. But many of them may surprise you!

The average cost to build a garage ranges from $35 to $60 per square foot. For a single car garage, you’ll need to pay anywhere from $7,500 – $14,200. For a double car, the cost range increases to $19,600 and $28,200, while for a triple car, your budget should be around $28,200 to $42,700.

The table below shows some average prices to give you an estimate:

Minimum Cost

$7,500

Maximum Cost

$42,700

National Average Cost

$23,900

Average Range

$19,600 to $28,200

This blog further discusses all the details you need to keep in mind to know the cost to build a steel garage kit.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE COST OF GARAGE CONSTRUCTION

Many factors add to the total cost of the structure. Whether you need to build a garage from scratch or demolish your old one to replace it with a new one, multiple considerations exist. Some of the most common factors are:

1. DEMOLITION

Is your home as old as the hills? Chances are, it is worn out, and you feel the need to get back to square one—time to pull down your old structure.

2. DIMENSION

The price depends on the size of the structureyou choose. It’s the most significant factor which will let you know the amount of change you will be spending. If you need a small garage for storage purposes, it won’t cost you a lot.

But as you keep increasing the size, depending on your needs, whether you need a single car garage or a double, the prices will get higher accordingly.

The table below shows the prices for standard garage dimensions:

Standard Dimension

Number of CarsCost/Square Foot

Total Sq. Ft.

Average Cost ($50 per square ft.)

12’x24’

1

288

$14,400

14’x28’

1-1.5

392

$19,600

20’x20’

2

400

$20,000

24’x24’

2-3

576

$28,800

36’x24’

3-4

864

$43,200

3. PERMIT COST

Don’t forget to check with your local building department before laying your structure foundation. Building permits are mandatory to make sure your garage building complies with your local codes and ordinances.

Moreover, if you plan to accessorize your building with insulation, power, and water, you need individual permits for each utility you plan to install.

For all the permits, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,500.

4. LABOR COST

Your project cannot go further without labor. The cost of labor depends on your zip code. Every area has different labor costs. The labor cost is measured per square foot.

The average cost ranges from $20 – $30 per square foot. The price, however, does not include accessorizing the garage. The rate increases with each utility you add to the project.

5. POURING THE FOUNDATION

For foundation, you need to pour a concrete slab. The cost of the concrete slab is $140 per cubic yard. The garage foundation can cost you around $2,000 – $7,000, depending on the size.

You can expect to pay around $2,039 – $3,191 for a single-car garage that has a dimension of around 16’ x 24’. The cost of a two-car structure with a dimension of 24′ x 24′ can cost you between $3,059 and $4,787.

The cost range of a triple garage with standard dimensions of 36’ x 24’ lies in between $4,587 – $7,179.

The above price ranges are for a 4” deep concrete slab.
The more you increase the dimensions and depth, the more you’ll have to pay.

6. GARAGE FRAMING

The next step to build a garage is its framing. Framing provides the necessary support to the walls of the structure. It can be made from different materials such as wood, concrete blocks, or steel.

The framing can cost anywhere between $1 to $5 per square ft., depending on the material you choose. The labor cost for framing is $4 to $ 8 per square ft.

7. GARAGE SIDING

For an attached structure, you need siding that matches the style of your home. The siding can be made from various materials, each of which has a different cost than the other. Here are some types of sidings along with their cost range:

• Vinyl Siding: Vinyl Siding is preferred by many people because it is cost-effective and easy to maintain. Vinyl siding can cost you between $0.7 – $3 per square ft. The only problem that comes with vinyl siding is that it may not always compliment your home’s exterior. It isn’t easy to pair vinyl with historic or vintage homes.
• Metal Siding: Metal siding is also cost-effective and requires less maintenance as compared to wood. It can be easily cleaned with soap water. Metal siding is also longer-lasting than other materials.
  However, you may not always be able to install it yourself. Since metal is a good conductor of heat, your garage might need some insulation to regulate the temperature. The cost of metal siding is $3 – $8 per sq. ft.
• Concrete Siding: If you aim for a timeless look for your building, concrete is the best option. Moreover, concrete is weather-proof and fire-resistant and requires zero maintenance.
  However, installing concrete siding can bore a hole in your pocket. The cost range of concrete lies between $11 – $15 per sq. ft.
• Wood Siding: Though aesthetically appealing, wood is difficult to maintain. It is also extremely flammable and expensive. A wood siding can cost you around $3 – $10 per square ft.
• Fiber Cement:the cost of fiber cement siding per square ft. is $6 – $10 per square ft. fiber cement is fairly new to the world of siding materials. It can resemble both wood and bricks and is visually appealing. It is also long-lasting.

8. GARAGE CEILING

Ceilings can cost you anywhere between $1.80 to $10 per square foot. The material options for garage ceilings are cork, drywall, wood, gypsum, Styrofoam tiles, or plastic tiles.

If you spend much time in the garage, the ceiling should be insulated. If you live in a place where the temperature is perfect all year round, you might not need to insulate the ceiling.

9. INSULATION COST

Ceilings can cost you anywhere between $1.80 to $10 per square foot. The material options for garage ceilings are cork, drywall, wood, gypsum, Styrofoam tiles, or plastic tiles.

If you spend much time in the garage, the ceiling should be insulated. If you live in a place where the temperature is perfect all year round, you might not need to insulate the ceiling.

• The cost range of Batt insulation is between $1000 to $2000.
• The cost of loose-fill insulation or blown-in insulation ranges between $1000 to $2000. The price range of Batt insulation and blown-in insulation is almost the same.
• Sprayfoam is the most expensive option when it comes to insulation. It can cost you between $1,300 to $3,700.

10.  WINDOW COST

It is not necessary to install windows inside the garage. However, if you plan to spend more time inside the garage, then having natural light feels good. It can cost you around $100 to $600 per window.

Most detached structures use just one window, while larger garages like a double garage with a workshop area or closets for storage can use as many as three windows.

The cost of the windows depends on the material you use. For residential windows, you can use steel, vinyl, wood frames, or composite.

The windows can be further accessorized with shutters, paints, glass, or UV protection film. You can choose from multiple panel options available like single panel, double panel, or triple panel.

11. SKYLIGHT

You can replace the windows with a skylight if you want. Skylights have different prices depending upon which one you choose. 22″ x 22″ Velux full glass windows in your roof cost $140. The solar-powered light of the same dimension is $331.

12. GARAGE DOORS

Depending on the size, style, material, quality, and finish, garage door installation will cost you anywhere between $550 to $1,800. Not to mention accessories like garage door openers. These prices also include labor costs.

The table below shows the cost range for different garage door materials.

Material

Average Cost

Steel Doors

$258 to $3,170

Wooden Garage Doors

$500 to $1,230

Wood Composite Doors

$800 to $2,000

Faux Wood

$800 to $2,000

Aluminum Doors

$510 to $1,400

Fiberglass Doors

$870 to $1,500

13. ACCESSORIZING THE GARAGE

You can make the structure more usable by adding features like running water, electricity, storage, space, and cabinets to it. These will add more to the total cost of the garage.

14. DRIVEWAY COST

If you are planning to build a detached garage, a driveway is necessary. The cost of a driveway depends on the type you choose.

• Gravel Driveway: Gravel Driveway is the cheapest option for the detached garage. The average cost of the gravel driveway ranges from $1.25 to $2 per square foot. The bigger the area of the driveway, the more the cost increases.
• Asphalt Driveway: Asphalt Driveway takes the lead over Gravel when it comes to maintenance, and the finished look of Asphalt is much nicer. The cost of an Asphalt driveway is between $2.50 and $4.50 per square foot.
• High-end Driveway: As per the name, these are luxurious driveways, and you can expect to pay $20 per square foot and above. These driveways are insulated and offer a lot of utility during harsh winters.

BUILDING TECHNIQUES

With emerging technology, structures can now be built using different techniques. In earlier times, the only technique available was to build the garage from scratch. Below are a few techniques used in building a garage.

1. BUILT FROM SCRATCH

You can build a garage from scratch either by yourself or with the help of a professional garage builder. No matter which way you choose, the finished garage will be built exactly as per your preferred specifications.

2. MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Modular construction is the construction of a garage that is assembled in two major pieces at the job site. The pieces are joined together once they are transported to their final destination. After joining, the garage is given a finishing touch. These garages are more common in two-story.

3. PREFABRICATED SECTIONS

Some manufacturers offer prefab parts for a detached structure that are assembled at the construction facility. You can contact the manufacturer before ordering the sections and also get prefab sections as per your specs.

4. FULLY CONSTRUCTED

You can get a completely pre-built detached garage for single car designs. Since the construction is done off-site, this option is the cheapest to build a garage. Once the design is ready, the structure components are transported to the location for easy installation.

PURCHASING PREFAB STEEL GARAGE KITS

Steel garage kit is a preferred choice for many people because of the many benefits it offers.

Maverick Steel Buildings provides pre-engineered metal garage kits in a variety of sizes and specifications. They ensure that the design meets your area regulations and codes. You can get a free quote from our website.

CONCLUSION:

The cost to build a metal garage can fluctuate because of many factors. These factors include the cost of driveways, foundation, garage kits, accessories, labor cost, and much more. The average cost to build a garage is between $35 to $60 per square foot, and the average range is $9,600 to $28,200.

It is always a good idea to add a nice structure to your home. It is not only visually appealing, but it also adds value to your property. Reach out to our team today to learn more about how we can help you erect the steel garage building of your dreams.