Garages are a valuable extension to the home, as they offer the perfect storage place for many items, the primary one being vehicles. It also adds resale value to your home if you’re planning to sell it. Deciding to add a new garage to the house means you have to consider the cost implications. Building a garage usually costs around $29,476. It usually depends on the size, exterior materials, and whether it’s attached or detached. As you keep adding amenities like windows and workstations, the price keeps climbing.
In this blog, we have covered how much you can expect to pay and the factors influencing the cost.
What is the Cost of Adding a Garage to a House?
The average cost to build a garage is $35 to $60 per square foot. If you’re planning to build 1 car garage, you may have to spend somewhere between $7,500 and $14,200. On the other hand, the cost of adding a 2-car garage ranges between $19,600 to $28,200. The cost keeps rising with the increase in space. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost of adding a garage to your house -
Cost to Build a Garage Per Square Foot
When working with a professional, you are expected to pay around $50 per square foot. However, a simple attached garage may cost you as low as $30 per square foot, whereas a detached and high-end garage may cost up to $120 per square foot. Here’s a breakdown of the cost based on garage size -
| Garage Size | Average Cost |
| 12 x 12 Sq. Ft. | $7,200 - $28,800 |
| 18 x 20 Sq. Ft. | $10,800 - $43,200 |
| 20 x 20 Sq. Ft. | $12,000 - $48,000 |
| 20 x 22 Sq. Ft. | $13,200 - $52,800 |
| 22 x 22 Sq. Ft. | $14,500 - $58,100 |
| 32 x 22 Sq. Ft. | $21,100 - $84, 500 |
| 32 x 34 Sq. Ft. | $23,000 - $92,200 |
Note: While calculating the garage size, it is advisable to consider the size of the cars you have.
Cost to Build Attached or Detached Garage
An attached garage door is considered more cost-effective than a detached garage door. However, the final price includes the interior finishing, driveway paving, and other facilities needed. An attached 1-car garage mostly costs around $7,500 to $12,500, a 2-car garage can go up to $14,100, and a 4-car garage may cost around $42,700.
On the other hand, a detached garage can cost you an average of $20,000 to $57,600. The total price may depend on the amenities and facilities you’d want to add, in addition to any living space. The cost may also vary depending on the need for an extra wall, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical connections.
Cost of Adding a Site-Built or Prefab Garage
A prefabricated garage is more affordable than a custom-built garages. It usually costs around $7,200 for a 2-car garage, excluding the concrete slab or gravel foundation. This is because it already has the necessary materials and does not require the involvement of a garage installation company.
Cost of Foundation Installation and Framing
Foundations and framing can make up a huge portion of the cost. An average garage foundation may cost around $2,000 to $7,000. The framing cost may depend on the material used, as mentioned below:
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot |
| Brick | $27 - $45 |
| Metal | $3,000 - $22,000 |
| Stick-Built | $40 - $70 |
| Cinderblock | $29 - $62 |
| Prefab Pole Barn | $40 - $85 |
| Brick-Veneered | $5 - $30 |
Cost of Adding Garage Walls
Garage interior walls cost between $4 and $17 per square. The cost mostly depends on the materials of the wall and the finished look. For example, drywall installation costs are higher than MDF and faux brick. However, most building codes recommend using unfinished drywall, as they are fire resistant. Here’s a breakdown of the cost -
| Garage Finishing | Cost Per Square Foot |
| Before Adding Panels | |
| Drywalls | $1.80 |
| Garage Walls Panels or Planks | |
| PVC | $1.90 |
| Metal Wall | $1.90 |
| Bamboo Wall | $2.30 |
| Galvanized Steel | $8.00 |
| Rosewood MDF | $12.00 |
| Faux Brick | $14.00 |
| Concrete Block | $14.75 |
| Melamine Slatwall | $1.75 |
| Texture and Paint | |
| Drywall Plaster Application | $2 - $10 Per Square Foot |
| Paint | $1.50 |
Cost of Sidings
The cost to install sidings varies depending on the material, the size of the garage, etc. You can expect to pay anywhere between $0.70 and $18 per square foot. Here’s a cost breakdown of siding depending on the materials -
| Siding Material | Cost Per Square Foot |
| Vinyl | $0.70 - $3 |
| Brick | $11 - $15 |
| Wood | $3 - $10 |
| Stone | $11 - $18 |
| Aluminum | $4 - $7 |
| Fiber Cement | $6 - $10 |
| Engineered Wood | $3 - $8 |
Cost of Garage Insulation
Insulation helps keep the space cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It may help to cut down the energy bills. On average, the cost of garage insulation may range from $1,900 to $7,700 or $4,700. The actual price may vary depending on the addition of labor and material costs.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of insulating a garage -
| Insulation Type | Average Cost Per Square Feet |
| Batt | $0.90 |
| Blown In | $1.50 |
| Spray Foam | $2.75 |
Conclusion
In addition to the cost factors mentioned above, other factors, such as window installation, garage doors, roofing, gutters, electric works, etc., also influence the cost of adding a garage to the house. If you’re looking to add a garage, it is advisable to talk to your local contractor for a better understanding of the cost. This is because the cost also varies depending on the geographical location.
