Did you know a garage can boost home value? Garages don’t just protect your vehicles and provide extra storage space—you can also use garages as functional spaces, like workshops. This flexibility makes garages desirable for prospective buyers.
In 2025, the average 1-car garage costs $31,160 to build ($8,630–$56,800), or $36 to $105 per square foot. The cost to build a 2-car garage starts at $12,300, with an average of roughly $40,000, and a 3-car garage starts at $16,500, with an average cost of $54,500.
Alternatively, pre-built garage kits can cost as low as $5,650.
The cost to build a garage will vary depending on your garage size, attachment, design, materials used, labor costs, and more.
If your house doesn’t have a garage and you want to add one, this guide dives deep into the cost to build a garage, breaking down all the factors involved and providing accurate estimates to help guide your budget.
Garage Costs per Square Foot
The cost per square foot of a garage depends on several factors, including its size and whether or not it’s an attached structure. This cost generally goes down as the garage gets bigger, as the following table shows:
| Garage Size | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| 1-Car Garage | $36–$105 |
| 2-Car Garage | $28–$94 |
| 3-Car Garage | $27–$86 |
Source: Calculated based on individual costs and estimates provided below.
The average American household owns 1.83 cars (source: Federal Highway Administration), making 2-car garages the most popular garage size. Therefore, most garages will cost around $28–$94 per square foot to build. The higher end is for detached structures with high-end finishes, insulation, and extra storage space.
Cost to Build by Garage Size and Number of Cars
One of the most significant factors that play into garage costs is size. A larger garage will require more materials and more labor and will, therefore, be more costly than a smaller one.
For example, a 3-car garage will have more square footage (600–1,080 square feet), requiring a larger concrete slab foundation and larger garage walls, and will imply higher roofing and insulation costs than a 2-car garage.
The number of cars and the layout will also determine the size and number of garage doors. For example, a 3-car garage typically requires one single-car door and one double door, while for a 2-car garage, one double door will be enough. And that’s without considering any additional features you may want to add.
Below is a breakdown of garage prices by size:
| Garage Size | Size (square feet) | Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Car Garage | 240–540 | $8,600–$56,800 | $31,1602 |
| 2-Car Garage | 400–720 | $11,140–$67,800 | $37,900 |
| 3-Car Garage | 600–1080 | $15,260–$92,700 | $52,400 |
Source: Based on size and average per-square-foot costs
To calculate the best garage size for your needs, you must consider the size of each vehicle you own, how much storage space you need, and how much space you need for accessibility. For example, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vehicles that have a wheelchair lift or other mobility aid will require more space for opening large doors.
One-Car Garage Prices
A single-car garage is generally 12’–18′ wide by 20’–30′ deep (240–540 square feet), with costs typically ranging between $8,600–$56,800. While this size can be a useful addition, it doesn’t give you any space for extra storage. Keep this in mind when considering storage solutions.
Two-Car Garage Prices
A 2-car garage is a minimum of 20′ × 20′ (400 square feet) and can reach 24′ x 30′ (720 square feet) for larger garages that fit two large SUVs or trucks. The typical price range for a 2-car garage is $11,140–$67,800.
Three-Car Garage Prices
The average price of a 3-car garage is $52,400. These garages come in different sizes ranging from 30’–36′ wide by 20’–30′ deep (600–1,080 square feet), with costs typically falling between $15,260–$92,700.
Cost to Build a Garage by Type
As for the type of garage, attached and detached design prices will vary greatly. Deciding between the two depends on your personal preference, the available space, and your budget. Here’s an overview of each style as well as their pros and cons:
Attached Garage Cost
An attached garage for two cars costs $11,140–$60,400, with an average of $35,700. Since this style shares wall space with the house and is closer to the utilities, you can build it cheaper than a detached garage using the same materials.
The final cost, however, depends on interior finishing and other customization options.
Pros
Cons
Detached Garage Cost
In 2025, a standard 2-car detached garage costs between $20,000 and $57,000, according to HomeGuide. However, our estimates put the real cost at $12,300–$67,800, with an average of $40,100.
That’s more than 12% higher than the average cost of an attached garage. The difference in cost comes from requiring separate utility runs to get power and water from your house to the building, as well as an additional wall.
However, this style of garage is more flexible and easier to customize.
Pros
Cons
It’s worth noting that prefabricated detached metal garages are more affordable than stick-built garages since metal is cheaper than lumber and labor costs are much lower.
If you’re considering a detached garage project but are on a tight budget, a prefab metal garage might be the right fit.
Garage Materials: Cost Breakdown
The types of materials you choose greatly influence the labor and construction costs of your garage. Here is a look at the most common materials as well as a cost breakdown of associated construction necessities.
Wood (stick-built) garages are the most popular style, but they also require the most expensive materials. Metal garages, on the other hand, are more affordable, sustainable, and durable.
Foundation
Before building your garage, you must first have a foundation to support the structure. The most common types of garage foundation and their costs per square foot include:
| Foundation Type | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Concrete1 | $6–$12 |
| Asphalt2 | $7–$13 |
| Gravel3 | $1.25–$1.80 |
Sources: 1HomeGuide, 2HomeAdvisor, 3Angi
Framing
After the foundation, building a garage requires a frame. Metal is a popular material for garage frames since it’s strong and cost-effective.
Besides metal, the most common options for garage framing are lumber and concrete. Pricing for these materials ranges from $1–$5 per square foot, with an additional $4–$8 per square foot for labor.
Roofing
Adding a roof to a garage can cost $812–$13,020 for a 2-car garage, depending on the size and materials you choose. It can reach as much as $19,000 for a large 1,080-square-foot 3-car garage, depending on the material and installation (source: Calculator.net for roof area estimations and per-square-foot costs provided below).
There are many options when it comes to a garage roof, including asphalt, wood, metal, clay, and concrete roofing.
| Roofing Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles1 | $1.50–$5.50* |
| Wood2 | $7–$12.5 |
| Metal3 | $2.65–$14 |
| Clay Tiles4 | $2–$6.5 |
| Concrete5 | $3–$5 |
Source: 1Modernize, 2Roof Observations, 3howmuch, 4howmuch, 5HomeGuide
As you can see, costs vary a lot, but when making a choice, it’s essential to consider each material’s life span. For example, asphalt shingles are the least expensive, but metal is more durable and has a longer life span.
Roofing labor costs an average of $2–$3.5 per square foot, according to HomeGuide, but can be higher for some types of roofing materials.
Siding
Finishing the garage exterior and siding of a detached 2-car garage with a wall area of 690–940 square feet can cost $2,100–$14,000. You’ll want to choose a siding that’s durable, weatherproof, and within your budget. Types of common garage siding options and their cost per square foot include:
| Siding Material | Cost per Square Foot* |
|---|---|
| Wood1 | $6–$12 |
| Vinyl2 | $3–$4 |
| Metal3 | $4–$6 |
| Brick4 | $11–$15 |
*Doesn’t include installation labor.
Sources: 1Modernize, 2Homewyse, 3Homewyse, 4Modernize
Vinyl siding is the cheapest option, provides a modern look, and is also low maintenance. However, it isn’t very sturdy. On the other hand, while a brick wall can cost 10 times more, it’s non-flammable, durable, strong, and provides a classic finish.
Installation labor costs vary by material. In the case of metal and vinyl siding, labor costs $3–$6, more than doubling the cost per square foot.
Garage Door Costs
The garage door cost is a significant part of the cost of building a garage. According to Homewyse, a single-car garage door costs $735–$2,743 installed, with an average of $1,739, while double doors cost an average of $2,344 and range from $1,013–$3,674.
That means if you’re building a 3-car garage with one single and one double-door, you’re looking at almost $1,800–$6,500 in the garage doors alone, as long as you don’t choose premium materials and custom builds.
As the following table shows, these costs vary significantly depending on factors like material, size, design, insulation, and automation.
| Material | Price Range* |
|---|---|
| Steel1 | $578–$6,500 |
| Wood2,3 | $1,000–$12,500 |
| Aluminum4 | $1,240 – $3,600 |
| Vinyl5 | $900–$5,000 |
| Faux Wood1,4,5 | $600–$5,000 |
| Full-view Glass6 | $3,300–$11,750 |
| Composite7 | $750–$10,000 |
*Not including installation.
Sources: 1The Home Depot, 2HomeGuide, 3Lux Garage Doors, 4Homewyse, 5Garage Door Guides, 6Lux Garage Doors, 7Aaron Overhead Doors
Roll-up doors are the most cost-effective type of garage door and come included with prefab garages, helping you save on installation costs. Customizations such as adding garage door security features can increase the cost.
Cost of Garage Features and Factors
Once you have the basic construction of your new garage, you can factor in the costs of additional features. Here are common additions that can customize a garage to fit your needs:
| Additional Features | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Doors1 | $870–$1,680 per unit |
| Windows2 | $580–$950 per unit |
| Electricity Rough-in3 | $4–$9 per square foot |
| Wiring Run3 | $10–$25 per unit foot |
| Plumbing Rough-in4 | $4.50–$4.50 per square foot |
| Plumbing Run5 | $2.50–$15 per unit foot |
| Insulation | $0.47–$4.50 per square foot |
| Garage Door Openers6 | $440–$750 per unit |
| Building Permits7 | $150–$500 per project |
| Workshop Area | Up to $5,000 per project |
Sources: 1Homewyse, 2Homewyse, 3HomeGuide, 4HomeGuide, 5Angie’s List, 6Homewyse, 7HomeGuide.
Entry Doors
Adding an exterior entry door creates an additional exit and safety feature for the garage. Installing an entry door costs $870–$1,680 each, according to Homewyse, depending on the style, material, and security features.
Entry doors for attached garages tend to be more expensive since they have to be cut into the wall of the house.
Windows
Windows are not essential for attached garages, but they help provide natural light and are usually desirable for detached garages. According to Homewyse, the average garage window costs $580–$950 each, including installation, with the window, alone, ranging from $300–$500.
Electricity
If you plan to have electrical outlets and lighting in the garage, you can expect to pay $4–$9 per square foot plus $10–$25 per linear foot to run an underground line to the garage if it’s a detached structure, according to HomeGuide. So, you’ll pay $800–$3,600 for the rough-in plus $400–$1,000 for the wiring runs if it’s a detached structure 20 feet from the main house.
Plumbing
If you plan to add a sink or even a bathroom to your garage, you’ll have to install plumbing. Rough-in plumbing typically costs $4–$6 per square foot, according to HomeGuide.
If you’re building a detached garage, you’ll also have to factor in two piping runs (one for freshwater and one for the drain line) from your home to the garage.
This additional piping can cost $2.50–$15 per linear foot, depending on the type of tubing (source: Angi). So, if you build your garage 20′ away from the house, you’ll spend an additional $100–$600.
Insulation
Insulation is an optional add-on you must consider if you plan to spend time in the garage. Types of insulation include spray foam, blown-in, and batting, with costs ranging from $0.47–$4.50 per square foot or $188–$1,800 for the average 2-car garage size.
| Type of Insulation | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Double-Bubble1 | $0.47–$1.37 |
| Rigid Board Insulation2 | $0.60–$2.00 |
| Batt and Roll Insulation3 | $0.80–$2.60 |
| Spray Foam4 | $1.00–$4.50 |
| Woven Insulation5 | $3.00–$3.00 |
Sources: 1Amazon, 2HomeAdvisor, 3HomeGuide, 4HomeGuide, 5AFO
Insulating a garage can also come in handy. Since metal conducts heat, insulation helps regulate the temperature.
Garage Door Openers
Accessibility features like manual and automatic garage door openers add convenience and value for prospective buyers. The average cost of garage door openers, according to Homewyse, is $220–$330, with installation adding another $220–$420 for a total of $440–$750. Multiply that by two if you’re building a 3-car garage with two garage doors.
Building Permits
Before building a garage, it’s best to check the building codes in your city. You will most likely need a permit to add a permanent structure like a garage to your property, and they typically require an inspection after construction is finished.
General construction permits can cost $500–$2,000, depending on your location and the project’s scope. However, for building a new garage, they cost $150–$500, according to HomeGuide.
Either you or the contractor can apply for the building permit. If your contractor applies for it, they may charge you an additional fee.
Workshop Space
Many homeowners use their garages as workshop areas, especially detached garages. If you have this in mind, factor in essential upgrades such as plumbing, HVAC, and storage space. You can expect to pay at least $5,000 for these upgrades altogether.
Prefab vs. On-Site Garage Cost
Now, we’ll reveal a big cost-saving opportunity: prefab garages. These cost much less than garages built on-site and generally work just as well, depending on how you use the space.
Prefab Garage Cost
A prefabricated or “prefab” garage is one where the critical parts are prebuilt in a factory and delivered to the customer. A prefab garage is always detached. The average cost of a prefab garage is $15,000, with costs ranging between $5,000 and $20,000. Many prefab garage providers offer assembly and installation, which can be done in less than a day.
Prefab garages take less time to build than on-site garages and are cheaper than hiring a contractor to build a garage from scratch. Although homeowners can purchase prefab garage kits as a DIY project, building it can be a complex and time-consuming process, and any mistakes can cost you more in the end.
Pros
Cons
On-Site Garage Cost
If you decide to take the traditional route and build a garage from scratch on-site, the labor cost can be more than 50% of the total project cost. While the construction process is more expensive and takes much longer than that of a prefab, an experienced contractor can build a custom garage to meet your exact requirements.
Since building a garage from scratch requires design plans, you may also need to hire an architect for custom designs, like a drive-through garage. After completion, a garage built on-site typically provides more resale value than a prefab version.
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to build or buy a garage?
Considering labor, materials, and features, it is cheaper to buy a garage, such as a prefab kit, than to build one from scratch. Prefab garage kits can cost as low as $5,650, nearly $22,000 less than the average cost to build one.
Are prefab metal garages worth it?
Yes, it’s worth having a metal garage if you’d like a quicker, sustainable, and more affordable option. Since this type of garage is prebuilt, you’ll spend less money building it than one from the ground up. Not only are metal garages equally durable to site-built versions, but they are also rot-resistant, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance.
Do garages increase a home’s value?
Yes, garages increase a home’s value. Pocket Sense estimates that building a $27,000 garage will increase home value by $21,000. That means you immediately recover 78% of your investment. On the other hand, First American Home Warranty puts that percentage at 81%.
The reason is simple: According to Realtor Magazine, more than eight out of ten home buyers consider having a garage with storage essential when choosing a home.
A detached garage is typically more valuable than an attached garage since it gives you the freedom to do more with the space, such as using it for a workshop.
Now that you have an idea of garage costs and options, the next step is deciding the best option within your budget. Alan’s Factory Outlet’s prefab metal garages start as low as $5,650 for a 2-car garage and come with free delivery and installation. Customizing a garage has never been easier, and we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish.
What’s the average cost of a detached garage?
The average cost of a detached garage in 2025 is $12,300–$67,800, with an average of $40,100. The final cost depends on factors like size, materials, features, and local labor rates.
Is building a garage a good investment?
Yes, building a garage is a sound investment since it significantly increases home value. You can expect your home’s value to increase by roughly 80% of what you spent on the garage.
Now, you may think that you’re losing money since you didn’t recover 100% of the new garage’s cost, but you can actually recover it several times over in the long term. Here’s how that works:
- Garage or not, your home increases in value over time (something called appreciation).
- When you build a garage, since your home will now be worth more, it will increase in value faster than if you hadn’t built it.
It’s like starting off with $150 versus starting with $100. If you earn 10% after a year, you’ll have earned $15 in the first case but just $10 in the second case. That $5 difference between the two is thanks to the extra $50 you started with. The same would happen with the added value from your garage.
