Your home has just about everything you could ever want. There’s even a built-in wet bar in the living room. Everyone has a space to call their own. So, what’s missing from your home? Does your home come with a garage, either attached or detached?
If not, your vehicle is sitting in your driveway exposed to the elements. You’re also losing out on some valuable storage space. Did you know the average garage costs $28,000 to build? This is a general estimate but a new garage can be expensive to build. So what goes into the cost of a garage? Knowing what impacts overall costs can make it easier for you to drop the price a bit.
Costs average anywhere from $30 to $120 per square foot. Yep, this is a ridiculously broad range and doesn’t do a lot as you’re planning a budget. If you decide to go with a professional, costs tend to be higher. You’re paying for materials and labor. Sometimes, labor costs can be higher than what you pay for materials.
The type of garage can impact the cost. Attached garages are usually cheaper to build than detached ones. Remember, an attached garage shares a wall with your home so you’re spending less on labor and materials. If you decide to add a ton of bells and whistles like built-in shelving, costs tend to go up. Obviously, a three-car garage is going to be more expensive to build compared to a one or even two-car covered structure.
Remember how we mentioned labor makes up a significant portion of your construction costs? Don’t be surprised if anywhere from 50% to 70% of expenses are related to labor. Not only are you paying the crew’s hourly or project rate. You also have material costs and don’t forget about permitting fees.
Even if your address is in an unincorporated county, the state probably still has specific building codes everyone must follow. This means getting the right permits before starting construction on your garage. What happens if you skip the permitting process? Yes, it can be a big deal. You’re probably looking at some pretty hefty fines. Construction also grinds to a halt and the garage may need to be torn down. Now, you’re starting the project all over and this means added costs.
Take a look at where the garage is going. Is the ground level and relatively clear of debris? Will you need water and electricity to run out to the garage? Chances are the answer is yes. Without electricity, you can’t install an automatic garage door. Water hookups are also nice to have in the garage. If you live in a rural area, travel times can impact costs. Sometimes, around 10% of your costs are from the garage’s intended location.
While labor takes up a large percentage of your costs, materials also add to your expenses. If you want to go the more budget-friendly route, stick with metal, cinderblock, and brick for the exterior. These materials are also durable and meet pretty much every building code standard.
Metal is your cheapest option, at around $15 to $35 per square foot. However, rust and corrosion can be problems in humid climates. Cinderblock is a tad pricier but rust isn’t an issue. If you love the look of brick, expect to pay around $30 to $45 per square foot.
Your garage needs a foundation, it’s a given. This means laying down a concrete slab. Don’t panic, too much. A garage foundation is surprisingly affordable, compared to some other costs. You can pay anywhere from $4 to $25 per square foot. This may be one of those times it pays to shop around. There really isn’t a good reason to overpay for a garage foundation. As long as the concrete sets and dries properly, you should be okay.
How much you pay for the garage roof depends on the size, material, and type. Yep, there are different types of garage roofs and this may be when you need professional advice. You don’t want a roof that leaks or isn’t designed to withstand the weather.
Building a garage isn’t cheap but it’s also an investment with a pretty decent return. Whether it’s an attached or detached garage, sometimes it’s best to go with the professionals. Even though you’re adding labor to your expenses, you end up with a garage that will last for decades.
