How much does it cost to finish a garage?
A new garage can provide storage space, a place to work, a home gym, or a laundry room. At the low end, a new garage can cost as little as $30,000, and at the high end, it can cost as much as $100,000. Any building that is more than 10 square meters and has walls on all four sides needs permission.
The cost of permission varies from place to place, but at the high end, it could cost $10,000. There are a lot of things you can add to a new garage, so we looked at what a basic, mid-range, and high-end budget can get you.
Considerations for calculating the cost of garage finishing
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Size of Garage and Doors |
Windows |
Foundation and Flooring |
|---|---|---|
|
Permits |
Insulation |
Roof |
|
Labor |
Gutters |
The Frame and Front Door |
|
Electricity and wiring |
Attached vs. Detached |
|
Size of Garage and Doors
The average cost of a new garage is between $40 and $70 per square foot.
A single-car attached garage is the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $10,500 to $27,000.
About 240 to 384 square feet are included in this size. A popular choice is a 2.5-car garage, which takes up 520 to 744 square feet and costs an average of $20,800 to $52,000. It gives you a small amount of space to work.
Permits
Local building codes may have rules as well. Rules about how a garage should be built. They usually include an inspection of the finished structure. The builder will need to get a permit before starting to work. Depending on where you live, a permit can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,500. Some Home associations could also charge extra fees for new construction.
Labor
Building a garage involves many employees. Labor is the main cost for installing the foundation, walls, roof, and electrical parts. The cost of labor can be anywhere from 50 to 70% of the total price.
Windows
Some garages feature windows in the garage door for natural light, while others don’t. Other people like to have windows put in because they let in more light or match the outside of their house. Windows cost extra, and the price is usually not included in a quote unless it is asked for. Depending on the size, style, and the number of windows, the cost of installing them ranges from $200 to $1,300.
Insulation
Wood garages can be insulated, while brick and metal garages can’t. This includes insulation that is blown in, batted in, or sprayed in.
On average, it costs anywhere from $0.50 to $2 per square foot to insulate a garage.
Pro tip takeaway: When you insulate a connected garage, it won’t affect the rest of the house’s temperature.
Gutters
Putting gutters in a new garage is a must if you want to keep water from doing long-term damage to the building. A garage door can be made of aluminum, vinyl, or steel, depending on the style of the house. The downspouts will be set up so that water doesn’t gather near the foundation. On average, a linear foot of gutter costs between $4 and $8.
Foundation and Flooring
The garage foundation is a very important part of a new garage structure, and it can sometimes cost a lot. (Kopp Construction 2020) The size of the pad is a factor in how much it will cost all together. A garage foundation costs between $1,500 and $8,500 on average, or $140 per cubic yard. Depending on how you want to use your new space, you may only need a concrete floor. Epoxy or polyurethane can fix concrete slab cracks, flaking, stains, holes, or deterioration. It sticks to the concrete floor you already have to make a long-lasting flooring solution.
Pro tip takeaway: You can make your garage floor safer by adding different colors or a mixture that won’t let you slip.
Roof
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roof. Depending on how well the materials are made, this type of roof can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years. The price of a roof can vary a lot depending on its size, style, and any extras it might have, like skylights. On average, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $10,000, and labor will add another $600 to $6,000. The price could be given per 100 square feet or per square foot.
The Frame and Front Door
Unlike a carport, a garage has four enclosed walls. Framing expenses must be added if the homeowner doesn’t use metal garage kits. Wood framing is a common and inexpensive choice.
The cost of materials is between $1 and $5 per square foot, and labor is between $4 and $8 per square foot. For a detached exterior door, the front door can be simple or have a high level of security. The average cost is between $100 and $2,500.
Electricity and wiring
Putting electricity into a garage is a common and useful feature, but it costs extra. People can use garages, power tools, and other electrical equipment at night. Some rules limit the amount of electricity needed for an automatic garage door. On average, it costs between $6 and $10 per square foot to build a garage with electricity and wiring.
Attached vs. Detached
Whether connected or detached, a new garage costs $40 to $70 per square foot. An attached garage usually costs about 10 to 15% less than a detached garage. This is because it shares a wall with the house, making it easier to pull electrical wiring.
Different garages and their finishing costs
A variety of garages are discussed in this section.
1. Basic Garage
2. In the middle
3. Affluent
Basic garage cost
$30-$40k for a basic garage
A basic garage bay is 3.5 by 6 meters. For a basic budget, a standalone garage is preferable to one attached to your home. It requires more engineering, design, and consents.
Cars can be 5.5m long and 1.9m broad, leaving little room in a single garage.
Mid-range garage cost estimate
$45,000 – $60,000
Mid-range homes have a double garage, concrete floor, workstation, storage, and laundry. As with a single garage, double garages (two bays) are priced per square meter (7 x 6 meters). Automated sectional doors are better than roller doors. Plasterboard or plywood can be used to give your walls a more sophisticated appearance. (The spruce 2021)
In this price range, you might also include a basic garage that is connected to the house. Experts suggest repurposing a connecting garage.
Structural plywood can be used to line garage walls to improve their appearance.
If you include laundry in the garage, make sure it has direct access to the house and is separated from the garage. Insulate the laundry area so “you don’t freeze too much in winter.”
Affluent garage cost estimate
High-end garage cost is estimated at $60,000+
An affluent garage also known as a high-end garage has three or more car spaces, a workshop, auto storage, and recreational areas. It is lined and insulated. High-end locations have water, power, and possibly a bathroom.
Another option for a high-end garage on a tight site is a vehicle turntable. These are 4m – 5.5m in diameter (for one or two vehicles) and can be installed inside the garage if needed. The turntable is 100mm below the completed driveway level. It’s operated from within the car. The price of a single turntable is approximately $21,000, including GST.
In a high-end space installing a gym, bar, or entertainment area is popular. Automation and high technology are key to making the space easy to use. Automating sounds, displays, temperature, and curtains might cost up to $30,000.
Extra costs and things to think about
After deciding on the basic layout of a new garage, consider its design and use. A popular and useful feature that doesn’t cost too much is an automatic garage door opener. Plumbing or an HVAC system that is made for you will cost more. Cabinetry, appliances, and finishing are extra expenditures. These extra features can help create a garage that is both useful and unique.
Are You Ready To Remodel Your Garage
Calling a contractor and asking how much a garage will cost is more complicated. It leads to a slew of questions. Prepare to spend some time determining the type of garage and its features. A new garage can cost $50,000 or more. A good investment can produce the practical retreat you desire. It’s a place to fidget with tools, interact with neighbors, or practice gardening skills. A nice garage will also be a big plus if you ever decide to sell your house. When hiring a garage contractor, be sure to know their benefits and cons
Even if the project is small, a general contractor can be very helpful. Smart Remodeling LLC is a reliable company with an A+ rating and has been in business in Houston for a while. To set up a free consultation, send an email to sales@smartremodelingllc.com. You can call Smart Remodeling LLC at 832-808-8889. We will save you time and money.
Smart Remodeling LLC is a company that knows a lot about home improvement. We offer the finest council, saving you time and money.
