A garage may be a space to store your car, but it can also add functionality to your house, serve as a workshop, or as extra storage. However, the construction of one always sends shivers up people’s spines due to its price. Happily, building a garage doesn’t have to break the bank.
With careful planning and smart choices, you can afford a budget-friendly garage that ticks all the right boxes without having to give in on quality. The cost of building a garage differs greatly, but one can make it without having to overspend on such a project.
A great deal of variation depends upon the type of garage one would like to have, size, materials, labor, and location. Here’s a detailed guide on how to build a garage at a more affordable cost, considering all the main aspects.
Garage Building Cost Estimate: By Type
First, the choice of the type of garage needs to be made since this will guide the whole estimation of the total cost to finish a garage because garages come in different configurations and different types have different price points.
Attached Garage: An attached garage would be less expensive as compared to a detached garage because an attached garage will share at least one wall with the house. A basic attached garage might cost as low as $10,000 to $20,000. More customized options or large attached garages could be as high as $25,000 but would again be less costly than a detached one.
Detached Garage
Detached garages are separate buildings and as a result, are fully founded, walled, and roofed, adding to the expense. However, a small or even modestly designed detached garage might start at between $15,000 and $35,000, while on the other extreme, the deluxe varieties may reach $40,000.
Single-Car Garage
If you still plan to make it a garage for a single automobile only, then this is the cheapest type, and you can get an estimate of from $7,000 up to $15,000. The prices go higher if you have some additional requirements, such as insulation or electricity.
Two-Car Garage
The two-car garage offers additional room, and the cost can range from $15,000 to $30,000 according to material and design. It is perfect with much flexibility for parking cars or even another storage unit.
Three-Car Garage
A three-car garage is larger and mostly preferred by bigger families or even those who need to store other stuff. A cost estimate ranges from $25,000 to $45,000.
Garage Building Cost Estimate: By Size
Another significant detail in estimating the final cost is the size of the garage. A bigger garage consumes more material and labor. Therefore, ensure you opt for a suitable size according to your needs and budget.
| Garage Size | Average Cost | 1-Car Garage | 2-Car Garage | 3-Car Garage | Large Garage or Workshop |
| 12 x 24 Feet | $7,000 – $15,000 | ✓ | |||
| 20 x 20 Feet | $12,000 – $22,000 | ✓ | |||
| 24 x 24 Feet | $15,000 – $30,000 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 36 x 24 Feet | $25,000 – $45,000 | ✓ | |||
| 40 x 60 Feet | $50,000 – $75,000 | ✓ |
What Pricing Factors to Consider When Building a Garage?
Here is an overview that will guide you through the essential cost-determining factors and provide insight into how you can build an affordable garage suited to your lifestyle.
1. Materials Cost
Using cheaper materials can help bring down the general cost of your garage. Listed below are some of the most common materials used and how they impact cost.
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Foundation | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| Framing | $8 to $20 per square foot |
| Vinyl Siding | $1 to $5 per square foot |
| Roofing | $1 to $3 per square foot |
| Insulation | $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot |
| Plumbing | $500 to $1,500 |
| Electrical Wiring | $200 to $500 |
2. Permits and Regulations
You have to obtain local permits through your municipality before constructing. The permit costs range between $100 to $500 depending on your locality and the garage size you want. Don’t forget to add these costs to your budget.
You will also have to make sure that your garage complies with local zoning and building codes. The modifications to achieve this may be significant, so check with local regulations as early as you can in the planning stage.
3. Labor Costs
Labor cost is the most significant chunk of your budget for a garage. These vary depending on your locality and the specific contractor to hire, but labor costs typically fall between $30 and $50 per hour. You can genuinely save off your entire cost if you opt for a smaller, simpler garage; this means that it will not take much time for the contractors to complete the job. On average, labor costs for a budget garage can range anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000.
4. Location and Climate
You live in a location where the cost of garage construction varies. Labor costs and material costs are cheaper by many folds in rural areas compared to that in urban locations.
In colder climates, you may need insulation, which would add $200 to $1,000 to your total bill. In case of high wind or heavy snowfall, you may also need to strengthen the structure, costing $500 to $3,000 more.
5. Garage Door and Windows
A basic manual garage door will run between $400 and $1,000. If you opt for an automatic door opener or any fiberglass garage door, that could add an additional $500 to $1,000. Keeping it manual saves you from such extra costs.
The average cost to add windows to a garage is anywhere from $100 to $600 per window. Although an added expense, most detached garages have at least one window, while a greater 2-car garage with a workshop area or storage features may have as many as three windows.
6. HVAC
Many garages don’t need HVAC systems, but if you want to add that in, it will make the whole price higher. Heating or cooling can be installed for a small space heater or portable air conditioner costing from $300-$800 as compared to installing a full HVAC system.
7. Customization/Add-ons
Customizing your garage can greatly inflate your expenses, but it is still possible to have useful functions with a limited budget.
- Storage: Basic shelves or workbenches can cost between $200 and $1,000 depending on the material. Pre-assembled storage units are usually the cheapest.
- Security: These may carry general security elements, for instance, motion-sensing lights or cheap cameras. The charge can be from $100 to $500. For a more advanced security system containing alarms, surveillance, or similar, it can range from $300 to $1,500.
Affordable Garage Construction with Smart Remodeling LLC
It’s getting an estimate for your garage with a contractor that opens the doors to a series of questions concerning what you want, how big you want it, and what features you will need. A garage can go as low as $15,000 and up to $50,000 or more depending on your options, but it could be something to give you a hobby space, room for storage, and even add value to your home when you go to sell it.
Hiring a contractor simplifies the process even for small projects as they manage materials, labor, and timelines. Smart Remodeling LLC is one of Houston’s top companies and has an A+ rating; their professionals will assist you in ensuring that your garage meets your needs.
To schedule a free consultation where they will assist you in saving time and money, you can email us at sales@smartremodelingllc.com or dial 832-808-8889.
Conclusion
These are just rough estimates, and your garage construction may cost more or less, depending on your specific requirements, the contractors you will use, and the materials you will select. You should get quotes from several contractors, establish a clear budget, and plan for contingencies that may occur in the process.Garage conversion depends on what you decide on in your region, coupled with the additional features you will need. Decisive material choices, along with simplifying the design complexity, are actions that you can take to assist you in creating a useful and long-lasting garage on a relatively tight budget. You need to ask for different quotes by various contractors; set a budget and prepare for any additional costs you might incur.
FAQs
1. Does a garage increase home value?
Yes. A garage can add value to your home, especially if it is built well and provides additional storage or workspace.
2. Can I build a garage on a tight budget?
Yes. You can build a garage on a small budget if you want a smaller garage, use only basic materials, and minimize the number of customizations you make.
3. How long does it take to build a garage?
A garage takes anywhere from 1 week up to 4 weeks to complete, all depending on size and complexity.
4. How will I get the right size for my garage?
Your needs may include the number of vehicles, the storage you will need, and any additional space that you may like to have for hobbies or work. Measuring your available space and consulting with a contractor can help determine size.
