Expect to spend about $26,400 to build a detached garage, with most projects ranging from $19,200 to $33,600. Size, materials, and labor rates all impact the total price.
Major cost drivers include location, size, and quality of materials.
A detached garage can be used for more than just parking your vehicles. They’re also customizable workspaces for storage, hobbies, or office needs.
Siding for your garage adds anywhere from $1 to $30 per square foot to your project cost.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
A detached garage costs $26,400 on average but can range from $9,600 to $75,600. Many homeowners build a detached garage to boost property value, secure parking, and carve out extra workspace. Solid budgeting for this project is essential. Because most people take on a project like this only once every few years, it pays to get the details right.
Several factors shape the final price tag of a detached garage. Knowing how each one affects your bottom line helps you set an accurate budget from day one.
If you need to fit more cars in your garage, you’ll pay more. Here’s what costs you can expect based on garage size:
Number of Cars | Square Footage | Total Cost |
---|---|---|
1 | 240–384 | $9,600–$26,900 |
2 | 360–480 | $14,400–$33,600 |
3 | 700–860 | $28,000–$60,200 |
4 | 800–1,080 | $32,000–$75,600 |
Where you place the garage matters. If it sits far from existing plumbing or electric service, running new lines adds material and labor costs. Installing the structure closer to your house keeps those expenses in check.
Every garage starts with a solid slab. Pouring a concrete foundation runs about $4 to $8 per square foot, or roughly $1,000 to $8,600 for most builds.
Labor adds 60% to your material bill. Most homeowners spend $3,000 to $15,000 on professional help, with electricians charging another $1,000 to $3,800 to wire the space—up to $5,000 for complex layouts.
The cost of siding for your garage varies by material type, with costs ranging per square foot:
Vinyl siding: $3 to $12 per square foot
Stucco siding: $7 to $9 per square foot
Wood siding: $1 to $15 per square foot
Fiber cement siding: $2 to $14 per square foot
Brick siding: $10 to $20 per square foot
Stone siding: $7 to $30 per square foot
Installing the roof runs $4 to $5 per square foot. Total costs land between $6,000 and $13,000, depending on the garage’s size, ventilation or gutter needs, and the material you choose—budget‑friendly asphalt versus higher‑priced metal or tile.
Adding insulation costs $0.30 to $6.75 per square foot, while ceiling insulation comes in at roughly $1 to $4 per inch of board foot. Proper insulation stabilizes temperatures and can trim your energy bills.
Plan on around $2.75 per square foot to paint the interior and $1.50 to $4 per square foot for the exterior. The exact price hinges on how much paint the project needs and the brand you pick.
Installing a single‑car garage door costs $750 to $1,700. Expect to pay far more—often 200% to 300% extra—if you opt for glass panels or another custom design.
Building a detached garage on your own puts materials between $5,000 and $25,000 on your ledger. Because labor adds roughly 60% to the total, handling a few tasks—like painting—can shave thousands off the final bill.
That said, a garage is a complex structure. Anything involving framing, wiring, or code compliance is best left to a local garage builder who can keep the project safe and up to code.
Ready to get started? Connect with a garage builder near you.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
A well‑constructed, properly permitted detached garage adds between $12,000 and $36,000 to a home’s resale value. Buyers appreciate the secure parking, extra storage, and flexible workspace, so appraisers often bump the property’s value accordingly. The exact return depends on the garage’s size, finishes, and how well it matches the main house, but most homeowners see a strong ROI when the build meets local codes and passes inspection.
Yes—once it meets local building codes and you secure the proper permits, a detached garage can be converted into living space. Finishing the interior, adding climate control, and ensuring safe egress effectively increase your usable square footage, though it may not always count toward the official listing. Skipping permits can trigger fines and even force you to undo the work, so always clear plans with your city first.
Most homeowners policies cover a detached garage under the “other structures” provision, but coverage limits vary. Review your declarations page and ask your agent how much protection you have for separate structures. If the limit is lower than the garage’s replacement cost, you can raise it for a modest premium. Confirming the details now prevents headaches if you ever need to file a claim.