The average cost to build an RV garage is $90,000
The average cost to build an RV garage is $90,000, with prices ranging anywhere from $9,000 to $180,000, depending on size.
Costs are based on factors such as garage location, type, labor, materials, and features.
You can expect to pay $40 to $140 per square foot for a typical RV garage.
Hiring a professional garage builder helps streamline the construction process, avoid common mistakes, and deliver a durable structure that complies with local regulations.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Expect to spend an average of $90,000 on an RV garage, with most projects falling within the range of $36,000 to $140,000. Your final price depends on the garage’s size, the materials you choose, local labor rates, and area-specific building codes, so it's essential to map out your budget early. A dedicated RV garage shields your rig from rough weather, lifts curb appeal, and can raise your property’s value. Hiring a professional garage builder for the project ensures the structure is safe, code-compliant, and free from costly mistakes.
Several key factors—location, size, materials, and labor—ultimately shape your project’s final price tag.
Begin by selecting the ideal location for the garage. You’ll need good drainage, straightforward access to plumbing and electrical lines, and an exterior style that blends with your home.
Where you place the garage dictates its size, materials, and the number of doors or windows you’ll need. If the site sits far from the house, plan on higher costs to run power and plumbing. Check local bylaws and building codes as well—they may limit the garage’s height or footprint.
Your RV’s length and width drive garage size—bigger rigs need bigger buildings. Expect to pay between $40 and $140 per square foot, depending on the design and materials used. A typical RV garage measures about 20 feet wide, 50 feet long, and 14 feet high.
Some homeowners opt to add extra space in the RV garage for additional features or storage. Keep in mind that some municipalities have codes that require RV garages to be a specific size; therefore, refer to your local building department for the relevant regulations.
The table below outlines the average RV garage cost by floor size, based on a standard height of 14 feet.
Square Feet | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
700 | $28,000–$98,000 |
800 | $32,000–$112,000 |
850 | $34,000–$119,000 |
900 | $36,000–$126,000 |
Whether the structure is attached to your home or stands alone is one of the biggest cost drivers for any garage, including one built for an RV.
An attached RV garage shares at least one wall with your home. Because RVs are tall, the structure has to be, too. Attached builds are less expensive than detached ones, but you’ll likely spend more on insulation to maintain steady indoor temperatures.
Because RVs are sizable, many homeowners opt for a detached garage. Detached builds often cost more, but they offer greater freedom to select wallet-friendly materials and locate the structure where it fits best.
Material choice is a significant price factor, no matter whether the garage is attached or detached. Just like a home build, everything from the foundation to the siding affects the bottom line.
The most common siding materials are vinyl, wood, brick, and metal. Vinyl siding is the most standard, ranging from $3 to $12 per square foot, while brick can run up to $20 per square foot. In addition to the main structure, you will also need to budget for other materials, including:
Roofing material prices range from $5,000 to $10,000
Garage door prices cost $1,300 to $7,000, depending on the size
Garage door opener installation costs an average of $450 each.
Window installation costs anywhere from $3,445 to $11,835
Insulation costs between $0.50 and $1.25 per square foot, approximately $350 to $875 for a standard 700-square-foot garage.
Labor to build an RV garage runs $20 to $75 per square foot—about half of the total project cost. For a precise estimate, contact local garage builders with your RV’s dimensions and design wish list, and request written quotes.
Hiring a local general contractor can be more cost-effective than hiring each specialist individually. General contractors can handle every aspect of the build, including hiring subcontractors to work on key components such as plumbing, siding, HVAC, and electrical work.
A project manager can provide you with peace of mind that the RV garage structure is safe and complies with local building codes and regulations. They can oversee the project's day-to-day operations, managing the workflow to ensure everything is done according to plan, on schedule, and on budget. They can also source all necessary construction materials and equipment to align with the planned design and budget.
You will likely need to apply for and obtain a permit to build an RV garage. Building permits cost $1,200 to $1,500, depending on your location. Check with local governing bodies or ask your general contractor to get the required building permits on your behalf.
Adding an RV garage is often a wise investment, especially in areas where RV ownership is prevalent. The expected return on investment varies, but many homeowners can recoup about 60% of their initial cost when selling their property.
The actual increase in home value depends on factors like the quality of construction, local real estate market conditions, and the garage design. Potential buyers often view a well-constructed RV garage as a premium feature, making it a significant selling point. While building an open-air carport may be less expensive, a fully enclosed RV garage offers better protection for your recreational vehicle from the elements. It provides greater security and can allow for more storage options.
A little upfront planning goes a long way toward keeping costs in check and making sure the garage works for you and your RV. Use these tips to stretch the budget without sacrificing function:
Request detailed quotes from multiple contractors to compare pricing.
Consider a simpler design with minimal architectural complexities to reduce labor and material costs.
Opt for pre-engineered metal building kits, which can be more cost-effective than traditional construction methods.
When selecting materials and components, factor in long-term maintenance, like future garage door repair costs.
Install water, electric, and sewer hookups for your RV during the construction phase.
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.
When building an RV garage, you’ll need to aim for enough clearance to move comfortably around the rig. While most RVs are roughly eight feet wide, give yourself a few extra feet on each side for safe maneuvering. A 14-foot interior height, a 12-foot-plus door width, and lengths of 40 to 45 feet cover most models. If the lot allows, consider sizing up to accommodate storage shelves or a small workshop in the future.
Storing the RV at home keeps it out of the sun, rain, and hail, which helps the paint and seals last longer and cuts repair bills. You’ll have the rig steps from your door for quick packing, routine maintenance, or spur‑of‑the‑moment trips. The garage also eliminates monthly storage fees, making it a cost-effective investment that pays for itself over time.
Choose a door that provides your tallest rooftop add-on with ample headroom. Most homeowners opt for a 12- to 14-foot-high door, which clears air conditioners, antennas, and satellite dishes with room to spare. That extra space allows you to guide the RV in and out without scrapes or last-minute adjustments.
Building an RV garage takes between six and 10 weeks for a standard standalone project and between 12 and 24 weeks for an attached multi-car garage. The construction schedule is determined by the type of garage and its design complexity. The required materials, permits, and labor required will determine the exact timeline of your project.