Garage Cost Estimator
Enter the garage size and finish level for a realistic construction budget.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
Garage cost = structure + slab + systems:
- Basic shell (~$55/sq ft): framed, roofed, sided — unfinished inside. A dry place to park.
- Finished (~$75/sq ft): drywall, paint, trim — a workshop-grade space.
- Heated + finished (~$110/sq ft): insulation, HVAC tie-in — year-round usable space.
- Slab (~$8/sq ft): 4" reinforced slab with footings; skipping it isn't an option for a real garage.
- Size economics: a 3-car isn't 3x a 1-car — shared walls and roof make bigger cheaper per sq ft.
- ROI: a 2-car garage returns ~60–65% at resale — build it for use, not profit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a garage?
Roughly $55/sq ft basic, $75 finished, $110 heated — a 2-car (480 sq ft) finished garage ≈ $40,000–45,000.
Is attached or detached cheaper?
Attached is 10–20% cheaper — one shared wall and tied into the house's electrical and HVAC.
How much is the concrete slab?
About $8/sq ft for a 4" reinforced slab with footings — ~$3,800 for a 2-car garage.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, in almost all jurisdictions — plus setback rules from property lines. Budget $500–2,000 for permits.
What size garage do I need?
1-car ~12×20 ft, 2-car ~20×24 ft, 3-car ~24×30 ft. Add 2 ft of depth if you want storage in front of the cars.
Does a garage add home value?
Yes — roughly 60–65% of cost recouped at resale. Build it for your use; the value is a bonus.
Heated garage worth it?
In cold climates, yes for usability — but it nearly doubles the build cost. Insulate at minimum; add heat later.
How long does it take to build?
4–8 weeks for a typical detached garage, weather and permits permitting.
Prefab vs stick-built?
Prefab kits save 10–20% but limit customization; stick-built matches the house and appraises better.
What about a carport instead?
A carport runs ~$15–25/sq ft — a quarter of a garage. Fine for weather protection, useless for security or storage.