Building a garage is a valuable investment that adds value to your home and gives you the space to store vehicles, tools, or household items. It also allows you to customize the space by adding a workbench, built-in cabinets, or a fridge. The cost of a garage depends on the size, material type, and finishing options. It also includes the installation of a door, driveway paving, and any living space above the garage.
Materials
Garages are a popular home addition that boosts curb appeal and protects cars from the elements. While the price of a new garage varies depending on how much space homeowners want to add and the level of frills they opt for, there are some standard costs that most projects will incur.
The frame of the garage is another major cost. The material that is used can have a huge impact on the total cost, so it is important to choose wisely. Wood frames are cheaper but susceptible to rot and termite infestations. Concrete/cinder blocks are more expensive but can stand up to hurricanes and other severe weather conditions more easily. Some homeowners opt for a brick garage, but this is typically expensive and difficult to insulate. A better option is to use a brick veneer over a wood or metal frame, which can reduce the overall cost by about half.
Drywall is not a necessity, but it can help to make the interior of the garage more functional and comfortable. It will also be necessary if the garage is going to have electrical wiring and outlets installed. It is a good idea to have drywall installed by an experienced contractor as it can be tricky and may require additional work such as patching or painting.
Gutters are a simple addition that can save homeowners from costly repairs in the future. They can prevent water damage to the foundation and landscaping around the garage by directing rainwater away from the structure. Some homeowners also choose to install gutters on the roof to avoid damage from ice and snow.
Windows are a nice finishing touch to a garage, but they can be quite expensive. A window installation can cost between $300 and $2,100, depending on the size and style of the window. Other optional additions include an automatic garage door, which can cost between $600 and $2,600, and insulation, which can reduce energy costs by limiting drafts and cold air from entering the garage.
Labor
Adding a garage is a big construction project that requires significant professional experience. It is often more cost effective to hire a contractor for this type of work than to attempt to do it yourself. Construction mistakes that are made by inexperienced homeowners can result in expensive repair bills and even injury or death.
Depending on the size and features of your garage, you will need to include plumbing and electrical costs in your budget. These upgrades are essential to protect your car and other expensive items stored inside the garage. They are also necessary if you want to install electric vehicle charging stations. In addition, you will need drywall, insulation, and painting. These materials typically add up to the majority of the cost of a garage build.
In addition to the costs of materials, you will need to consider labor for your garage building project. According to Fixr, the average amount spent on labor for a garage project is $20-$30 per square foot. Labor costs can vary significantly, however, and are dependent on several factors, including your geographic location and the local cost of living. Labor costs may also be higher if your home is located in a remote area and contractors must travel long distances to get to the job site.
Many homeowners choose to add additional features to their garages, such as a workspace or storage solutions. Workbenches and built-in cabinets can increase the cost by a few thousand dollars. Adding windows or skylights can make the garage feel more like a usable space and allow for natural light. They can also increase the overall value of your home.
Another important consideration is the need to comply with local regulations and obtain a building permit. These costs can vary by region, but on average cost between $1,200 and $1,500. You may also need to hire a land surveyor to locate the property boundaries before beginning construction. Finally, you will likely need to pay for land clearing services to remove any obstacles that are in the way of construction.
Permits
Before construction begins, it’s important to acquire local permits for your project. This will typically cost between $200 and $1,500 and can be handled by your contractor or yourself depending on your municipality’s requirements. Typically, the permit will verify that your garage complies with local ordinances and codes. It will also allow you to wire your structure for electricity and water, if necessary.
The first step in the permitting process is to submit a drawing of your project, which will be reviewed by your municipality’s building department. Once approved, you’ll need to pay the fees associated with the permit, which varies by location. In addition, you may need to obtain permits for utilities, which can add another $200 to $1,500 to the cost of your project.
If you’re planning on adding a second floor to your garage, you’ll need to get a permit for that as well. This can be a bit more expensive as you’ll need to hire a structural engineer to review your structure to ensure it meets all the proper requirements for safety and stability.
Once your permit is in hand, it’s time to start construction! Your builder will need to prepare the foundation for concrete, which requires an inspection as well. Rough inspections will be needed before the framing is complete, ensuring that the structure matches your plans and adheres to building guidelines set by your municipality.
If your garage is large enough, you’ll need to install gutters to protect it from rain and snow. These can cost an additional $2,000 to $2,500 on top of your overall construction costs.
Many garages require insulation to keep them warm and to reduce noise levels from vehicles reversing in and out of the space. This can cost an additional $1,000 to $2,500 on top of your construction costs.
While it’s possible to save money by building a garage yourself, hiring a professional is often the best option for most homeowners. This will save you time and money in the long run, and can help to avoid costly mistakes that could end up delaying your project or raising its overall price tag.
Sitework
The amount of sitework needed will vary based on your specific garage build and what features you choose to include. For example, if you’re looking for a fully-insulated garage that stays warm in the winter and opens at the push of a button, or if you want to add garage lighting, these costs will increase your overall construction expenses.
Another important cost to consider is the cost of materials, which will vary depending on what you choose. This includes lumber for framing, siding and roofing materials, nails and screws, insulation material, and so on. You should also factor in the cost of any professional services that you may need – for instance, a contractor or engineer can charge a fee to assist with planning and design.
Stick-building offers the most flexibility when it comes to design customization, but this means that you’ll have to buy more building materials without the benefit of bulk pricing discounts and then put them together yourself. This makes it a complex, time-consuming project that you should only tackle if you have significant experience in building or are willing to hire someone else to do the work for you. You’ll also need to purchase additional tools for the job, which can be costly.
