Most reports for the price to build a detached garage range from $15/square foot (if you are building it yourself) up to $40 - $55 square foot if you have a professional contractor build it.  Most reports for the price to build a detached garage range between $30,000 - $70,000.  Below is a discussion of some of the components that will drive the price of your detached garage up or down.

How Does the Size of Garage Factor into the Price to Build a Detached Garage?

Square footage is one of the biggest contributors to the price of a detached garage, as many contractors simply calculate the size and multiply by a pre-set price per square foot.  When considering the size, think carefully not only about how you will use it, but about how the next owners of your home might use it.  For instance, a tight two car garage might be fine for your family, but do others in the neighborhood have much larger garages to accommodate bikes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, lawn care equipment, athletic equipment, boats or even recreational vehicles?  If so, adding an “undersized” garage may not help your resale value as much as adding one that fits with the neighborhood.  Also consider whether your needs will change.  Do you live in a cold climate where cars need to be run for 20 minutes at the curb in front of the house while your scrape ice off the windshield in order to warm up? Or do you live in a higher crime area where cars parked outside invite trouble?  If so, consider not just your current vehicles, but whether Jr. will be driving in a few years and need somewhere for his classic Mustang.  All that being said, adding some sort of detached garage structure should provide value for your home, provided it is done to code, is built with reasonable quality and looks nice.

How Does Heating/Electrical Play into the Price to Build a Detached Garage?

If is very important to consider heating and electricity for your detached garage while still in the planning stage, because these will not only influence the cost of your garage, but also its function.  If you plan to use a garage door opener, you’ll need electricity.  If you plan to hang out in the garage for work or play, consider heating if you live in a colder climate.

How Does the Type of Material Factor in to the Price to Build a Detached Garage?

Just like with a room addition, the material costs for a detached garage can often be over $10,000 depending what you choose.  The larger cost is typically the labor, so make sure to choose materials that match the overall value of your home. 

How Do the Number of Windows Play into the Price to Build a Detached Garage?

Consider windows for your detached garage carefully.  In addition to adding cost (the cost of the window plus the extra labor to cut them in, finish around them and make sure they don’t leak), they can be a potential source of entry for thieves.  On the plus side, if you plan to spend time in the garage (for instance if it’s a work room or a play room), windows will let in valuable natural light.  If you don’t want people looking in your detached garage, consider opaque windows like what you would use in a bathroom.

How do the Number/Size of Garage Doors Play into the Price to Build a Detached Garage?

Garage doors range from basic to designer nowadays.  Factors that influence price are size (single, double, etc.), brand, material and region. 

Does Your Zip Code Affect Cost of Building a Detached Garage?

Click here, to get quotes for a detached garage.  It is always good to get a quote from a professional when considering doing a project yourself. You can gain valuable building tips and will have an idea of what the materials should cost.