Build A New Garage, with Rite-A-Way

When it comes to building any large scale building project, a lot of factors affect the final product and total cost. A garage is no exception; when building a new garage, you’re going to want top of the line hardware inside your garage. While garage construction varies depending on a number of options, size, and materials – the average cost of these projects is roughly $25,000 for a two car garage. This cost can decrease or increase due to the vast array of options at your disposal.

ATTACHED GARAGES

Putting on an attached garage is the more common of the two options and tends to be more affordable than the latter. Attached garages are building off an already existing structure, so they can use the outside wall which is in place, making it easier to construct the remaining three walls. You can have an open plan which would include a roof with no walls, or you can enclose the entire space as with a traditional garage. Along with storing your vehicle, the enclosed garage is a good place to store refrigerators, freezers, and, best of all, keeps you out of inclement weather, such as sleet, rain, and snow.

Costs of Attached Garages

A single car attached garage price ranges anywhere between $7500-$10,000, whereas the 2 car garage option can go up to $27,000 depending on the materials used in construction. You will also have to acquire the skills of electricians, painters, and/or carpenters depending on the complexity of your desired structure. The cost of materials alone can be up to $7,000.00. This does not include the cost of labor or the price of building permits you may need to acquire from your city.

DETACHED GARAGES

Detached garages are more expensive, but they can be beneficial regardless of the cost. If you don’t have any room in your main entryway, you can build a separate structure behind the house or in a space where you can fit one. These tend to be safer because you will not have the exposure to carbon monoxide within the main living area. You can also make a secondary living space, such as a loft apartment, within a detached garage. Though it costs more to create such a space, it is a long term benefit to have a structure and have the space one can provide.

Costs of Detached Garages

The cost of a detached garage can range between $9,000 and $12,000. This cost increase is due to the cost of materials you need for the third wall and the cost of having to start from scratch. If you add electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, the price can increase to $14,000, and this price can increase to $18,000-$20,000 if you include a livable loft area. The DIY cost of building a small, simple garage can be around $4,000.00, but you will still have to pay extra for the services of an electrician or plumber. Most building permits are about $100.00 for structures within city limits, so check with your local municipality for these charges.

STANDARD GARAGE SIZES & SPECIFICATIONS

As with any other home improvement project, size matters. The more square footage, the more materials and labor will be needed to complete the project, the higher the cost. The size of your garage will depend on how many cars you want to fit, as well as if you want extra storage space or floor space for additional equipment. The most common sizes are:

• 12’ x 24’
• 14’ x 28’
• 20’ x 20’
• 24’ x 24’

When determining which size will suit your needs, think about how many cars you have to store. The more cars, the bigger the garage will need to be.

• Average Car Length – 14’
• Average Truck Length – 18’
• SUV/Van Length – 20’ to 22’ long
• Single car garage width – 10’, 12’, or 14’
• Two car garage width – 20’, 24’, or 28’

If you would like to put in storage, benches, shelves, or extra floor space for items such a bikes, tools, boxes, and freezers, you should factor in about 4’ – 8’ extra. If you want space to add mowers, ATVs, or an RV, you will need a garage that is 32’ or longer.

Materials

The materials you choose to build your garage with will have a huge impact on the construction cost. Upgrading the flooring, for example, from basic concrete to stain free can add to the average cost of the build. Adding a window, upgrading the roof, designer doors, or separate entrances can all add to the cost of the build. The biggest parts to keep in mind when building are listed below, as well as the materials you can choose from.

Walls

If you have a need for walls on your garage, you have a few options as to which materials can be used:

• Drywall: This type of wall will be in place if you have a finished garage. You need drywall to meet several fire code requirements.
• Wood Sheathing: This is a very simple and economic option. You can attach wood sheathing to the framing with screws with very little effort. It helps support shelves and you can paint it or leave it plain as is.
• Metal Panels: These are good wall materials for high end garages and work spaces. They come in steel and copper finishes. You can screw these right into the frame and be done.
• Plastic: Fiberglass or plastic are the most low maintenance wall types for garages. They are good against mold, mildew, moisture, and pests. You may need wood sheathing or drywall underneath for proper installation.
• Cement board: Like drywall, cement board is a good base wall to install, either with tile or a stone veneer finish. It is easy maintenance and has a very high durability, making it a good choice for inclement weather conditions.

Ceiling

In addition to choosing the right kind of wall, you will have to weigh your options on the right kind of ceiling. The options for the ceiling include:

• Drywall: Easiest material to add with plaster and lay onto a board to give a finished appearance.
• Gypsum: Ceiling panels made of rocks which are placed over the ceiling frame. They are less expensive than drywall, but do not hold up well against moisture.
• Popcorn: You can spray or paint this material onto the ceiling. You can also texture drywall with a sponge and some plaster to give the popcorn style finish.
• Styrofoam tiles: These inexpensive materials are used to finish a ceiling. They are cut and laid into the frame. Tada!
• Cork: This eco-friendly option is a nice looking material to use for the ceiling. You can purchase the cork either waxed or unwaxed, depending on the look you’re going for with your finished product.
• Plastic Tile: These are cost efficient and come in several varieties. They are fire retardant and can be given a metal type finish to suit your aesthetic needs.

In addition to the materials, it’s a good idea to consider insulation for the ceiling. This is very important if you are adding a second living space or storage facility. You can choose from batt insulation, blown in insulation, and spray foam insulation.

Windows

If you want to have windows in your garage, you can choose from sing, double or triple paned windows. Most windows are glass, though there are alternatives on the market to be considered. You should also consider weatherproofing the windows to avoid any moisture or pests getting in. The most common frames for the window panels are made of materials such as steel, wood, vinyl and composite. You’ll have to make sure the frame to the window matches the rest of the garage. If you find a frame that doesn’t quite match, you can paint it or stain it. You may need to add shutters or other exterior window treatments for the best results.

Garage Doors

Once you have planned the garage itself, it’s time to start thinking about the kind of garage door you would like. You want to have a door to protect any of the garage contents and one which matches the aesthetic design of your garage. There are various materials and styles of garage door you can choose from. Among the most popular materials are:

• Steel: Durable, low-maintenance, and decent priced, steel is the most popular material for a garage door. You can even have it painted to give the appearance of a wooden door.
• Aluminum: This material, like steel, is on the lower end of the expense range, though it is more likely to dent than steel and is lighter.
• Wood: These doors come in many styles and can be painted or overlaid with hardboard panels for a detailed finish.
• Wood Composite: Made from recycled wood, these doors can be as strong as steel and can be painted or stained. They are less likely than regular wood doors to rot or split.
• Fiberglass: These doors are far less popular than others. The panels have aluminum frames which can be painted. They are less likely to dent than the regular aluminum doors.

Additional Levels and Features

As mentioned before, some homeowners like to have an extra level such as an attic or a small living space in a loft above the garage. These spaces can even be utilized as apartments. You may be able to add basement space, but you need to keep the foundation and structural stability of the garage in mind.
In terms of added features, there are a wide variety of options. Some of the more popular of these options include:

• Storage: Plastic shelves, adjustable shelves, or platforms for items are popular among garage owners.
• Workspace: If you want a workshop set up for small projects, a countertop and cabinets to store tools and materials can be added.
• Lighting: You will need electricity run to move the garage door, so the addition of lighting is not a stretch. You can use energy efficient bulbs to help lower the cost of running the lights.
• Climate control: If you have a garage that is well insulated, you may consider a climate control option to keep the interior at a moderate temperature throughout the year.
• Extra food storage: You can have a deep freeze for meats, a second refrigerator for alcohol or other small foods and beverages, and you can build extra pantry shelving for bulk or dry stock items.

 
When considering garage construction costs, keep in mind the total price is going to be controlled by the details. Once the size is decided, the materials and smaller upgrades will be what drive the cost of the garage.