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The national average cost to build a garage is $24,000. Garage costs depend on its siding material, foundation and finishes, like electricity and garage door style. A single-car, detached garage kit starts at around $7,250 while an attached three-car garage with a loft can cost $50,000.

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NOTE: The beginning half of 2021 has seen an unprecedented labor shortage as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with this, demand for materials and construction jobs has skyrocketed. As a result, material prices may be higher than those reported in this article, and lead times may be longer than usual for both labor and materials.

A two-car garage costs an average of $52 per square feet to build. Custom garage construction costs, like a slab foundation, security system, and livable loft space, mean you could pay between $35 and $90 per square foot.

Single-car garages come in a lot of different shapes and sizes each with their own price tag. Choose a slightly larger footprint for additional storage space.

One of the largest cost factors for multi-car garages is the number of garage doors you need to install. Depending on your lot size and how you plan to access your cars, you can choose to park side-by-side or front-to-back, also called tandem.

Garages that accommodate three or more cars cost the most because they require the most square footage. They are great for families with multiple vehicles ranging from economical cars to recreational vehicles.

Detached garages range in price from $1,500 for a no-frills stainless steel kit that fits one car to $50,000 for a barn-like custom garage that fits three cars and an in-law suite. How much you pay depends on the size, functionality, materials and labor. Budget for the cost of a foundation as well as the cost of a driveway to your new garage.

Stainless steel garage kits with manual garage doors and no insulation are the most affordable and fastest to build. You can find these at outbuilding and shed retailers near you. On the other hand, detached garages with siding, trim and roofing that match your home will cost more.

Hire an electrician if you’re adding or updating electrical to your detached garage to accommodate automatic garage door openers, lighting or a security system. Hire a plumber to install wet features like a drain, hose or work-station sink.

Attaching a garage to your home costs an average of $26,000. However, you could pay anything from $10,000 to $43,000 depending on how many cars you’d like to accommodate and whether it includes livable space.

It costs less to run new electrical or plumbing to an attached garage, especially where those features connect with existing lines. For instance, if you want a garage with an apartment, choose a floor plan that allows new wet rooms to share walls with your existing laundry or bathroom.

You may also need to replace the door connecting your home to the garage with one that is fire-rated. Check local housing codes or talk to your garage contractor.

To build a garage, you’ll need to start with the foundation. Budget for the cost of a concrete slab foundation, which averages $4 to $8 per square foot. Measure the length and width of your new garage foundation to create a rough project budget with the following costs per square foot:

Don’t forget to coordinate concrete installation with any plumbing, drainage or HVAC system needs. Hire a general contractor to complete your project successfully and on budget.

On top of the foundation you’ll either need a prefabricated garage kit or a custom wood frame to erect the walls and roof. From there, it’s time to install the garage door and any exterior doors and windows. Take a look at the following per-unit costs, including materials and labor, and add them to your project budget:

If you opt for a finished garage, you’ll also need electrical to install a garage door opener, lighting and electric vehicle charging stations. Once optional plumbing and electrical are installed, it’s time for insulation, drywall, painting and features such as storage solutions.

COST Garage Door Opener$200 - $525 Lighting$80 - $900 Storage Solutions$500 - $10,000 Electric Vehicle Charging Station$1,000 - $2,300 Advertisement THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Garage Builders Free, No-commitment Estimates Find a Garage Builder

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Building a well-constructed, secure garage can be a good investment for your home. You’re likely to increase your ROI by adding livable square footage as your household grows or to accommodate guests or tenets. Single- or two-car garages are most common.

A properly installed garage can increase the square footage to store sporting equipment or tools, protect your vehicles from theft or inclement weather and even charge your electric car. The cost to build a garage is often worth it.

The cost to build an apartment above your garage starts at about $100 per square foot. A living space complete with a full kitchen, bathroom and private may range from $50,000 to as much as $250,000. That price depends on the cost of materials and labor in your area.

Buying a garage kit will cost less than building a custom garage if it means you’re doing all the labor. Simple kits generally cost less than $10,000 and can take as little as a day to put together with a little help from friends or family.

Custom garage kits that equate to high-end builds will cost less than hiring an architect to design one from scratch. Skilled labor ranging from floor plan design to garage door opener installation is often the most expensive part of any construction budget. Choosing DIY-friendly kits will save you money upfront but may cost more if installation hits unexpected snags or repairs are needed in the future.

Homeowners see as much as a 65% return on their investment (ROI) after building a garage. It’s an attractive feature that puts home buyers at ease. Take a look at the garages in your neighborhood and the topography of your lot while you consider whether an attached or detached unit is best.

Adding livable square footage to your property by building an apartment over the garage can yield an even higher return on your investment—as long as doing so doesn’t put it well out of reach for your neighborhood’s average home value. You may even be able to rent out the space to generate more income.

Rachel is a home improvement writer and content editor. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for small businesses and creative agencies. She uses her home improvement expertise to give homeowners the knowledge they need to furnish and care for their homes.

Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.