How much does it cost to build a new garage in the United States?

WORDS: Joanna Jefferies

Building a new garage is not only good for protecting your car, but it can also provide loads of storage, a workshop, space for a home gym or a laundry. New garages come with a price tag of around $24,000* - $50,000*+, although garages at the high-end can push well-past the $50,000 mark. You might need a permit to carry out your garage build, depending on your specifications. It's best to check this with your Renovation Consultant. There is a vast range of add-ons you can make to a standard new garage and so we’ve explored what a basic, mid-range and high-end budget can offer.

Garage on a basic budget - $24,000*+

In the United States, an attached garage is generally accepted as being more affordable than a detached garage, as it allows the builder to make use of an existing structure. However, this might not always be the case.
It’s important to consider what your garage will be used for. If you are going to park your car in it, consider how big your car is, how durable you want the space to be and whether you want to allow room for storage.  

Costs to consider when building a basic garage 

• Foundations
• Concrete slab
• Construction
• Roof installation and coverings
• Guttering and drainage
• Cladding/carpentry
• Garage door
• Professional build
• Permits ###
  

Garage on a mid-range budget - Up to $50,000*
Refresh Renovation Consultant Paul Cree says in the mid-range you can expect a “double garage, brick walls, tiled roof, sealed concrete floor, workbench and storage”. You would include an automated sectional door, which is a step up from a roller door. 
If you are building a garage that is connected you’ll want to consider potential future uses or alternative uses of the space, for example, if you oversize the garage it could be used for a children’s playroom, or if you raise the roof pitch, it could be suitable for extra bedrooms down the track.

You may want to line walls to upscale the look of your garage and this can be done easily with plasterboard or for a more utilitarian look, with structural plywood.

Costs to consider when building a mid-range garage 

• Foundations
• Concrete slab
• Construction
• Roof installation and coverings
• Guttering and drainage
• Cladding/carpentry
• Garage door
• Electrical work
• Finishing details e.g. paint, storage, etc.
• Professional build
• Permits ###
  

Garage on a high-end budget - $50,000*+
A high-end garage is likely to be three or more car spaces and can have multiple use spaces. Paul says at this level walls will be lined and downlighting installed, and you may want to include a “tiled roof or balcony above, polished concrete floor, workbench with custom cabinetry for storage, games area, audio system and reverse cycle air conditioning” – basically your options are limitless.
In a high-end space, you’ll want to be connected to utilities, both water and power, and you may want to include a bathroom.
To upscale the look of your garage, carpet is an excellent option. Carpet specifically designed for garages is essential and there is a choice of colors across different brands, but nowhere near the same variety as household carpet. Dark colors are the most popular – and practical – due to dirt tracks or oil leaks. The beauty of garage (polypropylene) carpet is that it can be vacuumed for regular maintenance or hosed down if there’s a mess. 

Another option for a high-end garage on a tight site is a vehicle turntable. These are typically 4m – 5.5m in diameter (for one or two vehicles) and can be installed inside the garage if needed. The turntable is constructed on a level, reinforced concrete pad 100mm below the finished driveway level and is operated by remote control from within the vehicle.

Every high-end garage will need excellent storage options that are designed for garage storage - places to mount bikes, custom tool storage and bespoke workshop systems, so make sure you leave enough space so that when your cars are in there you have space to move and access storage.
Lastly, don’t forget access for all your toys – if you have an oversized boat, for example, you’ll need to customize a tall entrance to your garage with a bespoke garage door.

Cost to consider when building a high-end garage

• Foundation
• Concrete slab
• Construction
• Roof installation and coverings
• Guttering and drainage
• Cladding/carpentry
• Garage door
• Electrical work
• Finishing details e.g. paint, storage, etc.
• Carpet
• Vehicle turntable
• Professional build
• Permits ‍[
  

Get in touch with Refresh to discuss your garage conversion.](/get-in-touch/home-renovation-enquiry/)
For more information on how you can achieve a basic, mid-range or high-end looking garage, contact your local Renovation Consultant today!
*Costs are rough estimates and are subject to change. For a fixed-quote accurate to your specific project, please consult your local Refresh Renovation Consultant. All Refresh Renovations franchises are independently owned and operated.