e.g. 2
Estimated Total Cost
$24,260 – $44,960
24 x 24 ft (576 sf) · Attached · 2 doors
Cost Breakdown
Tip: Attached garages share a wall with your home, which saves on framing and siding. However, building code requires a fire-rated wall and a self-closing door between the garage and living space. Check local zoning setback requirements before choosing your garage location.
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Garage Building Cost Guide
Complete cost breakdown for new garage construction including slab, framing, and doors.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Garage in 2026?
A new detached garage costs $25,000–$70,000 for a standard 2-car (24×24 ft) build, varying by materials and finishes.
- 1-car garage (12×24): $15,000–$35,000
- 2-car garage (24×24): $25,000–$55,000
- 3-car garage (36×24): $35,000–$75,000
- Per sq ft cost: $40–$70/sq ft (basic) to $70–$120/sq ft (finished with utilities)
Attached garages cost 10–15% less than detached because they share a wall with the house.
Key Takeaways
- 2-car detached garage: $25,000–$55,000
- Cost per sq ft: $40–$120 depending on finish
- Attached garages 10–15% cheaper than detached
Garage Slab & Foundation Costs
The concrete slab is 15–25% of total garage cost, typically a 4"–6" thick slab on compacted gravel with thickened edges for footings.
- 24×24 slab (4" thick): ~7 cubic yards of concrete = $3,500–$6,000 poured and finished
- Monolithic slab (slab + footing in one pour): Most common for garages
- Frost-protected footings: Required in cold climates, adds $2,000–$5,000
- Rebar/wire mesh: $0.50–$1.00/sq ft for reinforcement
Key Takeaways
- Slab = 15–25% of total garage cost
- 24×24 slab: $3,500–$6,000 complete
- Frost-protected footings add $2,000–$5,000
Garage Door Costs & Options
Garage doors range from $800–$5,000+ per door installed, and are the most visible feature affecting curb appeal.
- Single steel (non-insulated): $800–$1,500 installed
- Insulated steel: $1,200–$2,500 installed
- Wood/carriage style: $2,000–$5,000+ installed
- Opener: $250–$500 for chain/belt drive with smart features
An insulated garage door (R-12 to R-16) reduces heating costs by 10–15% if the garage is heated or shares a wall with living space.
Key Takeaways
- Insulated steel door: $1,200–$2,500 installed
- Opener with smart features: $250–$500
- Insulated door reduces heating costs 10–15%
How to Use This Calculator
Select Garage Size
Choose a preset size (1-car 12x20, 2-car 24x24, 3-car 36x24) or enter custom length and width dimensions. The calculator auto-determines the number of garage doors.
Choose Attached or Detached
Attached garages share a wall with your home and are cheaper to build. Detached garages cost 10-20% more but offer more placement flexibility.
Configure Options
Add insulation ($1.50-$3/sf), drywall finish ($2-$4/sf), electrical ($1,500-$3,000), windows ($300-$800 each), and a man door ($400-$800).
Review Cost Breakdown
See itemized costs for foundation, framing, roofing, siding, garage doors, electrical, and all selected options with low-to-high ranges.
Garage Cost Formula
Total = Base Structure + Garage Doors + Options
Base Structure = Sq Ft x $35-$60/sf (+ 10-20% if detached)Where:
- Base Cost
- = $35-$60 per sq ft for foundation, framing, roofing, siding
- Garage Doors
- = $800-$2,500 per door installed
- Insulation
- = $1.50-$3.00/sf for batt insulation
- Drywall
- = $2-$4/sf for finished interior walls
- Electrical
- = $1,500-$3,000 for outlets, lighting, and opener circuit
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a garage?
Building a garage costs $35 to $60 per square foot for the base structure. A 1-car garage (12x20, 240 sf) runs $12,000-$22,000. A 2-car garage (24x24, 576 sf) costs $24,000-$50,000. A 3-car garage (36x24, 864 sf) ranges from $38,000-$75,000. Add 10-20% for detached construction.
Is it cheaper to build attached or detached?
Attached garages are typically 10-15% cheaper than detached because they share one wall with the existing house. However, attached garages require a fire-rated wall and self-closing door between the garage and living space per building code. Detached garages avoid that requirement but need all four walls fully built.
How much does a garage door cost installed?
Garage doors cost $800 to $2,500 installed for a standard insulated steel door. Basic non-insulated doors start at $600. Premium insulated doors with windows run $1,500-$3,000+. A standard garage door opener adds $250-$500. Budget more for oversized or custom doors.
Do I need a permit to build a garage?
Yes, building a garage almost always requires a building permit. Permits typically cost $500-$2,000 depending on your jurisdiction and garage size. You must also comply with zoning setback requirements (typically 3-10 ft from property lines). Some HOAs have additional architectural review requirements.
Should I insulate my garage?
Insulation is worthwhile if you use the garage as a workshop, gym, or hobby space, or if it is attached to your home. Insulation costs $1.50-$3.00 per square foot for batt insulation. Add drywall finishing at $2-$4/sf for a clean interior. For attached garages, insulation also helps your home energy efficiency.
How long does it take to build a garage?
A typical garage build takes 2 to 4 weeks of active construction. The concrete slab needs 1-2 weeks to cure before framing begins. Framing, roofing, and siding take about a week. Electrical, doors, and finishing take another 1-2 weeks. Add 2-6 weeks for permitting before construction starts.
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