The cost to build a two car garage typically falls between $35,000 and $60,000 for a detached structure. This is for a “standard” house that is 20 feet x 20 feet or 24 feet x 24 feet with standard finishes. Bigger and fancier means more expensive, and easily over $80,000.
This varies according to the materials used, how much they cost in your area, and the complexity of the design, but you can expect it to cost about $50 to $100 per square foot. A wooden-framed, asphalt-shingled slab-on-grade is on the low end. An exterior made of brick, metal roofing or a second story will push you up quickly.
What’s the Difference in Price Detached vs. Attached?
It’s one of the first choices you’ll have to make and it does have an impact. An attached garage is attached to your house with a wall. It results in a lower cost of foundation, simplified electrical connection and a reduced total two car garage construction cost of about $20,000 to $38,000.
The cost of a 2 car detached garage is more expensive, running from $3,5,000 to $60,000, due to the requirement for a separate roofing, foundation, walls on all four sides, and electrical service. Increase in materials, increase in labor, increase in cost. However, you’re given greater freedom, as well. It can be located anywhere on your lot, is a great workshop or can even be expanded into living space above it later.
What About a 2-Story Option?
If you’re considering a vertical garage, the average cost to build a 2 story garage is $45,000-$90,000, depending on the upper floor use. A less elaborate unfinished loft is less expensive. If you are looking for a bonus room or apartment above the garage, it is a high cost and there are a lot of things to consider, including insulation, drywall, HVAC, plumbing and, if you want to have a bathroom, stair framing.
In many cases, homeowners prefer to go with the 2-story design when they have a small cost to build two car garage but need a lot of space. Simply set aside the funds correctly in advance.
What drives the cost to build two car garage up or down?
This is where it is crucial to focus. The cost to build two car garage isn’t a fixed number. The most important factors that affect its movement are:
- Size: Minimum of 20×20. A 24×24 provides greater space. The significant increase in size to 24×30 or larger certainly costs more. The more square footage, the more concrete, the more lumber, the more roofing, etc.
- Foundation: The most common, and cheapest, is a plain concrete slab. The cost of additional preparation work, such as leveling and/or improving the soil, can be greater if your location is not level or the soil is not suitable for the tree.
- Framing: The most common and affordable framing is wood. Although steel framing is more resistant to pests and more cost-effective in the long run, it is more expensive than the initial investment in concrete.
- Roofing: Asphalt shingles have a life of 20+ years and are low-cost. Metal roofing is an expensive material, but it requires very little maintenance. This option will alter the budget by a couple of thousand bucks.
- Exterior finishes: Vinyl siding is an option that is also cost-effective. Often brick, stone or stucco is used but this can be very expensive.
- Electrical: A subpanel and a few outlets and good lighting will be required. The electrical budget increases with the addition of an EV charger.
- Insulation: May or may not be standard. When you are installing insulation in the garage or you need to use it all year long, it is definitely a worthwhile investment.
- Permits: Don’t miss it. The cost of permits also varies depending on the location, but usually depends on the type of garage and can range from $500 to $2,000 for a detached garage. In some cases, there may be several inspections in different areas. Take this into account as you are planning the project.
- Labor: In high cost metro areas, labor can account for 40-50% of your total budget. It tends to be lower in the rural areas. When dealing with contractors, be sure to obtain a minimum of 3 quotes.
How Can You Keep Costs to Build Two Car Garage Under Control?
There are a couple of factors that assist here. Simple is the key to design first: Any additional angle, roofline modification or any custom detail adds to the cost to build two car garage. The cheapest option for a good-looking gable-roofed box is to use a clean rectangular box.
Second, think about having a garage that’s prefabricated or a kit garage. They are ready-made and can save a lot of man-hours. An actual savings if it’s a design you like, is the cost of a solid prefabricated structure with everything (except installation) included, ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 dollars.
Third, do not begin the construction without using the construction cost estimating services. Having a professional estimate which details the price for materials, labor and contingencies keeps you from being caught off guard with any overages. We can give you an accurate takeoff and cost breakdown at Fusion Estimating to give you an idea as to what you’ll be using before you ever put your shovel in the ground.
Final Word
The acquisition of the cost to build two car garage is a genuine investment; it is an investment that is worth it. So, before you build your two-car garage or your lofted, finished space, it’s important to know the numbers; if you don’t, you’ll end up with a mess instead of a smooth project.
Looking for an exact measurement of your garage? Contact Fusion Estimating. With our construction cost estimating services, you’ll get the numbers you need quickly and accurately, ensuring your project is off to the right start and on budget.