Cost of Building a 2 Car Detached Garage
If you're considering building a new 2 car garage to store your vehicles or house your tools and equipment, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is how much it will cost.
The price to construct a basic garage can range widely depending on the materials used, size and design features, and whether you choose to hire a contractor or DIY the project.
In this article, we'll break down the typical cost ranges for a standard 2 car wood or steel frame garage and outline the factors that influence the overall budget. We'll also provide tips for saving money during construction and getting bids from local builders.
Average 2 Car Detached Garage Cost
Nationally, the average cost to build a basic 2 car wood or steel frame detached garage ranges from $15,000 to $45,000. Here's a closer look at typical cost breakdowns:
Basic 2 Car Garage (16' x 24'): $15,000 - $25,000
At the low end of the scale, a plain 16' x 24' garage with a concrete slab foundation, vinyl siding or metal roofing, and no additional features like electricity or insulation would cost around $15,000 to construct.Adding some finishing touches could push the price to $20,000-$25,000.
Mid-Range 2 Car Garage (16' x 24' - 20' x 24'): $20,000 - $35,000
A mid-range garage with bumped up materials quality and some extras falls in the $20,000-$35,000 range. Features may include upgraded siding/roofing, electricity, insulation, and storage upgrades like built-in shelving or workbenches.
High-End 2 Car Garage (18' x 24' - 24' x 24'): $30,000 - $45,000
For a larger, more luxurious 2 car garage, costs can reach $30,000-$45,000. High-end perks may include sophisticated design elements, wood paneling, brick/stone facades, epoxy or concrete floors, plumbing, and optional living space additions.
Itemized 2 Car Garage Construction Costs
Breaking down typical materials and labor costs can help estimate your garage budget. The following lists common expense line items and average price ranges:
Foundation:
- Concrete slab: $2,500 - $5,000
- Block or poured wall foundation: $6,000 - $10,000
Framing:
- Lumber, nails, hardware: $3,000 - $5,000
- Trusses or rafters: $1,500 - $3,000
Exterior:
- Siding (vinyl, wood, steel): $2,500 - $6,000
- Roofing (asphalt shingles): $2,000 - $5,000
- Garage doors (2 standard): $1,500 - $3,000 each
- Windows/vents: $500 - $1,500
Electrical:
- Outlets, lighting, subpanel: $1,000 - $3,000
Insulation/drywall:
- Insulation, vapor barrier: $500 - $1,500
- Drywall, tapes, mud: $1,000 - $2,500
Interior finish:
- Doors, trim, shelving: $500 - $2,000
- Epoxy or stamped concrete: $2,000 - $5,000
- Plumbing setup: $1,000 - $3,000
Contractor fees:
- Materials markup (15-30%): Varies
- Labor (15-30/hour): Varies
Factors That Impact 2 Car Garage Costs
Several key determinants drive the overall budget and pricing variations for detached garages:
Size and Design
Larger dimensions, specialty features like cupolas or extended eaves, and more intricate designs require additional time, materials and expertise - thus increasing costs. Standard detached garages range 16-24 feet wide by 20-24 feet deep.
Location and Property Value
Construction and material costs often correlate to regional living expenses. Garages in expensive neighborhoods or metropolitan areas tend to be more costly to build. Rural settings may provide cheaper rates.
Materials and Quality
Premium materials like stronger woods, dimensional roofing, custom siding and fixtures bump up the budget over basic options. High-grade concrete, stone, and more durable products also demand a higher price tag.
Permits and Inspections
The permit application process and need for interim/final inspections influences cost. Some municipalities charge nominal fees while others have expensive permitting requirements.
Specialized Features
Adding unique elements such as exterior stonework, extra door openings, a living area extension, plumbing or electrical upgrades all drive costs higher compared to a simple storage structure.
Labor vs. DIY
Hiring professional contractors to handle all phases of work is pricier versus a do-it-yourself approach using self-performed labor.
Timing and Materials Price Fluctuations
Market pricing tendencies affect costs from year to year. Materials, tools and labor costs may run higher during peak construction seasons in many regions.
Additional 2 Car Garage Expenses
Beyond direct construction outlays, factor in these supplementary costs:
- Architect/design fees: $500-2,000
- Permits and fees: $500-2,000
- Contingency fund (10-20% of budget): Varies
- Professional services (e.g. electrician): $500-3,000
- Concrete tools/forms rental: $100-500
- Landscaping/grading: $500-3,000
Tips For Reducing 2 Car Garage Costs
Follow these strategies to build your garage affordably:
- Scale down the size to a tight 16x20 footprint
- Use basic siding and roofing like vinyl, steel or asphalt
- Omit unnecessary features like cupolas or stamped concrete
- Source discounted materials from salvage yards or factory seconds
- Self-perform labor-intensive jobs with helpers
- Consider a lean-to shed design attached to the home
- Shop multiple contractor bids and negotiate well
- Stage the project over time in phases on a budget
Getting Competitive Quotes for 2 Car Garage Construction
To determine accurate project pricing, solicit estimates from 3-5 qualified builders/contractors in your locale. Provide thorough plans including:
- Dimensioned garage drawings/sketches
- Itemized materials specifications
- Optional upgrades desired
- Project timeline
- Site plan showing utilities/grading needs
Reputable contractors should offer fixed-price quotes within 3-4 business days. Meet in person to review bids, ask questions and negotiate services, schedules and warranty policies. Verify all pricing includes permits, materials and labor. Consider experience, portfolio quality, licensing/insurance compliance and references when selecting a reliable builder.
Other Costs to Budget For
In addition to direct construction costs, reserve funds for other necessary expenses:
Tool and Equipment Rental
You may need to rent heavy machinery like a skid steer loader, concrete mixer or scaffolding temporarily. Plan on rental fees of $100-500 depending on project scale.
Permits and Inspections
Obtaining permits from your local building department requires application fees typically ranging $100-500. Inspectors will also charge for interim and final sign-offs.
Landscaping and Site Work
Prepping the building site involves demolition, excavation, backfilling, grading and landscaping that can add $500-3000 to costs.
Utility Extended or Installed
Trenching to bring electricity or water lines to the garage likely requires an electrician's services at $50-100 per lineal foot.
Architectural or Engineering Plans
For larger, more intricate structures, drawings from a design professional run $500-2000 depending on complexity.
Furnishings and Storage Items
Finish the space with built-in cabinets and workbenches costing $500-2000 for basic wood builds.
2 Car Garage Construction Timeline
An average contractor can complete a simple detached garage project in 4-8 weeks with the following rough schedule:
- Week 1: Site prep, foundation pour
- Week 2-3: Framing, sheathing, roofing installation
- Week 3-4: Siding, trims, doors installed
- Week 4-5: Electrical, drywall, flooring
- Week 5-6: Interior finishes, fixtures, clean-up
- Week 6-8: Inspections, corrections, final details
Financing Options for 2 Car Garage Construction Costs
If your budget is constrained, consider these means to fund a garage build:
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Low interest rates make a HELOC practical for large projects. Draw funds as needed over the timeline.
Personal Loan
Unsecured signature loans accessed through banks offer fixed rates for 1-5 year terms.
Contractor Financing
Some builders partner with lenders to provide 0% APR deferred or structured payment programs.
Materials Supplier Credit
Build suppliers occasionally offer accounts with favorable terms. Pay as purchases are made.
Online Small Business Loans
Alternative lenders provide fast, inexpensive funding for small business owners and self-employed applicants.
2 Car Garage Value Recoup and ROI Considerations
While a new garage costs upfront capital, it delivers long term perks to homeowners. Properly constructed, a detached building can raise a property's resale value and provide needed storage space for vehicles, hobbies or work. Factor potential returns on the initial invested cost into plans.
