Staring down the driveway at an empty garage, you dream of parking your car inside away from the elements. But should you expand your existing house or build a separate structure? This decision impacts convenience, costs, and even resale value. Before making a decision, weigh the full costs of attached versus detached designs.
From material expenses to labor, our guide breaks down the prices per square foot and factors that make one garage cheaper than the other. With the right information, you can construct your ideal garage without breaking the bank. Let’s open the (garage) doors on smart budget planning.
Attached garages cost 10-15% less than detached garages on average due to shared infrastructure
Expect to pay $35-$70 per square foot for a new garage build, with labor accounting for 50%
Detached garages allow more design flexibility but have higher upfront costs
Get multiple contractor quotes and use online calculators to optimize the budget
There are several important variables that will determine how much it costs to build any type of garage. As you estimate your budget, be sure to account for:
The total square footage of your garage is one of the biggest cost factors. The larger the footprint, the more you’ll pay for materials, labor, and other expenses. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to build a garage is $40-$70 cost per square foot.
Some typical garage sizes and their average costs are:
What you construct your garage walls, roof, foundation, and other components from will impact the total project price tag. Some popular garage-building materials include:
More premium materials like stone and brick will add to costs, while basic options like wood framing provide cost savings.
Upgrades like insulation, electricity, windows, and storage space will all add to your bottom-line budget. Some popular garage add-ons to consider include:
One of the biggest cost factors is whether you build a detached garage separate from your home or attach it directly. According to HomeAdvisor, attached garages cost 10-15% less on average than detached garages.*
Some of the cost differences include:
Attached garages provide more convenience, protection from weather, and slightly lower building costs. However, detached garages offer more flexibility in size, location, and aesthetics.
Before breaking ground, costs will be incurred for:
Attached garages usually have lower permit fees but may require more involved planning.
Carpentry work, concrete installation, and construction management will be your primary labor costs. This can range from 35-50% of your total budget. Most homeowners hire contractors rather than tackle the build alone. Expect to pay:
Now that we’ve covered the universal factors that apply to any garage build, let’s focus specifically on detached and attached garage costs.
Detached garages, also known as stand-alone garages, are completely separate structures from your main home. Here are some average detached garage cost estimates:
Overall, you can expect to pay around $40-$70 per square foot for a standard detached garage. With labor accounting for 50% of costs, the total price for a 400-square-foot 2-car garage would be $16,000-$28,000 on average.
When planning your detached garage design, be sure to consult our detailed guide to building a detached garage. It will help yield a stable, high-performing detached garage tailored to your property.
Attached garages are directly connected to your home and are often accessed via a door inside the house. Here are some typical attached garage sizes and price estimates:
Building an attached rather than detached design saves an estimated 10-15% on project costs. You can expect to pay around $35-$50 per square foot based on typical attached garage sizes.
So if you want to add a 400 square foot attached 2-car garage, the total cost would be approximately $14,000-$20,000.
To summarize the major differences in price between attached and detached garage designs:
The most significant savings for attached garages comes from utilizing the existing house foundation and framing. You also simplify the roof, sidewalls, and connection to utilities in the home.
Detached garages however have more flexibility. You can build larger sizes more easily and customize the location, appearance, and materials used. But you’ll pay more in initial construction costs.
Here is a direct example cost comparison:
| Garage Type | Size | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Detached | 24x24 (576 sq ft) | $23,040-$40,320 |
| Attached | 24x24 (576 sq ft) | $20,160-$35,280 |
While attached garages are generally cheaper to build, other factors like layout flexibility, functionality, and home resale value help determine the better investment.
To derive a more precise estimate for your specific detached or attached garage project, we recommend using a garage cost calculator. These online tools allow you to input details like:
Based on this data, you can get detailed projected costs including:
The total estimated price is typically broken down by category such as foundation, framing, roofing, siding, electrical, etc.
Most garage calculators also provide recommendations on:
Using these outputs, you can more accurately plan your attached or detached garage budget and make the optimal design decisions before breaking ground.
To reduce expenses on your attached or detached garage project, keep these money-saving tips in mind:
Get precise measurements - Undersizing your garage can lead to costly changes later. Overbuilding wastes money upfront.
Use efficient framing plans - Optimize spacing between studs, rafters, and joists while meeting code.
Size garage door correctly - Too small requires costly adjustments. Too big wastes money. The opening should be 2 feet wider than the car's width.
Use existing electrical and HVAC - Tapping into your home’s systems is cheaper than installing new ones.
Add windows later - Framing for windows now costs more. Add them down the road for utility savings.
Insulate ceiling but leave walls bare - Ceiling insulation is vital. Wall insulation is optional.
Pour concrete floor yourself - DIY concrete installation can save thousands in labor costs.
Purchase materials directly - Avoid markup by buying garage packages yourself versus paying a contractor.
Being strategic at the planning stage and hiring experienced contractors goes a long way to keeping your attached or detached garage built on a budget.
Whether you add an attached or detached garage may come down to budget. Going attached generally costs 10-15% less per square foot since it shares walls and foundations. But detached allows more creativity. Ultimately, weigh needs over wants. If easy access matters most, an attached one-car garage gets the job done. If hobby space is critical, a detached garage may be worth the extra cost. With smart planning, you can build a garage tailored to your life without breaking the bank. Adding a garage to your home can open up convenience and flexibility for years to come.
Finishing a garage adds $10-20 per square foot for drywall, insulation, paint and trim. So expect an additional cost of $4,000-$8,000 for a 400 sq ft garage.
Building a garage with living space will generally cost more than a standard garage. The cost will depend on factors such as the size of the living space, the level of finishes, and any additional plumbing or electrical work required. On average, the cost can range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more.
The cost of a garage door installation can vary depending on factors such as the type of garage door, materials used, and any additional features or insulation. On average, the cost can range from $500 to $2,500 or more.
Yes, with proper plans and permits, you can build and install a garage yourself. This saves on labor but requires DIY construction skills.
The cost of building a garage foundation will depend on factors such as the size of the garage and the type of foundation required. On average, the cost can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}
Leave a comment