How Much Does a Detached Garage Cost in 2024?

Detached Garage Cost by Size

Your garage's size is one of the biggest cost factors when building a detached garage, ranging from $40 to $70 per square foot. That’s why you must decide how many cars to accommodate and whether you want extra space for a workshop or storage. Adding extra square footage can provide valuable room for tools, outdoor gear, or hobby space.

Detached Garage Cost Factors

Several elements contribute to the total cost of building a detached garage. Understanding these factors can help you budget effectively for your project.

Location

The location of your detached garage can affect the overall cost. Building the garage farther from existing plumbing and electrical sources may increase the costs due to additional materials and labor required to run lines to the new structure. Placing the garage closer to your home can help reduce these costs.

Foundation

A solid foundation is essential for your garage's structural integrity. Installing a concrete slab foundation costs between $1,000 and $8,600, or about $4 to $8 per square foot.

Labor

The cost of building a detached garage is significantly affected by labor pricing. You can expect to pay between $3,000 and $15,000 for professional labor, or an additional 60% of your material costs. Electrical wiring for a detached garage costs between $1,000 and $2,500. For more complex projects, the cost could reach up to $5,000.

Siding

The cost of siding for your garage varies by material type, with costs ranging per square foot:

• Vinyl siding: $3 to $12 per square foot

• Stucco siding: $7 to $9 per square foot

• Wood siding: $1 to $15 per square foot

• Fiber cement siding: $2 to $14 per square foot

• Brick siding: $10 to $20 per square foot

• Stone siding: $7 to $30 per square foot

Roofing

Roofing installation costs range from $4 to $5 per square foot, depending on the material type. The price of a new roof depends on the size of your structure and ventilation or gutter needs. Asphalt shingles are usually less expensive, while metal roofing or tile may cost more. Adding a new roof, including the structure and shingles, costs between $10,000 and $20,000.

Insulation

Insulating your garage walls costs between $0.50 and $1.25 per square foot. Additionally, garage ceiling insulation costs about $1 to $4 per inch of board foot, which can help regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.

Painting

You can expect to pay about $2.75 per square foot for interior garage painting and between $1.50 and $4 per square foot for exterior garage painting. Pricing varies by paint brand and amount necessary for your garage size.

Doors

The cost of garage door installation by a garage door company near you for a single car ranges from $750 to $1,650. Prices can be higher for glass garage doors or custom designs. Glass garage doors cost about 200% to 300% more than standard garage doors.

Detached vs. Attached Garage Costs

While building an attached garage is 10% to 15% less expensive, a detached garage offers unique advantages that may make it worth the extra cost. It keeps car fumes and noise away from your living space, provides fresh air as you walk between structures, and offers flexibility for alternative uses, such as a home office, gym, or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). 

According to Ezra Laniado, owner of Landmark Construction & Development Group, Inc., "A detached garage also insulates engine noise or the noise associated with ADU occupants from disturbing people living in the home."

Cost of Adding a Detached Garage Living Space

A detached garage offers the opportunity to create additional living space, such as a home office, guest suite, or rental apartment. While this addition adds to the overall cost, it can significantly increase your property's value and functionality. This project includes running plumbing and electricity, adding heating and cooling, and furnishing the space with a kitchen, bathroom, and lighting.

Here are some costs to consider when designing your garage apartment:

• Window cost: $200–$1,300 each

• Electrical wiring cost: $1,000–$2,500

• Toilet installation cost: $200–$550

• Sink installation cost: $200–$650

• Shower installation cost: $1,500–$6,800

• Bathtub installation cost: $1,100–$5,900

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

If you're considering building a detached garage yourself, materials alone will cost approximately $5,000 to $25,000. Since labor adds about 60% to your total cost, doing some of the work yourself can result in significant savings. You can attempt smaller tasks, such as interior and exterior painting, to reduce labor costs.

However, building a garage is a complex project that often requires expertise in construction, electrical work, and more. For tasks beyond your skill level, it's wise to hire a local professional garage builder to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.