How Much Does It Cost to Build an RV Garage in 2025?

Average Cost to Build an RV Garage

Cost Factors for Building an RV Garage

Many RV garage cost factors and variables determine the final price, including location, size, materials, and labor.

Location 

Your first step is to determine the location of your RV garage. The building location will require proper drainage, an easy extension of plumbing and electric lines, and an exterior design that matches the look of your home. 

This step will help you determine the size, materials, and number of doors and windows. For example, if the garage is located in an isolated area away from your home, extending power and plumbing lines may cost more than if it were closer. Local bylaws and building codes may also restrict the size of your RV garage relative to the size of the rest of your property. 

Size 

The length and width of your camper impact the cost of the building project because the bigger the RV, the bigger the RV garage you will need to house it. Depending on the design and materials, it costs between $36 and $140 per square foot to build an RV garage. The average RV garage size is 20 feet wide, 50 feet long, and 14 feet high. 

Some homeowners opt to add additional space in the RV garage for extra features or storage space. Remember that some municipalities have codes requiring RV garages to be a certain size, so refer to your local building department for regulations.

Based on a standard height of 14 feet, the expected RV garage cost by floor size is listed below:

Garage Type

The cost to build a garage for a standard passenger vehicle depends on whether it’s attached or detached. This also applies when estimating the cost of building an RV garage.

Attached RV Garage

Attached garages are typically built alongside a house, physically connected to the home’s main structure. An RV garage needs to be taller to accommodate the size of an RV. Generally, attached RV garages cost less to build than detached garages, but you may need to pay extra to insulate an attached garage. 

Detached RV Garage

RVs can be quite large, so building a detached garage to house them is more common. In most cases, a detached garage costs more to build than an attached garage, but it also gives you more freedom to choose cost-effective materials. 

Detached RV garages also allow you to put the garage anywhere you want, though you may need to lay a new foundation for it. On the plus side, the oversized building will not affect the view or ventilation of your home.

Materials

Whether you plan on building an attached or detached garage, much of the cost to build an RV garage depends on your chosen materials. This is similar to the cost considerations when building a house or any other building, like the foundation and structure.

The most common material used to build RV garages is metal. You can expect to pay between $5 and $10 per square foot for the steel structure. In addition to the main structure, you will also need to budget for other materials.

• Siding costs $2–$50 per sq. ft. for materials 

• Roofing material prices range from $5,000–$10,000 

• Garage door prices cost $400–$1,100 in materials 

• Garage door opener installation costs an extra $220–$540

• Window installation costs anywhere from $3,450–$11,800

• Insulation costs $1,400–$6,300, depending on size and materials

Labor Costs 

Labor costs range from $20 to $50 per square foot, which amounts to at least 50% of the total cost to build an RV garage. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to contact garage builders in your area with your building requirements and RV measurements to request a quote.

Hiring a local general contractor can be more cost-effective than hiring each specialist individually. General contractors can handle every aspect of the build, including hiring subcontractors to work on important aspects like plumbing, siding, HVAC, and electric work. 

A project manager can give you peace of mind that the RV garage structure is safe and follows local building codes and regulations. They can oversee the project's day-to-day operations, managing the workflow to ensure everything is done according to plan, on schedule, and on budget. They can also source all necessary construction materials and equipment to align with the planned design and budget. 

Permits 

You’ll likely need to apply for and secure a permit to build an RV garage. Building permits cost $1,200 to $1,500, depending on your location. Check with local governing bodies or ask your general contractor to get the required building permits on your behalf. 

Additional Costs

Some additional factors influence the overall cost of building an RV garage on your property:

• Adding a garage door based on the garage size and type

• Adding water, sewer, and electricity hookups for your RV

• Installing an HVAC system to control internal temperature and airflow

• Insulating the garage

• Adding a covered walkway to the RV garage

Does Building an RV Garage Increase Home Value?

Building an RV garage can be a strategic investment that potentially increases your home value, particularly in areas with high concentrations of RV enthusiasts. The expected return on investment varies, but many homeowners can recoup about 60% of their initial cost when selling their property. 

The actual increase in home value depends on factors like the quality of construction, local real estate market conditions, and the garage design. Potential buyers often view a well-constructed RV garage as a premium feature, making it a significant selling point. While building an open-air carport costs less, a fully enclosed RV garage better protects your recreational vehicle from the elements. It provides greater security and can allow for more storage options. 

Budgeting for Building an RV Garage

With careful financial planning, you can get the most value for your investment in building an RV garage on your property. Keep overall construction costs in check and create a functional space that meets your RV needs with the following tips:

• Request detailed quotes from multiple contractors to compare pricing.

• Consider a simpler design with minimal architectural complexities to reduce labor and material costs. 

• Choose standard-sized garage doors and windows to avoid custom pricing.

• Opt for pre-engineered metal building kits, which can be more cost effective than traditional construction methods.

• When selecting materials and components, factor in long-term maintenance, like future garage door repair costs. 

• Invest in quality insulation and weatherproofing upfront to reduce long-term energy costs.

• Install water, electric, and sewer hookups for your RV at the time of construction.

• Check for local tax incentives or rebates for energy-efficient construction methods or materials. 

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.