Cost to build a garage with apartment

I'm going back and forth with builders regarding the pricing of the apartment over the garage. A garage is far less expensive to build (compared to house) per sq ft. My contention is the incremental cost of added wood, insulation, etc. doesn't equal that of the per sq ft price of the house. If apartment is 600 sq ft, you can't say it's $150/$175 or whatever per sq ft like the house. It should come in much lower per sq ft.

I've asked to pull out the apartment cost entirely to understand their pricing. I'd like input from other people who have built apartments over the garage and what the incremental cost was between just the garage and the apartment over it. Sizes of garage and apt too would be great.

The national average cost to build a garage is $24,000. Garage costs depend on its siding material, foundation and finishes, like electricity and garage door style. A single-car, detached garage kit starts at around $7,250 while an attached three-car garage with a loft can cost $50,000.

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NOTE: The beginning half of 2021 has seen an unprecedented labor shortage as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with this, demand for materials and construction jobs has skyrocketed. As a result, material prices may be higher than those reported in this article, and lead times may be longer than usual for both labor and materials.

Garage Cost Per Square Foot

A two-car garage costs an average of $52 per square feet to build. Custom garage construction costs, like a slab foundation, security system, and livable loft space, mean you could pay between $35 and $90 per square foot.

Single-Car Garage Cost

Single-car garages come in a lot of different shapes and sizes each with their own price tag. Choose a slightly larger footprint for additional storage space.

2-Car Garage Cost

One of the largest cost factors for multi-car garages is the number of garage doors you need to install. Depending on your lot size and how you plan to access your cars, you can choose to park side-by-side or front-to-back, also called tandem.

3-Car Garage Cost

Garages that accommodate three or more cars cost the most because they require the most square footage. They are great for families with multiple vehicles ranging from economical cars to recreational vehicles.

Detached Garage Cost

Detached garages range in price from $1,500 for a no-frills stainless steel kit that fits one car to $50,000 for a barn-like custom garage that fits three cars and an in-law suite. How much you pay depends on the size, functionality, materials and labor. Budget for the cost of a foundation as well as the cost of a driveway to your new garage.

Stainless steel garage kits with manual garage doors and no insulation are the most affordable and fastest to build. You can find these at outbuilding and shed retailers near you. On the other hand, detached garages with siding, trim and roofing that match your home will cost more.

Hire an electrician if you’re adding or updating electrical to your detached garage to accommodate automatic garage door openers, lighting or a security system. Hire a plumber to install wet features like a drain, hose or work-station sink.

Attached Garage Cost

Attaching a garage to your home costs an average of $26,000. However, you could pay anything from $10,000 to $43,000 depending on how many cars you’d like to accommodate and whether it includes livable space.

It costs less to run new electrical or plumbing to an attached garage, especially where those features connect with existing lines. For instance, if you want a garage with an apartment, choose a floor plan that allows new wet rooms to share walls with your existing laundry or bathroom.

You may also need to replace the door connecting your home to the garage with one that is fire-rated. Check local housing codes or talk to your garage contractor.

Garage Material Costs

To build a garage, you’ll need to start with the foundation. Budget for the cost of a concrete slab foundation, which averages $4 to $8 per square foot. Measure the length and width of your new garage foundation to create a rough project budget with the following costs per square foot:

Don’t forget to coordinate concrete installation with any plumbing, drainage or HVAC system needs. Hire a general contractor to complete your project successfully and on budget.

On top of the foundation you’ll either need a prefabricated garage kit or a custom wood frame to erect the walls and roof. From there, it’s time to install the garage door and any exterior doors and windows. Take a look at the following per-unit costs, including materials and labor, and add them to your project budget:

If you opt for a finished garage, you’ll also need electrical to install a garage door opener, lighting and electric vehicle charging stations. Once optional plumbing and electrical are installed, it’s time for insulation, drywall, painting and features such as storage solutions.

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Bottom Line

Building a well-constructed, secure garage can be a good investment for your home. You’re likely to increase your ROI by adding livable square footage as your household grows or to accommodate guests or tenets. Single- or two-car garages are most common.

A properly installed garage can increase the square footage to store sporting equipment or tools, protect your vehicles from theft or inclement weather and even charge your electric car. The cost to build a garage is often worth it.

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