A detached brick garage typically costs $45,000-$110,000, with a common 24-by-24-foot build averaging about $68,000. Detached brick garage cost depends on floor area, brick type, foundation, roof design, local labor rates, and whether the structure includes electrical work or storage space.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached brick garage | $45,000 | $68,000 | $110,000 | New 2-car garage, finished exterior |
| Cost per square foot | $75 | $115 | $185 | Varies with structure and finish |
| Brick veneer | $8 | $13 | $20 | Per sq. ft. of wall face, installed |
| Foundation and slab | $8,000 | $12,000 | $19,000 | Typical 2-car footprint |
What a 24-by-24-foot brick garage usually costs
A basic 576-square-foot detached garage with a concrete slab, standard roof, one overhead door, and brick veneer generally runs $45,000-$75,000. A midrange version with better doors, windows, electrical service, and upgraded roofing commonly reaches $60,000-$90,000. A larger or architecturally detailed build can exceed $110,000.
For a typical two-car garage, budgeting $100-$150 per square foot is a practical starting point. Lower estimates often assume simple access, standard finishes, and brick veneer over framed walls. Full-thickness structural masonry, a complex roof, premium doors, or difficult site preparation can raise the total. Assumptions: U.S. pricing, standard finishes, normal site access, and no major utility relocation.
How slab, brickwork, framing, and labor shape the quote
Contractor estimates combine materials, trades, equipment, and site work. The ranges below reflect common costs for a 2-car garage; local bids may group or price tasks differently.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site grading and excavation | $1,500 | $3,500 | $8,000 |
| Concrete slab and foundation | $8,000 | $12,000 | $19,000 |
| Framing, roof, and sheathing | $12,000 | $18,000 | $27,000 |
| Brick veneer and masonry labor | $9,000 | $15,000 | $24,000 |
| Doors, windows, and basic electrical | $4,000 | $8,000 | $15,000 |
| Permits, delivery, and cleanup | $1,500 | $3,500 | $7,000 |
Masonry labor and the foundation are major quote items, not minor finish expenses. Labor often accounts for 30%-45% of the total. As a rough planning measure, general construction labor may run $50-$100 per hour, while skilled masonry work can be priced by area or included in a project bid.
How footprint, brick type, and roof design change the price
Garage size is a primary cost driver. A 12-by-20-foot single-car design may cost $30,000-$55,000, while a 24-by-24-foot two-car layout often costs $45,000-$90,000. A 30-by-30-foot garage with added storage can reach $75,000-$135,000, especially if it needs a larger slab or extra framing.
Brick veneer is lighter and usually less expensive than solid brick construction. Veneer commonly adds $8-$20 per square foot of wall face installed; structural masonry may add $20-$40 or more per square foot, depending on design and local labor. A simple gable roof costs less than a hip roof, dormers, or a roof designed to match complex house details. Changing from veneer to structural brick can add thousands because it affects both masonry and supporting construction.
Regional labor rates and access can shift masonry estimates
Prices in high-cost metro areas of the Northeast, West Coast, and major cities may be 15%-30% above a national midrange estimate. Rural markets and lower-cost regions can come in 5%-15% below it, although fewer available masons or longer material-hauling distances can erase that difference.
Site access also matters. A tight side yard, steep slope, tree removal, or a long path for concrete trucks can add $1,000-$8,000 or more. A standard project may take 6-10 weeks from site preparation through final work, with weather and masonry crew availability affecting the schedule. Compare bids that describe the same wall system, footprint, site work, and finish level.
Three sample quotes for different brick garage sizes
These examples illustrate how scope changes the estimate; they are not fixed national prices. Each assumes a new detached structure with a concrete slab and standard brick veneer.
| Project | Scope and unit rate | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Single-car, 12 by 20 feet | 240 sq. ft.; about $125 per sq. ft. | $30,000 |
| Two-car, 24 by 24 feet | 576 sq. ft.; about $118 per sq. ft. | $68,000 |
| Two-car with storage, 30 by 30 feet | 900 sq. ft.; about $127 per sq. ft. | $114,000 |
The first example assumes a basic door, straightforward grading, and limited electrical work. The middle example includes an insulated overhead door, several outlets, and moderate site preparation. The largest example allows for a deeper footprint, more masonry, and upgraded doors and windows. Compare total scope as well as the quoted rate per square foot.
Permits, utility work, and removal add separate charges
Permit and plan-review fees often total $500-$3,000, but complex projects or high-fee jurisdictions may cost more. Some locations require engineering, drainage plans, inspections, or setbacks that affect the design. Local rules may also require fire separation or additional electrical protection when a garage sits close to a property line or home.
Electrical service commonly adds $1,500-$6,000, depending on distance to the panel and whether new circuits or a subpanel are needed. Demolishing an old garage can add $2,000-$8,000, with asbestos, concrete removal, or disposal restrictions raising the bill. Request separate line items for permits, utility runs, demolition, and drainage so add-ons are visible.
Where homeowners can trim a brick garage budget
A compact rectangular footprint, standard gable roof, common-size overhead door, and limited window package help control material and labor costs. Brick veneer over a properly designed framed structure may preserve a brick exterior at a lower cost than full structural masonry. Avoid specifying premium brick or decorative patterns unless the appearance is worth the added installation expense.
Clear the work area and confirm access before crews arrive, but leave excavation and utility work to qualified contractors. Ask for comparable written bids that identify brick type, wall area, slab thickness, door specifications, electrical scope, and cleanup. If the existing garage has a sound foundation, a repair or partial rebuild may be less expensive than replacement, but structural assessment is needed first. Keep the footprint and finish schedule fixed while comparing quotes to avoid paying for scope that one bid includes and another omits.