Buying a garage typically costs $5,000-$45,000 for a prefabricated model, while a site-built detached garage often runs $25,000-$75,000 or more. Size, construction material, foundation, delivery, labor, and local permit requirements determine the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prefab single-car garage | $5,000 | $12,000 | $25,000 | Building price; basic options |
| Prefab two-car garage | $10,000 | $22,000 | $45,000 | Delivery and installation vary |
| Site-built detached garage | $25,000 | $45,000 | $75,000+ | Commonly includes construction labor |
| Installed price per square foot | $30 | $55 | $100+ | Higher for finishes or complex sites |
Typical prices for single-car and two-car garages
A basic prefab single-car garage, often about 12 by 20 feet, costs roughly $5,000-$15,000 for the structure and standard installation. A two-car model around 20 by 20 feet commonly totals $12,000-$35,000 installed. Larger or customized buildings can exceed those ranges.
Site-built garages cost more because crews build the structure on the property and may handle foundation work, framing, roofing, siding, and electrical rough-in. A standard 20-by-20-foot detached garage often lands near $35,000-$55,000 before premium finishes or difficult site work. For a complete installed project, a practical planning budget is $30-$100 per square foot.
Assumptions: Typical U.S. labor rates, standard materials, level access, and no major utility relocation.
What the garage quote includes for slab, framing, and labor
Quotes may cover only the building package or the entire finished project. Compare the written scope carefully: a low building price may exclude the slab, delivery, assembly, permits, and electrical work. The ranges below describe common project components, not a guarantee that every contractor bundles them.
| Cost component | Low | Typical | High | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prefab shell or materials | $5,000 | $12,000 | $30,000 | Single- to two-car package |
| Concrete slab | $6 | $9 | $15 | Per sq ft, including typical placement |
| Assembly or construction labor | $2,000 | $6,000 | $18,000 | Prefab assembly to site-built framing |
| Delivery and placement | $300 | $1,000 | $3,000 | Distance and access dependent |
| Permits and inspections | $100 | $500 | $2,000 | Local rules and project scope |
Electrical service, insulation, drywall, windows, upgraded doors, and gutters can add separate charges. A basic garage door may be included in a package, while an insulated door or automatic opener can add approximately $500-$2,000. Ask whether each quote includes the slab, delivery, assembly, and final cleanup.
How size, siding, and foundation change the price
Size is a major cost driver, but doubling floor area does not always double the quote: one larger building can share walls and roofing efficiently. A 12-by-20-foot garage has 240 square feet; a 24-by-24-foot model has 576 square feet and usually needs a larger slab, door system, and more framing.
Material also matters. Wood packages generally offer flexible design and easier finish upgrades; metal buildings can be economical for basic storage but may need insulation or condensation control. Vinyl or fiber-cement siding, architectural shingles, taller walls, and extra-wide doors raise material and labor costs. A slab thicker than 4 inches, reinforced edges, or frost-depth footings may be required for local soil, loads, or code.
Adding a loft, finished interior, or a second garage door can push a standard quote well beyond the basic shell price. Electrical wiring commonly adds $1,000-$4,000, depending on panel capacity, trench length, outlets, and lighting.
How long garage delivery and construction labor take
A prefab garage may be assembled in one to three days after the site and foundation are ready; delivery scheduling and permit approval can extend the calendar time. Site-built construction often takes one to three weeks of active work, with weather and subcontractor availability affecting the schedule.
Labor charges vary by trade and market. General construction labor may run about $50-$100 per hour per worker, though many builders quote a fixed project price instead. is a useful comparison when a quote itemizes crew time. Confirm whether site preparation and cleanup are included in the labor total.
Three garage quotes for common U.S. projects
A 12-by-20-foot metal prefab for storage might cost $7,500 for the package, $1,800 for delivery and assembly, and $2,500 for a basic slab, totaling about $11,800. This assumes a clear, level site and no electrical work.
A 20-by-20-foot wood prefab with a slab, standard door, and installation may total $24,000-$32,000. For example, a $14,000 building, $6,000 slab, $4,000 assembly and delivery, and $1,000 permit allowance comes to $25,000.
A site-built 24-by-24-foot garage with two doors, basic electrical, and a concrete foundation can total $45,000-$70,000. A sample $55,000 quote might include $22,000 materials, $23,000 labor, $7,000 foundation, and $3,000 permits and delivery. These examples show why shell-only prices should not be compared with turnkey bids.
Why regional labor and delivery shift garage prices
Urban and high-cost coastal markets may run 15%-30% above national midrange estimates because of labor rates, permitting, and limited contractor availability. Rural pricing can be 5%-15% lower for labor, but long delivery routes or equipment mobilization may erase the savings. Areas with heavy snow, high winds, or seismic requirements may need engineered framing or stronger connections.
Delivery distance matters especially for prefab buildings. A site within a supplier’s normal service area may have a modest delivery charge, while remote access, steep driveways, overhead wires, or a crane requirement can add hundreds or several thousand dollars. Get a delivered price to the actual property address, not just a catalog price.
Permits, grading, and electrical work that add charges
Permit costs depend on the municipality and garage size; local offices may require zoning review, setbacks, a building permit, or inspections. Garages above a local size threshold or with electrical service often face additional review. Check rules before ordering, since a building that violates setbacks may need redesign or relocation.
Site preparation is another frequent omission. Clearing, grading, drainage, tree removal, or hauling away soil can add $500-$5,000 or more. A long underground electrical run may add $10-$30 per linear foot, depending on trenching and conduit requirements. Request separate allowances for grading, utility work, disposal, and code-required upgrades.
Ways to lower the garage price without cutting essentials
Choose a standard footprint and roofline, limit custom windows and decorative trim, and compare metal and wood packages with equivalent dimensions and door specifications. A simple unheated storage garage costs less to finish than a workshop with insulation, drywall, and extensive outlets. Avoid paying for interior finishes before deciding how the space will be used.
Prepare the site only after confirming the builder’s foundation requirements; incorrect grading or slab dimensions can cause expensive rework. Obtain at least three itemized quotes that use the same size, materials, door count, foundation, and delivery assumptions. Ask whether a repair or replacement of an existing garage door, roof, or framing is feasible before budgeting for a full rebuild.
Scheduling outside peak local construction periods may improve availability, though weather can affect the work. Keep the scope comparable across bids and prioritize structural, drainage, and code requirements before optional upgrades.