Building a two-car garage is an excellent investment for homeowners. It provides safety and convenience when parking your vehicles, sometimes as extra space storage, a workshop, or even a home gym. Moreover, a well-built garage can add significant value to your home. A two-car garage comes with a price tag like any other large building. Hence, it is best to know how much it costs to build a two-car garage so that you can budget accordingly and make decisions.
This article proceeds to indicate the various elements that influence the cost of building a two-car garage, explain the costs per garage type per location, and give tips to avoid overspending on your project.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Building a Two-Car Garage
The overall expenses involved in constructing a two-car garage hinge on several fundamental factors, and knowing these helps you to make the right decisions towards making your budget and avoiding extra expenses. Some fundamental factors are as follows:
1. Size and Dimensions of the Garage
Size is another massive consideration affecting the price of construction. For example, a regular two-car garage is about 20×20 square feet (400 sq ft) or 24×24 square feet (576 sq ft). Still, you can adjust it as per your needs. A more oversized garage equals more materials, such as wood, concrete, and roofs, which takes more time to build, so you’re paying more. It’s worth considering giving the garage more space for storage or even a small workshop, as any additional square footage in the garage will add to the final cost.
2. Garage Type: Attached vs. Detached
You can either get an attached or a detached two-car garage. It will affect the cost of construction.
- Attached Garage: This garage is attached to your home. This type of garage is more economical to build as it contains one or more walls together with the house. Hence, access to the house is very easy, even in bad weather. The average cost of building an attached two-car garage ranges from $16,000 to $28,000
- Detached Garage: This is a garage separate from your house. It will cost more to build, requiring a foundation, walls, and roof. A detached two-car garage typically runs between $19600 and $40,300. Although more expensive, the detached garage offers more design options, solitude, and extra storage.
3. Materials Used
Materials will significantly affect the price. This is an essential point to ponder: different materials have different price ranges and degrees of quality.Â
- Wood: Wood is generally inexpensive and easy to fram in a garage. However, wood often requires more maintenance over the years compared to other materials.
- Vinyl Siding: Vinyl is an inexpensive and easy-to-maintain exterior choice for garages. If you want to minimize costs, vinyl exterior siding is an option.
- Brick and Stucco: These are pricier materials but well worth the durability and beauty they confer.
Depending on your materials, a garage style may be assembled for money. Higher-priced materials are usually of high quality and have considerable merit in functionality and appearance.
4. Roofing Options
Choosing the type of roofing present on your garage will also impact the total expenditure. Some standard roofing options.
- Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing option and are mainly used to construct garages. They are more affordable than other roofing materials and relatively light in handling and installation
- Metal Roofing: Metal roofing is durable and lasts considerably longer than asphalt shingles. However, it requires a higher upfront investment. Metal roofing might be a better choice if you prefer a long-lasting garage.
While considering the roof’s beauty, consider whether it will withstand the weather.
5. Additional Features
These features add some degree of efficiency and comfort to the garage but will also increase its cost.Â
- Insulation: If the garage is to be used as a workshop or storage, insulation will be especially helpful for maintaining temperature from summer to winter. The cost of insulation is about $1,000-$2,500 extra.
- Electrical Wiring: The cost will escalate as electric lights, outlets, or EV charge ports are needed in the garage. Electrical wiring installation bills may range between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the sophistication of the work involved.
- Windows and Doors: Good-quality windows and doors will enhance and improve the garage’s appearance, which will further increase the cost.
The budget needs to consider features that can maximize use and comfort.
Average Cost to Build a Two-Car Garage
We have discussed what influences the cost of building a two-car garage. Now, let’s examine the average cost of making one.
1. Cost Per Square Foot
On average, it costs about 35 to 60 dollars to build a garage for two cars in terms of square footage. The material chosen, the size, and the garage’s location determine how much it costs per square foot. Here is a breakdown related to the cost accrued against size:
| Garage Size | Square Feet | Average Cost |
| 20’ x 20’ | 400 | $19,600 |
| 24’ x 24’ | 576 | $28,200 |
| 36’ x 24’ | 864 | $42,300 |
Cost to Build a Two-Car Garage in Different States
Material and labor costs are subject to a few states, which are further divided into an average breakdown of the expenses for building a two-car garage in different regions in the United States.
| State | Cost Range (in $) |
| California | $25,000 – $57,600 |
| Texas | $18,000 – $45,000 |
| New York | $20,000 – $55,000 |
| Florida | $18,000 – $42,000 |
| Illinois | $19,000 – $50,000 |
| Michigan | $19,000 – $48,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $20,000 – $52,000 |
| Ohio | $18,000 – $47,000 |
Tips to Save Money on Building a Garage
This guide gives you some tips on how to save some money on your garage construction project:Â
1. Choose a Prefabricated Garage
A prefab garage is a good alternative if you want to save time and money. The usual setup procedures include site delivery, assembly, and limited labor costs. Most prefabricated garages cost about $7,200 for a two-car garage, plus foundation and site preparation costs.Â
2. Opt for Budget-Friendly Materials
Brick and stone are precious materials that cost a lot but offer expensive choices. However, you can also choose vinyl siding and asphalt shingles to reduce costs and create a functional yet beautiful garage.Â
3. Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades
These extra features may be tempting: skylights, built-in shelves, or custom doors. However, they can make your project cost skyrocket. Make it basic and transform your garage as your budget allows later.Â
5. Compare Prices and Get Multiple Quotes
Before laying bricks on a garage, you should obtain several quotes from contractors to help study and compare the prices. Never accept the first price given. By obtaining several estimates, you prepare yourself to offer bargaining power, thereby allowing judicious shopping.
Conclusion
From the homeowner’s point of view, building a two-car garage is a worthy investment. Costing between $42,700, depending on size, type (attached or detached), materials used, and any upgrades, these factors must be understood, and some simple money-saving tips considered, to ensure that your garage fits your needs and ultimately your pocket.
Building a garage is a practical addition to your house, increasing its worth. Whether opting for a standard structure or a customized garage with extra feature options, careful planning will make it an important, usable, and structurally sound asset for many years.
FAQS
Q1. How big does a 2-car garage need to be?
Generally speaking, a typical 2-car garage is between 20′ x 20′ (400 sq ft) and 24′ x 24′ (576 sq ft) in size, and it can comfortably accommodate two vehicles.
Q2. What is the minimum area for a 2-car garage?
The minimum area for a two-car garage must be about 20′ x 20′ (400 square feet) because it has enough space for parking and basic movement.
Q3. How wide is the average car?
On average, standard cars measure about six feet wide, with most vehicles falling within a range of widths from about 5.5 feet to around 6.5 feet.
