According to a 2024 report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 80% of new home buyers have 13 property amenities they rate as “essential” or “desirable,” and garage storage is one of them. So it’s also no wonder that homebuilders said including two-car garages was a top priority in new homes built in 2024.
If you’ve also decided you need or want a new garage for your Indianapolis home, you don’t have to go through all the trouble of moving to a new house with one. You simply need to plan your garage addition cost like a pro.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right page. The experts at Cliff’s Construction, LLC, our home remodeling company in Indianapolis, IN, put together this guide, sharing insights into the cost of building garage additions. Read on for actionable tips to help you keep your garage project pricing and budgeting on point!
Understand the Factors Influencing Garage Addition Cost
The first step in planning your garage addition cost is understanding what goes into your final bill. The following are the most crucial factors to consider whether you’re aiming for a budget garage addition or a more luxurious one.
Garage Size
The price of home additions, including new garage builds, is usually per square foot. So, the more spacious you want your new garage to be, the more the addition would cost. If you do a quick Google search, you’ll find that the website HomeGuide’s garage construction estimate is between $35 and $60 per square foot and that the typical cost of a one-car garage is $7,500 to $14,200, while a 2-car garage can be between $19,600 and $28,200.
Materials
Unlike a carport that you can build with concrete blocks or a metal garage kit, a new garage requires the following, the cost of which depends on the material:
- Foundation installation and framing, such as brick, cinderblock, or metal
- A roof, such as asphalt shingles, tiles, clay, or metal
- Gutters such as aluminum, vinyl, or steel
- Siding, including aluminum, brick, vinyl, fiber cement, or wood
- Concrete floor finish, such as epoxy, polyurea, or aluminum
The above are just the basics for which you’d need to consider the materials (and their cost). So, ensure you review all your options and research their prices to plan your garage addition cost like a pro.
Garage Type
A detached garage is a separate, freestanding structure from your house. Depending on how you build and furnish it, it can also serve as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
On the other hand, an attached garage shares a physical connection to your home, such as an existing wall, and provides direct access inside. It’s an ideal option for homeowners with limited land space.
Since an attached garage uses an existing wall of your home, it requires fewer construction materials and labor. Thus, it can cost less than its detached counterpart. As Bankrate points out, the cost of detached structures can run into the five figures and even reach $110,000+ in some cases.
Labor
Labor will account for the most significant portion of your new garage addition; depending on your contractor, it can be anywhere from 50% to 70% of your final bill. The exact location of your Indianapolis home and its accessibility will also affect labor prices.
One of the best ways to get a sense of labor rates in your area is to search online for “garage builders and contractors near me.” Contact them to request ballpark pricing, and remember to ask what the price includes.
Building Permits
Because a new garage addition alters the usable area of your home, you’d need building permits before starting the project. According to the official website of the Indianapolis government site, proposing new structures and site improvements requires an improvement location permit and a structural permit.
Reputable garage builders typically handle permit acquisition and include it in the final bill. However, not all contractors do this, so it pays to ask yours to ensure they will obtain all necessary documents for the project.
Think About Bells and Whistles
Any addition of amenities and services to your space-transforming garage addition will add to its final cost. For instance, if you want to turn the space into more than a storage area for your car, you must consider new electrical and plumbing connections.
Some examples of bells and whistles you may want your new garage to have are:
- An automated garage door
- A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
- A laundry hookup
- A standard full-bathroom
- A small kitchen
Here are some ballpark estimates for ADU and garage pricing from Cliff’s Construction:
- Basic: $135,000 for a 580 sq. ft, one-story detached living space with a small kitchen, laundry hookup, and a standard full-bathroom
- Average: $170,000 for a standard 625 sq. ft detached living space with an ADU above a 24 x 26 two-car garage, a standard-sized kitchen, laundry hookup, and a full bathroom
- High-End: $280,000+ for an 830 sq. ft detached living space with an ADU above a 32 x 26 three-car garage, two full-size bedrooms, a full laundry hookup, a bathroom, a common area, and a full-size kitchen
Finalize Your Plan and Compare Quotes
Now that you know more about the factors that could affect the cost of your garage addition, the next step is to finalize the primary details of your project. Decide on the materials, garage type, and size you want and are most feasible for your home improvement.
Then, carefully research your area’s best builders with good reputations (e.g., positive customer testimonials and client reviews) and phone them. Share your project details with at least five companies and get quotes from each.
Ready to Transform Your Garage?
Size, type, labor, building permits, and “bells and whistles” are all integral factors when planning your garage addition cost like a pro. Consider all these variables, as they can affect your final bill.
Once you’ve ironed out the details of your project, consider partnering with our company, Cliffs Construction, LLC. Established in 1995, we’ve helped hundreds of clients in and around Indianapolis, IN, transform their houses into homes. We implement a 12-step process for turning our customers’ living environments into dream spaces.
We’re ready to do the same for you. Connect with us today to request your quote and to schedule your consultation!