How much does it cost to build a Garage in 2024?
Building a garage will increase the value of your home and make it more convenient for you.
Your car can stay warm in winter time and you get the added bonus of more storage space. But of course, you will want to know the cost of building a garage.
In general, the actual cost to build your garage depends on your location, the size of the garage you want, the materials you prefer, and your choice of contractor
Making the right choices will help you to stay within your desired budget.
Read on to get more details about the costs associated with a garage addition.
You can also fill out our short online form to get actual quotes from reputable contractors, free of charge.
The Cost of Building a Garage
Aside from factors like size, type of garage, and the materials you choose, your location also matters when it comes to the cost of building a garage.
A detached garage costs anywhere from $40 to $70 per square foot but the actual cost depends on the contractor you choose and the materials.
Below you will find the average prices of a garage addition in Montreal and Toronto.
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12x 20 (Single Attached) BARE |
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With room above garage |
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Single garage |
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2-car garage |
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2-car garage |
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Many homeowners who decide to add a garage to their homes also want an extra room above. This adds livable space and increases home value, too.
Keep in mind that the cost of your project will be based on the type of work to be done plus contingencies!
Make sure to find a reputable garage contractor to get the most value from your money! You should know that Compare Home Quotes has partner contractors serving all of Ontario and Quebec.
Simply fill out the short online form on this page to get connected to the best garage contractors in your area.
Determining the Right Type & Size of your Garage
Choosing the garage type – attached or detached, and the right size of your garage are two of the most crucial decisions you have to make for your project.
The size of your garage will have an impact on its use, too. How do you choose the perfect garage size? Below are important factors for you to consider.
Average Garage Sizes to Consider
A good place to start is knowing the standard sizes for a garage. The most popular choices are single garage, double garage, or triple garage.
A single-car garage is 12 x 22 ft. while a 2-car garage is 22 x 20 ft. or 18 x 22 ft.
It is also worthy to note that the measurements above are for the exterior walls. They would also be ideal for parking average sized vehicles with some space left for storage.
Attached or Detached Garage
How does a detached and attached garage differ?
While a detached garage is a stand-alone, an attached garage is connected to the home.
Homeowners who choose a detached garage often use it as workshops or storage areas while attached garages are mainly used for parking vehicles.
Space is very important these days, what with real estate prices so high. Rather than moving out to buy a bigger home for a growing family, many homeowners choose to stay and renovate.
To add livable space, a detached garage is a good solution to consider. You can also use it as an income suite or in-law suite, a workspace, or a hobby room.
Determining the best choice of garage
Now that you have a general understanding of typical garage sizes and types, you can plan based on your needs.
Ask yourself the following questions to arrive at smart choices.
How do you plan to use your garage?
If you just need to park your car and nothing more, you could just choose the average single garage. If you have bigger plans, you could choose a 2-car garage with a room above or a detached garage with a loft.
Do you need more storage space?
Is your basement storage space not enough? Your garage can be a good solution to adding space for storage. Average garage sizes provide some space for storage but choosing a bigger garage will give you more room for neatly storing your cherished items.
Would you like more livable space?
Livable spaces need more square footage. How much more space do you want? A detached garage can be a great option for usable space built up if rather than out.
Of course, you can also build a room above an attached garage, if zoning restrictions allow it.
How much space can you use on your property?
Your available space must be considered to plan the size of your garage. Your options may be limited with an attached garage if there is not much space on either side of your property.
A detached garage can be constructed behind your home and allow you to build up to get more usable space.
A new garage is a great investment if you plan properly and hire a good contractor. It is the best way to make sure you create value for your home and get the best results.
Foundation for your Garage Addition
It is important to ensure that a new garage is safe and will last a long time. When building a detached garage, site preparation and building the foundation are the first steps.
A detached garage needs a strong foundation that can support the weight and load that will be placed on it. A two-story garage needs a foundation to support 2 floors.
The foundation supports the exterior walls and other materials. The right foundation will also depend on the soil conditions and the load requirements. You can choose a floating foundation, a block foundation, or a concrete floor on a gravel pad.
After laying the foundation, you can now start the construction of your garage with help from an experienced and reliable contractor.
Do you need a permit to build a garage in Ontario?
Compliance with building permit requirements is a critical part of ensuring that your garage renovation is legal. Whether you are adding functionality, creating livable space, or making structural changes, it is important to obtain the necessary permit.
In doing so, you can enhance the safety of your development and increase property value with the right insurance coverage for your protection.
The Ontario Building Code regulates:
- Foundations;
- Structural framing;
- Insulation;
- Plumbing systems and mechanical systems;
- Changes to the use of a building.
You will need a permit for:
- Building a new structure that is larger than 108 square feet;
- Building an addition to an existing structure;
- Renovating or making material alterations;
- Demolishing part or all of a building;
- Installing new mechanical or plumbing systems.
In Ontario, a building permit is mandatory for all home renovation projects before construction can begin. A carport or attached garage and an addition that is 10 square meters like a garage generally requires a permit.
Zoning requirements
Any accessory structure in the backyard needs to be at least 1.0 meter from the main building. The side yard setback for a garage on a corner lot is 6.0 meters from flanking street to the wall that houses the garage door.
This mandate includes the repair, renovation, demolition, addition, or structural alteration of livable spaces on a property.
Under Ontario Regulation 166/06, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) controls such work and does not permit construction within valley and stream corridors, the Lake Ontario waterfront, and wetlands.
If your property is on a regulated area, you must secure a permit from the TRCA prior to any type of new construction. A garage or shed construction is considered a new development by the Conservation Authorities Act.
Working with a contractor
If you hire a contractor, he can help you secure the necessary permits for your project.
How much is a building permit?
Every permit could have a different price because it is typically a percentage of the cost of your project. It could also change depending on your municipality.
Permit fees are calculated using the formula below:
Minimum fee of $198.59 (2024) for all types of work.
A fee of $85.79 (2024) hourly for examination and inspection.
Formula for calculating the permit fee:
- SI (Service Index Classification for proposed work) x A (Floor area in m2 of the work)
You can visit the Toronto Building Permit Application Guide for more information on how to apply and pay for your building permit.
How to Calculate the Cost of Building a Garage
The overall price will depend on the project scope, size, materials, and labor. The key factors to include in your planning are:
- Excavation & Site Preparation: $2,500 -$6,200. It is needed to ensure a safe foundation for your garage. The actual cost depends on the earth that needs to be excavated and removed from the site.
- Foundation: Includes concrete footings, slabs, and frost walls. Damp-proof coating costs additional $4-$7 per sq. ft. to protect from soil moisture. Waterproof coating costs extra $6-$11 per sq. ft.
- Framing/Roofing: Roof trusses and beam system with walls. Roof truss costs $7-$10 per sq. ft. Wooden frame materials cost $5-$8 per sq. ft. Add 5-15% for the cost of a steel frame and $35-$50 per hour for labor costs.
- Roofing: The average price of asphalt shingles is $160 to $600 per 100 sq. ft. The cost of galvanized roof flashing is $500 to $700.
Consider these costs in calculating your building permit.
How to Calculate the Cost of Building a Garage
Are you planning to build a garage addition? Did you know that many homeowners decide to have an extra room above the garage for more livable space?
Increasing livable space can add convenience to your life and also add to the home’s resale value. You can have an additional bedroom and bathroom on top of your garage.
A single-car garage (detached) could cost from $70 to $80 per square foot while an attached garage (one-car) could cost around $35,000. If you plan on building a room above it, the average cost is $200,000 to $350,000 for 300 to 500 sq. ft.
A bonus room on top of your garage can be an in-law suite, a guest room, a home gym, or home office.
The return on investment (ROI) is high (from 60% to (80%). Before you dive into this type of addition, carefully assess the pros and cons and the cost of your project.
We highly recommend speaking to a verified and reputable garage contractor to plan your budget. You can connect with reliable professionals in your area using our short online form.
Garage Contractors Design and Build Services
A reputable garage contractor can help simplify the design and construction of your dream garage. Here are the services offered by Ontario garage contractors:
Design
Contractors provide conceptual drawings and 3D renderings so you can get the best design that fit your requirements.
Site Planning & Preparation
If needed, your contractor can prepare the site plan to ensure your garage is properly situated.
Budgeting
A professional contractor for garage construction can provide an accurate quote for your project and develop a budget that suits you.
Project Planning
Your contractor will plan the project and ensure that all requirements including permits are accounted for.
Permits and Inspections
A contractor can help you apply for the necessary permits and inspections for your project.
Construction
The contractor will be responsible for managing and supervising the construction within the timelines agreed upon and comply with building and safety codes.
You can enjoy peace of mind when you leave the construction of your dream garage in the hands of a capable contractor.
Contractors are required to possess the mandatory liability insurance to protect you from risk and liability.
Why Build a New Garage?
If you have a budget for renovation and need more space in your home, constructing a new garage can be the best solution.
You will be getting a secure place to store your vehicle and other belongings and at the same time, increase property value.
Many homeowners can expect an ROI of 80% vis-à-vis home value. That’s really great, isn’t it?
Don’t forget that a garage can also be big enough to increase storage and allow for extra living space above it for guests or for hobbies.
Whether you are planning to replace an existing structure that has aged or constructing a new garage, consider working with a professional garage contractor from our network.
A professional contractor will ensure a high-quality construction that complies with building regulations to give you the best value for your money.
Find the best contractor for your garage construction or addition using our short online form, free of charge!
