Are you thinking of expanding your space and increasing the value of your property? Well, a garage extension might be a good solution for you. Whether you want to make additional storage, a workshop, or even transform your garage into a completely new space, understanding the costs is crucial for a successful project.
Garage extension cost typically ranges from $4,000 to $15,000 or more. The price depends on numerous factors such as the size, design, permits, materials, and labor.
Stay with us as we’ll discover everything you need to know about garage extension costs. We’ll discuss the price of labor, materials, and permits, and provide some tips on how to save money during the project. With all the knowledge about different costs, your garage extension will be a safe and exciting project.
What is the cost to add on a garage?
In the table below, check out the price range for building a garage extension:
| Average cost | $11,000 |
| Low-end cost | $1,850 |
| High-end cost | $34,000 |
Now, let’s see what is the cost of a garage extension when it comes to square feet.
Cost to extend a garage per square foot
The cost of a garage extension ranges from $45 to $75 per square foot. The cost of garage extension is very similar to the cost of building a new garage or having a garage conversion because the project requires the same steps: pouring a new foundation and roof installation.
Let’s see the prices for common garage sizes when it comes to garage extension:
| Project | Size of extension | Cost |
| Convert 1 car to 2 cars | 8×20 square feet | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Convert 2 cars to 3 cars | 10×20 square feet | $9,000–$15,000 |
| Convert 1 car to 3 cars | 22×22 square feet | $20,000–$34,000 |
Now that we’ve established the average cost for garage extension per square foot, let’s dig deep into the costs and all expenses that are associated with this type of project.
Garage extension cost breakdown
Any type of addition and construction requires a lot of knowledge about that specific home addition cost. Garage extension is a process that involves preparation, demolition, and building. To stay within your budget you need to understand all of the cost factors that influence the project’s overall price. Let’s learn more about those factors and their costs.
Design
You will need to hire a structural engineer to help you design the plans and draw blueprints. The cost of hiring an engineer ranges from $250 to $1,550.
Permits
Permits are an important part of any building process. You will need to obtain a building permit for a garage to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. Having a permit secures the process runs according to safety standards so building without a permit can cause legal issues and construction mistakes. Building permit costs for a garage range from $200 to $550.
Demolition
There is a high chance you will need demolition depending on how you want to extend your garage. For example, if you want to add to your garage in width, you will need to knock down a part of an exterior wall so you can build outwards. Demolition of the garage costs on average from $1,700 and $6,500.
Foundation
Depending on the type of foundation you’ll need for your garage, the cost of it goes from $5 to $30 per square foot.
Framing
Hiring a local framer who will build out the new skeleton for the garage costs from $5 to $10 per square foot.
Electrical
Garage extension means more square footage so you will need more electrical outlets that will power the tools and all the other accessories. There is a high chance you’ll need wiring throughout the walls and ceiling for garage doors, alarms, and light fixtures. The cost of hiring an electrician ranges from $60 to $120 per hour.
Plumbing
The cost of hiring a plumber who will add new piping and fixtures if necessary, ranges from $50 to $210 per hour.
Roofing
Roofing cost ranges from $1,200 to $3,200. The cost of roofing depends on whether you can add to your existing roofline or you need to build a new roof and remove the old one.
Garage door
After finishing the construction process you will need a new garage door or you can replace the existing one. The cost of garage door installations ranges from $800 to $3,100.
Exterior
Once you finish with your garage extension, you will need to add the final touches. Your existing home finish determines the finish you’ll use for your new garage. If you have a cedar or stucco exterior, you will most likely have the same for the garage.
Check out the prices for siding types in the table below:
| Siding type | Cost range per square foot |
| Stucco | $8 – $10 |
| Vinyl | $4 – $13 |
| Wood | $2 – $16 |
| Brick | $11 – $21 |
| Stone | $8 – $31 |
| Fiber cement | $6 – $15 |
After seeing the detailed cost breakdown for a garage extension, let’s learn more about the specific cost of extending a garage forward.
Cost to extend a garage forward
Extending a garage forward requires the expansion of its depth towards the front which creates more space for cars to park. This type of extension can require changes to the existing structure such as foundation work, roofing, framing, and relocation, or the addition of doors, and windows.
The average cost for extending a garage forward ranges from $12,000 to $32,000 or more depending on factors such as materials, labor, size, and amenities and fixtures used.
After we’ve explored the costs of extending a garage forward, let’s see whether it’s better to hire a pro or to DIY the garage extension project.
Extending a garage yourself vs. hiring a pro
Extending a garage can be a demanding process, and although the DIY approach does save money, it’s always better to hire a professional contractor who will ensure the project runs smoothly, according to building codes, and zoning regulations.
A professional will provide you with quality work and a smooth process because of his skills and resources. For hiring a professional, expect to pay from $8,500 to $14,500 for material and labor.
DIY can be done with some smaller work such as painting or landscaping, but unless you’re a pro, there are not many more things you can do because garage extension requires a lot of knowledge.
After seeing the benefits of hiring a pro for a garage extension, let’s discover some cost-effective tips that will help you stay within your budget.
Cost-effective tips when extending a garage
During a garage extension project, it’s important to stay within budget as the process can be very pricey. Here are some tips on how to reduce overall costs and expenses for a garage extension:
- Limit how much extra space are you going to add, the bigger the extension the bigger the price.
- Plan your budget meticulously and determine it before starting the process.
- Try using durable and cost-effective materials for flooring, walls, and roofing.
- Save and reuse materials to reduce expenses on items like windows, fixtures, or doors.
- Obtain multiple quotes from different contractors and compare prices to choose the best for you.
Now that we’ve discovered some budget-friendly tips for garage extension projects, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the overall costs of a garage extension.
Cost of garage extension FAQs
What is the cost of tearing down a garage?
Tearing down a garage typically ranges from $2,500 to $10,500. Garage demolition is a good option if your existing garage is too damaged and can’t be repaired.
Are there any hidden costs associated with garage extensions?
Yes, like any other project, garage extensions can have hidden costs such as site preparation, unpredictable structural issues, additional inspections and permits, and different utility upgrades. It’s always advised to count on these unforeseen expenses when calculating the budget.
Is it worth extending a garage?
Yes, a garage extension is a great project that increases the value of your property. You will get extra storage or a room you can use for your different preferences.
What is the cost of adding a third bay to the existing two-car garage?
This type of garage extension is very pricey and you can expect to pay from $10,500 to $30,500. The cost depends on numerous factors such as the size of the garage, location, labor costs, and materials used.
Adding a garage increases the value of your property
The decision to invest in a garage project is very clever because besides extending the space and adding square footage, it increases the value of your property. Garage extension enhances the functionality of your home and at the same time gives your home better marketability.
The average ROI of a garage extension is 65% to 82%, and having a garage space increases value and makes your home easier to sell. Garage extension is a great investment in the future of your home, so if you decide to embark on this project, be sure it will pay off.
When it’s time to realize this type of project, remember to provide site plans for permits, because they guarantee a smooth approval process that will lead you to obtaining your building permit stress-free.
For any additional information regarding a site plan, feel free to contact us. We are dedicated to ensuring your project runs with efficiency and expertise.
