The average cost of building a garage in Muskegon, Michigan, is roughly $15,000. You can build a garage for $4,000 to over $25,000, or as much as you’re willing to splurge. Meanwhile, across the country, the average figure is around $24,000. Building a garage, no matter how small, is a major project. You should expect most of your budget to be spent on labor while the remaining costs are for materials, equipment needs, and other project expenses.
To give you a ballpark figure, many contractors charge per square foot. The average per-unit cost is $52 per square foot, with the lowest unit costing $35 and the highest at $70 per square foot. The simple formula for the total average cost is unit cost x square foot of area = total dollar cost.
If these numbers seem confusing, let our expert Muskegon garage door installer answer your question, “How much does it cost to build a garage?” in this article.
Factors Affecting Garage Building Costs
Size may matter, but other key factors still affect your garage’s construction cost. The final price tag for two garages of the same size can vary by thousands of dollars, depending on the following factors beyond size:
Size
Size is a major factor in your garage’s construction cost. Aside from the number of cars, you also have to determine the length of these vehicles. For instance, a minivan or SUV requires more room than a standard car. Based on the average unit cost of $52 per square foot, here are the estimated costs based on sizes:
| Number of Cars | Garage Size | Square Foot Area | Average Dollar Cost | |||
| 1 |
12’ x 24’ |
288 |
|
$15,000 | ||
| 1 | 14’ x 28’ | 392 |
|
$20,300 | ||
| 2 | 20’ x 20’ |
|
400 |
|
$20,800 | |
| 2 to 3 | 24’ x 24’ | 576 | $29,000 | |||
| 3 to 4 |
36’ x 24’ |
864 |
$44,900 |
Location
Your home’s location is another major factor affecting insulation and foundation costs. A concrete slab on grade can serve as a foundation in places with milder winters. However, pouring concrete below the frost line may be necessary in Michigan, where frost can impact the foundation’s stability. This process may require more work, materials, and additional costs than usual. You can also choose a free-floating slab, which costs between $2,000 and $7,000.
Proper insulation and winter sealing of your garage are also important, especially during the cold seasons in Michigan. Depending on the type of insulation, you can expect to spend between $800 and $2,400.
Materials
Building a garage is not a simple DIY project because of the many costly materials required. You need to allocate around 30% to 40% of your total budget for the materials. From the concrete of the foundation to the timber of the framing to the walls, interiors, roofing, electrical, and everything else, having a well-planned budget is essential. Also, you must comply with the approved materials listed in the 2015 Michigan Residential Code to ensure your garage is safe.
Type
An attached garage with a shared wall with your home is significantly less expensive than a separate, freestanding garage. There are also prefabricated or garage-building kits, which are among the cheapest and easiest to install. To compare, here are the estimated costs for every garage type:
| Type | The Cost Starts At | |
| Detached One-Car | $14,000 | |
| Attached One-Car | $7,500 | |
| Prefab Garages or Garage-Building Kits | $4,000 to $6,500 (excluding labor and permit costs) |
Cost Breakdown
Here’s a rough estimate of the materials needed to build a standard 12′ x 24′ one-car detached garage. Note that this doesn’t include labor costs and permit fees.
| Materials | Estimated Cost | |
| A. Foundation | $2,000 | |
B. Framing and Walls
|
$5,500 | |
C. Roofing
|
$2,400 | |
D. Siding
|
$1,600 | |
E. Doors and Windows
|
$1,050 | |
| F. Electrical work | $1,500 | |
G. Insulation
|
$270 | |
| Estimated Total Cost | $14,320 |
Tips for Saving Money on Garage Construction
- Hiring a contractor for such a major project may be better than attempting to build it on your own. An expert can easily suggest suitable materials for your needs and budget.
- Take your time to shop around and ask for the best prices for your materials.
- It’s best to start working on your garage during the cooler season, because it’s off-season for most contractor companies, so you might just work out a better deal.
- Installing cabinets and shelves yourself after construction saves labor costs.
We Can Be Part of Your New Project
An improperly installed garage may prove to be more of a burden than an asset. It may not function correctly and will likely need costly repairs down the road. Avoid the hassle, and don’t waste this major investment. Let our expert Muskegon garage door installer at Shepherd Shoreline handle the job for you! We’ll give you the best value for your money and build you a reliable and long-lasting garage. Contact us here or call (231) 780-2847 to schedule a consultation.