How much does it cost to build a new garage?
As with other kinds of extensions and outbuildings, the cost to build a garage is dependent on several factors.
The average cost to build a new garage in the UK is between £13,000 to £25,000, depending on the size, style, and materials used. However, it can be done for as little as £4,000 if you have the skills to do it yourself with cost-effective materials. It can also be much more expensive, up to £40,000 to £60,000, when you factor in planning and labour costs in certain areas of the UK.
In this article, we will outline some of the costs associated with building a new garage. We’ll also look at some of the potential benefits it could have and answer some frequently asked questions.
| Type of Garage | Low Range | High Range | Average Cost |
| Single garage with flat roof | £6,500 | £26,000 | £13,000 |
| Single garage with pitched tiled roof | £7,500 | £30,000 | £15,000 |
| Double garage with flat roof | £11,000 | £44,000 | £22,000 |
| Double garage with pitched tiled roof | £12,500 | £50,000 | £25,000 |
Single Garage
To build a single concrete garage, the average cost is between £13,000 for a flat roof to £15,000 for a tiled pitched roof.This cost rises to between £18,000 to £30,000 for a brick garage. A single garage is a good option for smaller vehicles such as motorbikes or small cars.
If you live on a narrow lot, you may have no choice but to go for a single garage. However, if you do have the option to go for a double garage, it may well be worth paying that little bit extra.
You need to factor in not just the size of your car but whether or not you require extra storage, such as wall shelves or a workbench.
Even if you have a small car and don’t need lots of storage, it’s a good idea to leave some leeway for the possibility of buying a bigger car, or your needs changing. For future-proofing, also think ahead to the size of car the next owner may have, and what their storage requirements might be, should you decide to sell your home.
The bigger your garage (within legal parameters) the more flexible a space it will be for your future use and potential new owners later on.
Double Garage
For a double concrete garage, you are looking at between £21,000 for a flat roof to £25,000 for a dual tiled pitched roof, and up to £40,000 for a double brick garage. Again, though, this is heavily dependent on the materials used and the labour costs in your area.
The most obvious reason to build a double garage is having more than one car. However, many single garages just aren’t large enough to comfortably accommodate modern large cars such as Jeeps, SUVs, and people carriers. The car may just about fit in, but if there’s no space to exit the car on either side, chances are you’ll soon start leaving the car on the drive.
A double garage also offers a multitude of storage solutions and could be used as a workshop, gym, utility room, or depository for gardening and power tools.
Prefab Garage
Brick and concrete garages are not the only options when it comes to building a garage. A prefab garage means that the garage has been manufactured elsewhere and transported to the final location, as opposed to being built on-site.
In some cases, (usually with smaller, standard designs) a prefab garage can be constructed in its entirety off-site and transported as a whole structure to the location of your choice. Other times, the garage will be transported in pieces which are then assembled on-site. This ‘flat-pack garage’ is transported using a large flatbed truck and offers a wide range of styles and panels which will all fit together. This kind of garage could be a good option for those who wish to include a storage space or recreational room above the garage.
There are many reasons customers may opt for a prefab garage. From an aesthetic point of view, there are many different styles, and customers can ask for specific requirements. It may also be hard to build directly on the desired location.
Another advantage to this type of garage is that they tend to be environmentally friendly, with less waste due to the products being produced to a standard factory design. The materials can also be environmentally friendly, as the design can be tailored to the customer’s specifications.
Some prefab garages are designed to be installed by the customer who can pay an additional fee if they would prefer to have it installed by a professional, either from the company or a private contractor. Sometimes, the company will include installation as part of their overall fee, particularly if the design is complex, or includes elements that require expertise for safety reasons.
Depending on the size of the garage and the materials used, a prefab garage can work out significantly cheaper than building a new garage on-site from scratch. You can usually expect to pay between £1,000 to £8,000 for a prefab garage.
| Type of Prefab Garage | Low Range | High Range | Average Cost |
| Single (low quality) Concrete Prefab | £1,000 | £5,000 | £3,500 |
| Single (high quality) Concrete Prefab with a Corrugated Roof | £3,500 | £7,000 | £5,500 |
| Double (low quality) Concrete Prefab | £5,000 | £10,000 | £7,000 |
| Double (high quality) Concrete Prefab Corrugated Roof | £8,000 | £15,000 | £10,000 |
Breeze Block Garage
Another cost-effective option is a breeze block garage. Breeze blocks can be purchased for around £2 a block and you will need approximately 200 blocks to build a single detached garage. That works out at around £400 for materials, about half what you would expect to pay for a brick garage of the same size. You also need to factor in labour costs, which will be the same as a brick garage.
Attached or Detached Garage?
There are pros and cons of attached and detached garages. For those on a budget, an attached garage is usually cheaper to build. This is because you already have strong foundations from the house. It also gives you access straight from your house so it’s ideal if you are using it as a gym, rec space, or home office. It is easier to incorporate electricity in an attached garage. You can access the garage staying warm and dry in any weather and it also makes it easier to load and unload your car straight from or to your house. This is particularly convenient if you build the garage over an existing doorway into the house.
On the other hand, an attached garage can be less secure than a detached garage as it’s attached to your house. Depending on the design, it can also block light into your home.
A detached garage may be more expensive to build, but not necessarily. For example, you can get a prefab or metal garage for less than an attached brick single.
It is much easier to expand a detached garage and you have much more flexibility in the design, size, and layout. It is also more secure as a break in will not give access to your home. Some evidence suggests it’s healthier to have a detached garage to limit exposure to petrol and other potentially harmful fumes. You can choose whether to have a front-load garage, where the doors face the street and you drive straight out onto the road, or an end-load garage where you need a turnaround area to access the garage. With the latter, you need approximately 25 feet minimum past the side of the garage.
Beams & Columns
One of the ways garages are constructed is with a lally column in the middle of the garage. However, these structures can be inconvenient for people to walk around and avoid driving into. A lally column may also encroach onto your storage or activity space, depending on the garage’s main purpose.
If you do not want a lally column, you can either opt for a beam, a trussed roof, or ‘I joists’ that are used if you want to use the space above the garage.
Pitched or Flat Roof
The choice of a flat roof or pitched roof for your garages comes primarily down to initial cost versus the potential cost of repairs. A flat roof garage is significantly cheaper to buy than a pitched roof garage, but considerably more expensive to repair.
Although not completely flat, a flat roof is on one level, so it requires fewer materials and is less complicated making it faster to build. However, because it is almost flat, flat roofs are not great drainage, so if you are in an area that sees a lot of rain or snow, you could run into problems. Flat roofs do not last as long and need frequent (yearly) inspections.
A pitched roof garage is a roof that has a peak. It is a more expensive purchase upfront but could save you money in the long run. It costs more initially because a pitched roof requires more materials and takes longer to build. However, it lasts much longer, deals better with bad weather, and does not require such frequent inspections.
The choice is also aesthetic, of course. If you have a modern minimalist aesthetic, a pitched roof may not fit the style.
Costs & Quotes
How can I calculate the total cost of building a new garage?
Having a clear budget that incorporates all potential costs associated with a building project is essential. To calculate the total cost, you need to factor in the materials and labour cost at each stage.
You should always get a couple of quotes for comparison before you commit to one contractor or building company. We recommend getting at least three quotes as part of your research. These quotes should be broken down to include material costs, labour costs, and an estimated timeframe at each stage of the garage build.
What is the Cheapest Way to Build a Garage?
Again, depending on your expertise, building your own garage using the cheapest materials is probably the cheapest option. This would likely be a metal garage using reclaimed metal but could also be made of breeze blocks if you can get hold of some cheaper, or even free, on sites such as Gumtree. Although, you would need to factor in the cost of collection including petrol or van hire.
Are there are any additional costs?
You should already be factoring in a structural engineer’s fee, but you may also need an electrician, a carpenter, and potentially a landscaper and/or painter and decorator.
Additional costs will depend on the function and the design of the garage, as well as the location. For example, a garage that is going to be used for gym equipment or as a workspace will require more insulation than a garage for cars or storage.
For example, if you are using the garage as a workshop, home office, or gym, you may want to include a small bathroom or kitchen, or even just a tap. This will entail plumbing and electrical costs.
The purpose of the garage will also impact design elements such as the type of flooring and electrics used. If the garage is detached and away from the house, you may also need to install additional security measures.
If you will be spending a lot of time in the garage, insulation will cost more, and you will need to factor in any soft furnishings or accessories.
Value & Permits
Does a garage always add value to a property?
Not necessarily. Although experts state that a garage can add 5% to 10% value to a house the keyword here is ‘can’. If your house is already valued at the ceiling price, building a new garage will not add value, in the same way adding a different kind of extension wouldn’t.
The location of the garage to the house and the road is also important. If you intend to park your car in the garage, it needs to be easily accessible from the house, and provide a clear path to drive safely onto the nearest road. Think about your driveway in different weathers such as rain and snow and make sure you will be able to clear the way and exit safely. On the other hand, if the garage is to be used primarily for storage, access from the house would probably be the most important factor.
Aesthetics are also important, as a more attractive garage will normally add value whereas an ugly garage could have the opposite effect if it is seen as an eyesore.
How do I find out if a garage would add value?
Your best bet to find this information is to contact your local estate agent who will be able to tell you the ceiling price for similar properties in your area and whether or not your property is already in that bracket.
Do I need planning permission to build a garage?
Since a garage is considered to be either an extension or a new build, depending on where it is on your land and concerning the house, it may or may not require planning permission.
If you stay within the following parameters, planning permission shouldn’t be required:
- Firstly, it cannot be used as a living space, so no beds, sofa beds or similar furniture that would make it livable
- The floor of a freestanding (detached) garage must be less than 15 square metres
- The floor of the garage must be less than 30 square metres if attached to the house. If this is the case, all materials used must be entirely non-flammable and the garage must be at least a metre away from any fences or walls
If you do want to create a living space in a garage, whether new or as a garage conversion, you will need to seek planning permission. Likewise, if you wish to make the garage larger than the above parameters, you will need to check the rules and regulations.
There may still be concerns, such as you will usually have to build the new garage a specified distance from the street, as well as ensuring it does not exceed height restrictions (no higher than four metres) or encroach on a neighbour’s view.
It is still a good idea to contact your local planning department to ensure you are aware of the specific guidelines regarding where you live. You can also find information on the UK Government’s website.
Should I tell my neighbours I’m having a new garage built?
Yes, it’s common courtesy to inform your neighbours of any extension or building plans as the new build may alter their view, and the building work may cause them some disruption.
After all, you would want to know if the roles were reversed, wouldn’t you?
Design & Materials
Besides those mentioned above, can I use any materials to build my garage?
You can build a simple metal garage without too much effort or expertise required. This is another cost-effective garage option that can be built for between £5,000- £8,000, cheaper than a concrete prefab garage. You will need to make sure the roof is made of either plastic or corrugated metal. This kind of garage is cheap but not that cheerful, as they tend to be quite unattractive and may not add value to your property. However, they are functional for something like a motorbike shed or a single small car garage. Another option when building a garage, is a timber frame or wooden garage. Timber frame and wooden garages vary in quality and cost around £12,000 to £19,000. They tend to be more popular in America and other more mild climates.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Up To 30%:
How big should my garage be?
The UK standard size for a single car garage is eight feet by 16 feet for a small, nine feet by 18 feet for a medium, and 10 feet by 20 feet for a large.
For a double, the standard smallest is 18 feet by 20 feet , but they can go up to 20×20, 20 x 22 or 22×22 depending on your needs.
You can also purchase a triple car garage or even a four-car garage.
Can I build my own garage?
This would largely depend on your expertise, budget, and whether or not you have the time to dedicate to what could be a lengthy project. There are several DIY garage options though, including prefab, breeze block, and metal. A DIY garage also allows you to work on it whenever it is most convenient to you.
Can I build a garage on a concrete slab?
Yes, although you will need to get calculations done by a structural engineer to ensure the concrete is thick enough and determine whether any reinforcing is required based on the weight and dimensions of your proposed garage. The type of soil in your area also has an effect.
How deep does the footing need to be for a garage?
This will depend on the soil in your area, but you would need to dig until you reach stable subsoil (usually approximately 1 metre down) and the trench will need to be at least 450mm wide. Once you have made this trench, you need to dig down another 200mm. You should then be able to pour around 750mm of concrete in, incorporating steel mesh.
How long does it take to build a garage?
It can take anywhere between two weeks to two months to build a garage.
For two bricklayers/labourers to dig the trench/foundations should take around two days, depending on the weather and their speed and efficiency. Add on another day to get the bricks to damp course, and two more to fill the base and let it settle. After that, you are looking at another two days for brickwork on a standard garage, plus three or four for the roof, depending on the design and materials.
Two weeks gives you a little bit of leeway for unforeseen circumstances such as unfavourable weather conditions.
If you hire a contractor, your quote should include labour time and a breakdown of how many men will be working.
On the other hand, if you are building it yourself, you can take as much time as you like, and work at the most convenient times for you.
How can I build an eco-friendly garage?
Firstly, you need to use eco-friendly methods and materials. There are still lots of choices here – you could use recycled timber for a timber frame or wooden stick build, or repurpose corrugated metal for the roof of a metal garage. As mentioned, prefab garages are usually eco-friendlier than those built on-site.
Next, you need to consider the interior, from energy-efficient lighting to proper insulation. Many garages are the coldest ‘room’ in the house in the winter and the hottest in the summer. This is because of the industrial materials used, lack of soft furnishings such as carpet and curtains and the way they are built. If the garage is not properly insulated and is attached to the house, it will transfer this heat or cold into the other rooms, necessitating higher heating or air conditioning costs at different times of the year.
Having a high-quality garage door will prevent heat loss. You also need to make sure your interior door, and any windows are properly sealed.
Lastly, make sure any cracks in the exterior walls are repaired quickly using green, waterproof concrete, to prevent hot air from seeping out and cold air getting in.
Should my garage have windows?
Incorporating at least one window into the design of your garage is usually considered to be a good idea. Windows let in plenty of natural light, saving on electrical costs during the day. This is particularly important if the garage is going to be used for anything other than housing cars or as general storage.
Aesthetically, windows also make the garage blend much better with your house and generally make it look more visually pleasing. Garages with windows have more curb appeal, particularly if the windows match those of your house.
There are different types of windows for garages:
- Wall windows – the same as in your house, they can either open for ventilation or be fixed glass to allow light
- Skylights – Again, these can either be opening windows, or fixed windows. You can also make them remote controlled if they are too high to reach manually
You can also have glass doors or windows in your garage doors. These will be inoperable but can be clear or frosted glass and incorporated into the design of the doors. Each kind of window offers many varieties of shapes, sizes and general appearance.
However, if you prefer not to have any windows for security reasons, builders will construct garages with no windows according to your specifications. The only real disadvantages of having windows in your garage are each window is another potential entry point for a thief, and some homeowners prefer the privacy of a windowless garage.
If you are storing a pricey car, expensive gym equipment or other valuables, you may not want to advertise their whereabouts with windows. On the other hand, if you are concerned about security, you can add bars to the windows or ensure the glass is frosted to discourage prying eyes but still let lots of light in.
Garage Doors
How much do garage doors cost?
This depends on several factors already discussed, such as the size, location, and layout of your garage. However, there are general costs for different types of garage doors.
You will probably need to pay a minimum of £200+ VAT for your garage doors. The cheapest style is side-hinged doors that open in the middle to not encroach on your garage space. If you are looking to use your garage as a storage space, side hinged doors are ideal.
For those parking their cars in their garages, the most popular style of garage door is called a Canopy Up and Over and costs approximately £300+VAT. This style of door opens outwards and upwards to create a canopy.
The next most common garage door is the Retractable Up and Over, which are controlled remotely, sliding up into the garage roof on horizontal runners.
A sectional garage door is made up of panels or sections, rather than being a single panel. They give full opening drive through width and rise vertically, causing almost no loss of driveway space. A sectional garage door may also offer better insulation, as options include single skin and thermal insulation.
Double garage doors will cost more, and anything bigger, such as doors for a four-car garage will inevitably be a lot more expensive. However, depending on the design and layout of the garage, you could have a couple of standard-sized doors fitted.
What is a ‘Man Door’?
A man door is just a regular-sized door built for a person to walk through, rather than using the main garage door. Usually situated at the back of an attached garage, a man door can allow easier access to the garage without the need to open the main door. This is particularly convenient if you are using the garage for work or activities.
These doors also come in many styles, including sliding doors, french doors, and folding.
What is the best kind of garage door?
The best kind of garage doors will depend on what the garage is going to be used for. If you are working with a contractor or building company, it is a good idea to get their input. If you are building your own garage, you will still need a high-quality garage door, so it is best to consult the experts and explain your specific requirements.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of the basic costs, legality, and potential benefits of building a garage. You can now make an informed decision about whether this is the right course of action for you, and the different options available to you.
