A garage is one of the most sought-after features from a property. Whether you use it for your car or as extra storage space, they help to keep your possessions secure and out of the way from your main home.

So how much does a building a garage cost? It can range from anywhere between £10,000 to £60,000, depending on what you want. It’s a significant investment, but one that can add value to your home and help improve your quality of life. Let’s go through the costs involved in building a garage and what to expect from the process.

How much does it cost to build a garage?

The cost of building a garage in the UK can vary significantly depending on factors such as size, materials, location, and any additional features you’d like. Expect to pay between £10,000 to £60,000 to build a garage in the UK.

These prices are based on brick garages, as they are the most long-lasting type of garage. If you choose a prefabricated (prefab) garage or a concrete garage, you will pay less than these estimates.

Factors that affect the cost of building a garage

• Size: As you’d expect, the larger the garage, the more it will cost. However, you may find that the cost per square metre goes down. If you choose a prefab garage, choosing a standard size will save you money.

• Material: Prefab garages made from various materials including corrugated metal cost the least, but also won’t last as long. You’ll pay more for concrete or brick garages, but in the long term they may save you money as you won’t have to repair or rebuild them as frequently.

• Whether it’s attached or detached: Detached garages usually cost more as they require four brand new walls. Garages attached to the side of your home can use your external wall, reducing the building work and materials required.

• Complexity of design: Intricate designs will cost more, so if you’re only using your garage to store your belongings or car then try to keep it simple. Custom fittings or architectural details drive up the cost, so only add them if you’ll be using the space for something like a home office.

• Type of door: There are many types of garage door to choose from, including horizontal, vertical, sectional, roller and double hinged. The cheapest horizontal doors can cost as little as £40, while sectional doors may cost £1,000 or more, so carefully consider the type you need.

• Windows: Many builders will include a wooden window in your garage for free, but if you want uPVC, composite or aluminium windows these will cost more. The average uPVC window will cost around £300.

• Roof type: Tiled pitched roofs cost more than flat roofs or those made from plastic-coated steel sheets. However, tiled roofs will have better insulating properties and will last longer.

• Wall finish: How you finish the walls of your garage is down to personal preference. Many leave brick-built garages as they are, but you can have a stone or pebble dash finish. A special finish could add up to £250 to the cost.

• Your location: Where you live has one of the biggest impacts on how much your garage will cost. If you live in London or the south of England, you’ll pay more than those who live in the north of England or Scotland.

At HaMuch, we use our database of hourly and daily rates of builders across the UK to calculate the average cost of home improvement projects in local towns and cities. Take a look at the table further down the page and find your nearest town or city to get a more accurate estimate of garage build cost in your area.

What is the most expensive part of building a garage?

The most expensive part of building a garage is usually the construction of the footings and flooring. This includes excavation, laying concrete foundations and installing a solid base for the garage structure.

Additionally, if you want extra facilities such as electricity, heating or plumbing in your garage, these can significantly increase the overall cost of your project.

What is the cheapest style of garage to build?

The cheapest style of garage to build is a prefab garage, as they require less labour and construction time compared to custom-built garages. Many DIYers often try to build these garages themselves, as they come with step-by-step instructions.

However, it's essential to consider factors such as durability, aesthetics and long-term maintenance when choosing the style of garage that best suits your needs and budget. While prefab garages may seem cheap in the short term, in the long term they may cost you more as they will usually need more repairs and maintenance.

Do you need footings for a garage?

Yes, you’ll need footings for a garage. Strong footings, or foundations, provide a stable, level area to support the weight of the structure. The depth and size of the footings will depend on factors such as the size of the garage, building regulations and soil conditions.

It's a good idea to consult with a structural engineer to ensure that the footings are installed correctly and meet all the necessary safety requirements.

How long does it take to build a garage?

The time it takes to build a garage can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the build, the availability of materials and the weather conditions. On average, a standard single garage can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to complete, while a larger double garage may take 4 to 6 weeks or longer.

If you need additional advice from a structural engineer or you need to apply for planning permission, the whole process could take longer.

Do you need planning permission for a garage?

In most cases, garages are considered outbuildings, and therefore don’t need planning permission. However, there are always exceptions. You may need to apply for planning permission if your garage will be:

• Higher than 2.5 metres if it’s within 2 metres of a boundary

• In a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or conservation area

• Within the curtilage of a listed building

What happens if you build a garage without planning permission?

If you build a garage without planning permission and it’s found that you needed it, you could be served an enforcement notice which orders you to undo all your work. That means you could be forced to knock your brand new garage down.

Additionally, even if you are not served with an enforcement notice, the future sale of your property could be affected if the garage is found to be non-compliant with planning permission. It's much easier and much less of a worry to make sure you are compliant with planning permission and building regulations before starting any construction work to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.

Can I build a garage without building regulations?

While planning permission deals with the appearance and location of a garage, building regulations govern the structural integrity, safety, and energy efficiency of the structure. In most cases, you will need to comply with building regulations when building a new garage. This ensures that the garage meets minimum standards for structural stability, fire safety, ventilation, and insulation.

However, if your garage is between 15-30m2, you won’t normally need to apply for building regulations approval providing that the building is at least 1 metre away from any boundary or it’s constructed of non-combustible materials.

You will usually always need building regulations approval if you build your garage attached to your existing home.

It's best to consult with your local building control officer before you start work to ensure that your garage project complies with all relevant building regulations.

Does a garage add value to a house?

Yes, a garage can add value to a house by providing additional storage space, protecting vehicles from the elements and enhancing the overall appeal and functionality of the property. Research suggests that a well-designed and properly constructed single garage can increase property value by up to 10% and a double garage up to 20%, depending on factors such as location, size and quality.

However, it's always best to consider the cost of your new garage based on the value it will add to your quality of life, rather than the value to your home. Local market trends and buyer preferences can change at any time, which may affect the potential impact of a garage on your property’s value if you don’t plan to sell in the near future.

Can I build a garage myself?

Yes, it is possible to build a garage yourself if you have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience. However, it's crucial to be realistic about your abilities and carefully plan and prepare for the project.

DIY garage construction requires careful attention to detail, proper safety precautions and adherence to building regulations and best practices. Depending on the complexity of the project, you may also need to hire professionals for certain aspects such as electrical wiring or plumbing.

If you’re certain that you want to build a garage yourself, it’s best to go with a prefab option as these come with full instructions on how to put them together. However, it’s still a skilled job, and it is better left to the professionals.

Can you live in a garage legally?

In most cases, living in a garage is not legal under local planning and building regulations. Garages are typically intended for vehicle storage and may not meet the necessary requirements for residential occupancy, such as adequate ventilation, insulation, and sanitary facilities.

Attempting to live in a garage without proper approvals can result in fines, legal action and health and safety risks. If you require additional living space, it's essential to explore alternative options such as building an extension or loft conversion so you comply with all relevant regulations and permissions.

In some cases, you may be able to apply for a change of use of your garage, which could turn it into a granny annexe. However, there are strict rules and building regulations around this, so it’s important to speak to your local building control to ensure you do this properly.

Ready to build your new garage? Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with local extension builders who are ready to help.

Estimates for common extension builder jobs;

Rates for other trades