Sources: Barn Lights | Planters
Detached garages have become increasingly popular among homeowners for their versatility, functionality, and the added value they provide to properties. Unlike attached garages, detached garages are stand-alone structures separate from the main house, offering homeowners additional space and flexibility for their needs. This article will explore the benefits of detached garages, factors affecting their cost, and an estimated price range for building one.
Benefits of a Detached Garage
1. Flexibility in Use: Detached garages offer a level of versatility that attached garages cannot match. They can be used not only for parking cars but also as workshops, home offices, gyms, or even guest suites, without disturbing the main household.
2. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: A detached garage can be designed in a way that complements the main house, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the property. Homeowners have the freedom to choose a design that either matches or contrasts with their home, adding character and charm to the property.
3. Increased Property Value: Adding a detached garage can increase the value of a property. It is seen as a desirable feature by many potential buyers, particularly those with multiple vehicles or those in need of extra storage space.
4. Better Noise Isolation: Activities in a detached garage, such as woodworking, band practice, or car repairs, are less likely to disturb those in the main house due to the physical separation, making it an ideal choice for noisy hobbies.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Building a Detached Garage
The cost of building a detached garage can vary widely based on several factors:
1. Size: The size of the garage significantly influences the cost. A larger garage will require more materials and labor, increasing the overall price.
2. Materials: The choice of materials affects both the durability and the cost of the garage. High-quality materials like brick or stone will cost more than vinyl siding or wood.
3. Features: Adding features like electricity, plumbing, insulation, or custom doors will increase the cost. The more complex the design and the more amenities included, the higher the price.
4. Location: Costs can also vary by location due to differences in labor rates, material costs, and building permit fees.
5. Permits and Regulations: Obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring that the garage meets local building codes and regulations can add to the cost.
Sources: Barn Lights | Planter
Estimated Cost Range of a Detached Garage
The cost to build a detached garage can range from $20,000 to $70,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. A basic one-car garage might start at the lower end of this range, while a large, custom-built garage with multiple bays and additional features like heating, insulation, and a finished interior could reach or exceed the higher end.
Sources: Barn Lights | Planters
Cost Breakdown of a Detached Garage
This breakdown provides a general guide for understanding where your investment goes when building a detached garage.
- Materials: Account for approximately 40% of the total cost, covering all the raw materials needed for the garage structure, including walls, roofing, and doors.
- Labor: Represents about 35% of the overall expenses, encompassing the wages for contractors, electricians, and other professionals involved in the building process.
- Permits and Regulations: Make up around 10% of the cost, including fees for obtaining necessary building permits and ensuring the garage meets local codes.
- Utilities Installation (Electricity, Plumbing): Also accounts for 10% of the expenses, covering the installation of electrical wiring, lighting, and if applicable, plumbing systems.
- Land Preparation and Foundation: Constitutes the remaining 5% of the costs, involving site clearing, excavation, and laying a proper foundation for the garage.
Detached Garage Plans
If you are looking for a detached garage plan, we have rounded up several of our favorites. At the top of our list is the three-car garage plan designed by us here at Plank & Pillow. Our inspiration for this particular garage plan was our from our garage at our previous farmhouse.
Final Thoughts
Building a detached garage can be a significant investment, but the benefits it offers in terms of flexibility, aesthetic appeal, and property value can make it a worthwhile addition to many properties. When planning a detached garage, it’s crucial to consider how the structure will be used, the materials and features desired, and the budget available. By carefully planning and considering all factors involved, homeowners can build a detached garage that meets their needs and enhances their property for years to come.
18 Comments
Wow, this is good information. I know you guys are enjoying the garage. It turned out great and definitely worth the cost. Thanks for the needed inspiration.
July 4, 2019 at 1:23 pmThanks, Mark. Glad you found it helpful.
November 13, 2019 at 8:57 pmI want to build this exact garage! Help! Do you have plans you could forward or can you help fill in some gaps? What is the roof pitch? Where are the stairs located to access the bonus space? How tall is the exterior wall on the 2nd floor before the roof starts up?
December 9, 2019 at 4:21 pmDo you have photos of the breezeway and how the house and garage attach?
January 11, 2020 at 4:53 pmCan you share where you purchased the gooseneck lights above the garage? Also are your doors recessed panels or raised? Hard to tell in this pic.
February 1, 2020 at 12:03 amWould love more pictures of the interior and backside of the garage. I would’ve your plan if your sharing 🙂
April 26, 2021 at 10:03 pmMy wife loves this garage, Where can I find the plans for it?
February 28, 2020 at 3:32 pmWhere can I find the plans for the garage?
April 22, 2020 at 9:54 pmHi there! Could you please share what size shade you selected?
Thank you! 🙂
May 7, 2020 at 2:53 pmHi – thank you for cost breakdown – it is a big help! Can you let me know where to get the plans for this same garage?
July 7, 2020 at 7:27 pmWe purchased from Authetic Historical Design Company, but it doesn’t look like their site is usable anymore.
September 1, 2020 at 7:14 pmHi,
June 25, 2021 at 12:31 pmWould you sell a copy of your design pages? It appears the company that produced them is out of business?
This is great! We’re looking to do something similar. Do you have a layout of what the living space looks like?
July 13, 2020 at 8:21 pmYou don’t mention the design. How much did you pay for that and the architects drawings? Looks absolutely fabulous!
August 31, 2020 at 9:36 pmHello Garrett! Thank you for the kind words. The drawings were ordered and were only around $200. It is from Authentic Historical Design Company, but it doen’t look like their site if usable anymore.
September 1, 2020 at 7:14 pmBeautiful ! What is the name of the exterior paint you used?
October 9, 2020 at 9:24 pmI wish I had a dime everytime I said, “It would be great if these sites and videos would give a price/cost of thir projects.”I know every job is differently, but even a rough guess helps us plan and prevents us from spinning wheels on unrealistic projects.Thank You! One question (well one and a half).did you not have to excavate?is the plumbing tied into the house? I’M on septic, but we have county sewers available now..any new building has to be tied into the county which will cost me $12k not including my plumbing getting to the sewer. Except if I attach the garage…i can tap into my existing septic. Just wondering what tgat cost would be or if I bite the bullet and just pay.
November 12, 2020 at 7:23 amAgain, thank you for the article and the garage looks awsome!
I want to build exactly same garage in Virginia. Any help or recommendations who can build for me.
August 3, 2022 at 6:06 pm