Do you want to add a garage to your house but aren’t sure how much it would cost?

Depending on the size, dimensions, and style of roof you add, a brick garage might cost anywhere from $25,000 to $90,000+. A single brick garage will cost around $25,000, while a double brick garage with electricity and other facilities can cost up to $90,000. If you’re working on a square metre basis, a garage can cost anywhere from $1200 to $1680 per square metre, depending on the size, building materials, and scope of the project.

Let’s begin by estimating how much you can expect to spend.

Is your garage low-cost, mid-range, or high-end?

When it comes to the materials, features, and type of roof you choose for your garage, you have a lot of options. Here are three general price ranges and the features you may expect from each:

• Budget garage (starting at $25,000): freestanding, one car bay garage with a metal roof, manual door, and no inside finishes.
• Double garage with brick walls, tiled roof, sealed concrete floor, automatic garage, and lined walls (from $35,000).
• High-end garage (starting at $50,000): masonry garage with two or three bays, tiled roof, polished concrete floor, handcrafted cupboards for storage, workbench – and a bathroom/shower.

Individually speaking you can expect to pay from:

• A double roller door costs between $1500 and $1800. (installed)
• A double sectional garage door costs between $2000 and $3000.

Creating a garage plan

The first step in planning is to familiarise yourself with the many components of a garage, notably a concrete slab, brick construction, garage door, windows, and roof. Then pose some questions to yourself, such as:

• Based on the size and number of cars you have, what size space do I require?
• What rules apply where you live, including building and council permits?
• Will it stand alone or be attached to your house?
• Who will design my garage, including professionals such as an architect, drafter, and building designer who can provide blueprints for your structure?
• Who will construct my garage, specifically a garage contractor?

Your project planning should also include whether it will be freestanding or attached to and/or integrated with your home. The latter is more expensive, but it may increase the value of your property, whilst a freestanding version is easier and less expensive to build. Your project could take anything from 6 weeks to more than a year to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the job.

Who did you hire to build your garage?

Are you trying to figure out who you’ll need to help you develop your garage?

Builders (prices range from $1200 to $1680 per square metre)

Ideally, find a garage builder who is familiar with all of the regulations in your area and can advise you on what is feasible on your property.

Concretor ($75-$110 per square metre)

The slab for your garage can be laid by a concretor, but it will need to be strengthened to resist car traffic. It will also require some time to settle in and strengthen.

Plumbers (hourly rate: $100–150)

You’ll need a plumber if you want to instal high-end features to your garage, such as a toilet and/or shower.

Plasterer ($30-$70 per square metre) (hard plaster) $45 to $90 per square metre (wet)

Before they are painted, a plasterer will finish the inside and external walls.

Sparkies will help instal lighting, power points, and link your electric garage door ($100 service fee + $70 – $95/hour)

Cabinetmakers  ($80 – 100/hour)

Custom garage storage for tools or anything else you wish to keep in your garage can be installed by cabinetmakers.

Hiring someone to build your garage

When choosing a garage builder, make sure they are qualified for the work. Here are some questions to ask them:

• Are you suitably qualified, licenced, and registered?
• Do you have current insurance (professional indemnity and public liability)?
• Do you have any previous experience with my project?
• Can you give me a written estimate?
• How long my job will take?
• Do you have any references I might contact?