Garages are in greater demand than ever due to the distinct lack of parking spaces across the UK and they can add significant value to any home and rate as a solid investment in terms of both practical use and value-added to your home.
In this article, we’ll break down what you can expect to pay for different types of garage as well as other questions relating to building a new garage.
Average Cost
Garages vary hugely in price depending on size, style, building materials, and whether it’s attached or detached.
The cheapest garages are pre-fab outbuildings made from either steel or timber. These still usually require strong foundations and a concrete base, at least if you want your garage to be a permanent structure and not a glorified shed.
Prices begin to climb for attached brick or concrete garages that are fitted with insulation, electricity or even heating and plumbing (will definitely need to pass a building inspection).
The average prices for simple detached pre-fab or semi-pre-fab outbuilding-type garages are shown below. Prices include groundwork, concrete bases and professional assembly.
Average Timber Garage Prices
Quality Range | Single Detached Timber Garage (3.5m x 6m) | Double Detached Timber Garage (6 to 7m x 6 to 7m) |
---|---|---|
Low-end | £3,500 - £4,500 | £6,500 - £8,000 |
Mid-range | £5,000 - £6,000 | £8,500 - £10,000 |
High-end (with tiled roof) | £10,000+ | £15,000+ |
Average Steel Garage Prices
Quality Range | Single Detached Steel Garage (3.5m x 6m) | Double Detached Steel Garage (6 to 7m x 6 to 7m) |
---|---|---|
Low-end | £2,500 - £3,500 | £5,000 - £7,000 |
Mid-range | £4,500 - £5,500 | £8,000 - £10,000 |
High-end (with tiled roof) | £8,000+ | £15,000+ |
Brick/Concrete Garage Prices
To analyse the costs of garages in the UK, we collected quotes from 8 contractors and 12 secondary sources to discover the average costs of building brick or concrete garages.
The following quotes are for attached garage extensions. The costs for detached garages are usually similar or some 5% more expensive than attached garages. This is because the house provides a pre-existing wall and foundation.
All costs include VAT and full installation works.
Quality Range | Single Garage with Flat Roof (3m x 6m) | Single Garage with Pitched Roof (3m x 6m) | Double Garage with Flat Roof (6m x 6m) | Double Garage with Pitched Roof (6 to 8m x 6 to 8m) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Low-end | £8,000 - £10,000 | £9,500 - £12,000 | £15,000 - £18,000 | £16,500 - £20,000 |
Mid-range | £10,000 - £12,000 | £13,000 - £15,000 | £20,000 - £23,000 | £21,000 - £25,000 |
High-end | £12,000 - £15,000 | £15,000 - £18,000 | £22,000 - £25,000 | £28,000 - £32,000 |
High-end+ (incl. tiling, electricity and insulation) | £18,000+ | £20,000+ | £32,000+ | £40,000+ |
Permanent, professionally built brick or concrete garages are more complex to cost. There is much greater variation in size, format, materials and extras.
Typical factors involved in costing garages include:
- Foundations and groundwork
- Ground floor base/slab
- External walls
- Roofing style and materials (felt, tiles, battens)
- Gable, soffits and fascias
- Drainage and gutters
- Electricity and wiring
- Lighting
- Garage and access doors
- Insulation
- Security and other technology
Choosing a Garage Builder
When you’re choosing a garage builder, look for someone with a proven track record and portfolio of successful projects.
Always make sure that you’re absolutely clear on Planning Permission and Party Walls.
If you are concerned about whether or not your project is legally viable under PDRs then consider enlisting a surveyor. You will need to alert the planning authority of your plans.
Request a full timeline of the works with a total estimate on how long it will take from start to finish.
To speed up the Building Regulations process, contractors and any subcontractors might be registered under the Competent Persons Scheme which allows them to self-certify the work, however building inspections may still be required.
Get Pricing on Building a New Garage Near You
We’ve done our best to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay a builder for a new garage.
However, our guides are not a substitute for a fixed quote specifically for you.
We work with all the best garage builders ready to price your job. Get free, no-obligation quotes in your local area and compare prices using the form below.
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About the Author
Alex Johnson is a qualified quantity surveyor and writer with a passion for conducting original research and uncovering the true cost of jobs. His cost data has been referenced by EDF Energy and the Scottish Government.