How Much to Build a Garage

Building a garage is one of the most useful and valuable home improvements you can make. Whether you are looking to protect your car, add secure storage or create a workshop, a well-built garage can greatly increase the practicality and value of your property. However, before you start, it is vital to understand how much it costs to build a garage in the UK. The total cost will depend on a range of factors including size, materials, roof type, location and specification. Understanding these details helps you plan a realistic budget and avoid costly surprises along the way.

Average Cost to Build a Garage in the UK
The typical cost to build a garage in the UK can vary widely depending on the specification. On average, you can expect to pay between £20,000 and £30,000 for a standard single garage. For a double garage, the cost is usually between £35,000 and £60,000. These figures assume traditional brick or block construction and include foundations, walls, roof, doors and basic finishes. If you are looking for a more premium build with insulation, windows, internal finishes or electric doors, the cost could rise beyond £60,000. Prefabricated or sectional garages are generally cheaper, starting at around £10,000, but they do not always offer the same level of durability or insulation.

Factors That Affect Garage Build Costs
There are several elements that influence the total cost of building a garage. Understanding each factor will help you identify where to allocate your budget and where you may be able to make savings.

Size and Design
The size of the garage has the greatest impact on cost. A larger footprint requires more materials, more excavation and longer labour time. For example, a single garage might measure around 18 square metres, while a double garage can be 30 square metres or more. The larger the structure, the more concrete is needed for foundations and the more brickwork is required for walls. The design also matters. A simple rectangular structure with a flat roof will be cheaper to build than one with a pitched tiled roof, decorative features or integrated storage areas.

Type of Construction
The construction method you choose can significantly affect price. Brick and block garages are strong, durable and secure but are more expensive to build than timber or steel-framed versions. Timber garages can be quicker and cheaper to construct but require ongoing maintenance. Steel and sectional garages are cost-effective and low maintenance but are less energy efficient and not always as visually appealing as a traditional brick design.

Roof Type
The roof is another important cost factor. Flat roofs are generally the cheapest option because they use fewer materials and are faster to install. However, they may require more maintenance over time. Pitched roofs, although more expensive, are more durable and visually appealing and can offer extra loft storage space. A typical pitched roof will cost more in both materials and labour but may add value to your property by improving the overall appearance.

Foundations and Ground Conditions
Before any construction can begin, the site must be prepared, and foundations laid. The cost of this stage depends on the condition of the ground. If the soil is stable and easy to excavate, the cost will be lower. If the site has poor drainage, tree roots, or uneven ground, additional work will be needed to stabilise the foundations, which increases the overall price. Foundation costs can range from £4,000 to £8,000 for a single garage depending on conditions and depth required.

Materials and Finishes
The choice of materials plays a major role in determining total cost. Using standard bricks and roof tiles that match the house is often the most cost-effective and visually cohesive choice. Premium materials such as handmade bricks or slate tiles will add significantly to the budget. Similarly, the type of garage door makes a difference. A basic manual up-and-over door is much cheaper than an insulated electric roller door. Adding windows, insulation, plastered walls, or painted finishes will all push up the price.

Location and Labour Costs
Labour rates vary across the UK. Building a garage in London or the South East is typically more expensive than in the North or rural areas due to higher labour and material costs. Access can also affect pricing. If the site is difficult to reach or requires special machinery to move materials, expect costs to increase. On average, labour costs account for around half of the total garage build price.

Utilities and Services
If you plan to install electrics, lighting, heating, or plumbing in your garage, additional costs will apply. A basic electrical installation might cost around £1,000 to £2,000, while plumbing for a sink or washing machine could add another £1,000. If you intend to use the garage as a workshop, gym, or home office, you will also need proper insulation and ventilation, which further increases cost.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations
In many cases, building a garage falls under permitted development rights, meaning you do not need planning permission as long as it meets certain criteria. For example, the garage must not be taller than 4 metres with a pitched roof, or 2.5 metres if within 2 metres of a boundary. It must also not take up more than half the land around the original house or be located forward of the principal elevation facing the road.

However, even if planning permission is not required, your garage must still comply with building regulations. These ensure that the structure is safe, energy-efficient, and fire-resistant. Building regulations cover areas such as foundations, walls, insulation, damp-proofing, electrical work and structural integrity. You will need to notify your local building control department before work begins and arrange inspections at key stages.

Attached vs Detached Garages
Attached garages generally cost less to build than detached ones because they share one wall with the existing property and may use the same roof structure. Detached garages require more materials and independent foundations. However, detached garages offer greater flexibility for positioning and design and can be built in areas where space around the house allows. They may also be easier to insulate and soundproof for workshop or office use.

Cost Breakdown Example
To help you visualise how the total cost might be distributed, here is a typical cost breakdown for a single garage build in the UK.

The foundations and groundwork can account for about 20 to 25 percent of the total cost. The main structure, including walls and roof, takes around 50 percent. The doors, windows and finishes make up about 15 percent, while services such as electrical installations and drainage add the remaining 10 percent. For a £25,000 single garage, that could mean £5,000 spent on foundations, £12,000 on the structure, £4,000 on fittings and finishes and £2,000 on services and inspections.

How to Save Money When Building a Garage
There are several ways to reduce the cost of building a garage without compromising quality. One of the most effective is to keep the design simple and use standard materials. A rectangular layout with a flat or gently sloped roof is more economical than complex shapes or bespoke finishes. Doing some of the non-structural work yourself, such as painting or landscaping, can also reduce costs, provided you have the necessary skills.

Getting multiple quotes from reputable builders ensures you pay a fair price. Always check what is included in each quote and confirm that costs such as VAT, building control fees, and disposal of waste materials are clearly stated.

Another cost-saving approach is to build during the off-season when demand for tradespeople is lower, as some contractors may offer better rates. Avoid last-minute design changes during the build as they often cause delays and additional expense.

Value Added to Your Home
A well-built garage can add value to your property, especially in areas where parking is limited. Estate agents suggest that a quality garage can increase a home’s resale value by 5 to 10 percent. Detached brick garages with pitched roofs tend to be viewed as permanent structures and are more appealing to buyers than prefabricated or metal garages.

However, the value added depends on location and how well the design complements the existing property. A well-proportioned, visually consistent garage that matches the style of your home is far more likely to enhance overall value than one that looks out of place.

Additional Considerations
When planning your garage, think about access, security, and drainage. If the garage sits at the end of a sloped driveway, ensure rainwater runs away from the structure, not toward it. Installing a proper drainage channel at the entrance helps prevent flooding.

Security is also key. Choosing a robust door with multi-point locking mechanisms and considering an alarm or CCTV system can give extra peace of mind. Insulation may be worth including if you plan to spend time inside during the colder months.

Timeframe for Building a Garage
The average build time for a single brick garage is around four to six weeks, depending on weather conditions and material availability. A double garage or one with complex features can take eight to ten weeks. If planning permission is required, allow extra time for the approval process, which typically takes around two months.

Conclusion
Building a garage is a practical way to add space and value to your home, but costs can vary significantly based on design, materials, and location. A straightforward single garage might cost between £20,000 and £30,000, while a larger or more sophisticated design could reach £50,000 or more. Detached garages tend to be more expensive than attached ones, and high-quality finishes, insulation, and electrical installations will add to the overall total.

Before starting, always confirm whether planning permission is needed, ensure compliance with building regulations, and obtain detailed quotes from experienced builders. Taking time to plan every stage carefully will help you control costs, achieve a high-quality result, and enjoy a garage that enhances your home for years to come.