If you have been struggling on how to plan for a home remodeling project and all that comes with it, then chances are you have heard of a Mancave. Sure, it’s just a fancy name for an additional garage that has been converted into a living area. While I would love to assist you in achieving your dream home, the fact remains that I’m not a contractor and can’t tell you specifically about building permits. What I can do is provide you with information that will help you get started.
Are you in the process of building a 2 car garage with an apartment above, how much does it cost to build a 30×30 garage with apartment, cost to build detached garage with apartment? Then you are on the right track. This blog will be extremely helpful if you are planning to add a two-car garage onto your home, and then convert part of it into an apartment. We will be from hire our own contractor to do the design.
Garage Apartment Cost
| Feature/Aspect | Description | Cost Impact (%) |
|---|---|---|
Base Cost | The starting cost for a new 2-car garage construction.
| — |
Total Estimated Cost | The total expected expenditure based on the average price of $75 per square foot. Total: $18,000 | — |
Hardwood Floors | Choosing hardwood floors instead of the standard concrete slab.
| 10% or more |
Insulation | Adding insulation for energy efficiency in the garage apartment.
| 5-15% |
Electrical Features | Installation of electrical systems such as outlets and lighting.
| 5-10% |
Windows | Incorporating windows for natural light in the garage.
| 3-7% |
Garage Door Type | Choosing between different types of garage doors; styles can significantly impact costs.
| 5-20% |
Heating/Cooling Systems | Adding a heating or cooling system for comfort in the apartment above.
| 10-25% |
Garage Apartment Size
There are many different sizes available when looking for a new detached garage with an apartment above including: 24×24, 30×30, 36x
I would like to know how much it would cost to build a 24×24 garage with a apartment above.
I will be building the house myself, including the garage with apartment above.
I have a general idea on construction costs but I am looking for an estimate on what this particular project might cost me.
The cost of a 2-car detached garage with apartment above can vary depending on the size and features you choose, but it typically ranges from $50,000 to $250,000.
The price per square foot for a 2-car garage with apartment is between $150 and $300. A 2-car garage typically measures 24 x 24 ft., which translates into 720 sq. ft., or $180/sq. ft.
At the low end, you could build your own garage for about $10/sq. ft. You would need to hire a general contractor and building inspector to get started on your project. The cost of materials depends on where you live and what type of materials you choose (i.e., wood framing or concrete block). For example, if you choose wood framing and want to build a 24 x 24 ft. structure with two 12-ft.-high walls, the cost will range from $10,000-$15,000 for materials alone (not including labor costs).
I would suggest you to contact a local contractor and get an accurate estimate. It will depend on the size of your garage, materials used and other factors like if you want to make the apartment above ground or basement.
The cost to build a two-car garage with an apartment on top depends on several factors. The first one is the size of the building. A two-car garage can be as small as 8 x 10 feet or as large as 24 x 36 feet (or more). The second factor is the construction material that you are going to use. If you want to make it strong enough, then it will cost more money than if you just wanted to keep it simple and cheap. You can search online for prices of different materials such as wood or metal, etc…
The third factor is whether or not you want to include an apartment above the garage or not? If yes then it will definitely increase the price of your project because adding extra room takes time and requires more labor force which means more money spent overall. However, if there is no need for extra space then perhaps this option could be skipped altogether allowing for lower costs overall but still providing adequate living quarters for one person at least
How much does it cost to build a 30×30 garage with apartment
The average cost to build a detached garage with apartment is $45,000. This is the cost of building a 30×30 detached garage with a 24×24 apartment above. The cost includes the garage and apartment structure, standard windows and doors, insulation, framing materials and roofing materials.
💰 Estimated Costs
2‑Car Garage Only
- Unfinished detached 2-car garage (20×20 to 24×24):
• $19,600–$28,200 at ~$35–60/ft²
• Angi reports ~ $30,000 for a 24×24 structure
2‑Car Garage with Apartment (garage apartment / ADU)
- Average cost for a finished garage apartment (400 ft²):
• $60,000–$70,000 total
• Equates to approximately $150–300/ft² (garage) + $300/ft² for finished upstairs space
Summary Estimates:
- 24×24 garage alone: ~$30K
- Same size with a finished apartment above: ~$60K–$70K (possibly up to $100K+ depending on finish level)
🗣️ Real-World Feedback (Reddit & Forums)
- One Redditor finished a 24×26 detached garage with kitchenette, bath, HVAC, hardwood for about $250/ft², total ~$250 × 624 ft² = $156K
- In forum discussions, garage with apartment projects typically range from $100–200/ft² finished, totaling $50K–$100K+
🧾 Comparisons at a Glance
| Project Type | Size & Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| 2‑car detached garage | 400–576 ft² → $20K–$30K |
| Garage with apartment (400 ft² ADU) | $60K–$70K average, can reach $100K+ |
| Fully custom, high-end finish | As much as $150–250/ft² → $150K+ total for ~624 ft² |
🚧 What Affects These Costs?
- Size and layout (loft vs full-height ceilings)
- Quality of finishes (kitchens, baths, flooring)
- Systems added: plumbing, electrical, HVAC
- Foundation, utilities hookup, building permits
- Local labor and material expenses
🛠️ Next Steps?
- Need a detailed cost breakdown by size (e.g., 16×16 vs 24×24)?
- Want help with local cost estimates near Abuja, or tips for design features while staying on budget?
- Interested in examples of DIY finishes to save money?
The cost of building a detached garage with an apartment depends on several factors:
Location – Building costs vary significantly depending on where you live. Construction costs are typically lower in rural areas than in urban areas because labor costs tend to be lower as well. However, if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions (such as hurricanes), construction costs may be higher due to increased labor expenses for storm preparation and cleanup efforts. You can use our ZIP code tool to get started on your project’s estimate or read more about how much does it cost to build a detached garage with apartment below.
Size – The size of your detached garage will affect the price of your project as well. A larger detached garage will have more storage space for tools and equipment but also require more labor hours to complete the project successfully.#ENDWRITE
Building a 30×30 garage with apartment is a smart decision. This 30×30 garage with apartment can be used to park your car and also you can use it as an extra space to live.
Building a garage in your house is not just for the sake of parking your cars, but it could be used as an extra space for living purposes too.
It can be used for many purposes like keeping your tools, gardening equipment and other things.
The cost of building a detached garage with apartment depends upon various factors, such as location, size of land etc., but all these factors determine how much you will pay for a detached garage with apartment.
A detached garage can be a great addition to your home, but it can also be a large expense. If you’re thinking about building a detached garage with apartment, there are several factors to consider before starting the project.
Costs of Building a Detached Garage With Apartment
The cost of building a detached garage with apartment will depend on its size and complexity. The average cost of building a 24×24 detached garage with apartment is $75 per square foot. This cost assumes that you will build the structure yourself, but if you hire someone to do it for you, expect to pay closer to $150 per square foot.
The cost of building an attached garage depends on the size and quality of materials used as well as whether or not you hire an architect or contractor for the job. A basic 24×24 single-car attached garage can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $30,000 depending on where you live and what kind of materials are used in construction.
The cost of the construction of a detached garage with an apartment is not so high. The total cost of the project may vary depending on your preferences, but it will be about $ 78,000.
The average price for building a detached garage with an apartment is $78,000. However, if you are looking for projects at a lower price level, then you should consider other options.
In addition to the price of construction, you must take into account the costs associated with land preparation and landscaping. The cost of utilities is also an important factor that affects the final price of construction.
If you are interested in buying a house with a detached garage and apartment, then you should know that this option has many advantages compared to building separate buildings for each function. This includes:
1) You can use your free time more effectively. If you have enough space inside your home, then there is no need to go out in search of entertainment or recreation;
2) You save money on utilities (electricity and heating);
3) You do not need to spend extra money on janitorial services (cleaning);
4) No need to hire professional painters who will paint walls and ceilings every month;
The cost to build a garage apartment is about $40,000 for the shell of the structure. This includes building permits and other fees, but not the cost of any land or materials. The cost of adding the interior finishes is up to you.
Cost Breakdown
The shell of your garage apartment will cost about $60 per square foot to build. This includes all materials needed for framing, insulation and sheathing. You’ll also need to purchase windows and doors for your new living space. The average price for these items is about $200 per opening.
Garage apartment kits will save you some money on labor costs, but they usually don’t include everything you need. For example, if you want a drywall ceiling instead of exposed trusses or studs, that’s an extra expense on top of what’s already included in your kit. It’s also important to know that most kits don’t include insulation or wiring so make sure to pay attention to those details before committing yourself to a particular type of kit or builder
✅ Bottom Line
- Basic 2-car garage: ~$20K–$30K
- Garage + moderate apartment above (~400 ft²): ~$60K–$70K
- High-end/custom project: $100K–$150K+
If you’re planning a garage with living quarters, budgeting at least $150–300/ft² overall or $60K+ total is wise. The smaller the apartment, the higher the per‑square‑foot cost due to fixed expenses (like bathroom, kitchen, HVAC).