Drew built a 2 story garage on his property and wanted to find out how much he might expect to pay for it. After doing some research, he learned that a 2 story garage typically costs $12,700 to $30,000, or even more depending on one’s geographic location. The cost can vary due to a number of factors, including the design of the garage, whether the builder uses quality building supplies and professional equipment, as well as their experience level.
If you’re in the market for a new garage, stay on this page. We have a lot of information that can help you choose from many different styles, how much does it cost to build a 2 story parking garage, how much to build a 2 story 2 car garage. We’ll also give you tips for building your own and going over some of the best DIY garage builders for 2018.
🚧 Two‑Story Garage: What It Costs & What Drives the Price
👷 Building a two-story garage gives you extra space—but it’s important to know how the cost breaks down.
🧱 What This Is About
Key cost drivers:
- Size & design: Total square footage, height, architectural features
- Materials: Concrete, brick, stone cost more than wood or vinyl
- Location: Urban regions tend to have higher labor and permit fees
- Labor: Architect, contractor, and subs add to total
- Permits & inspections: Legal must-haves
- Extras: Electrical, insulation, HVAC, plumbing
- Site prep: Grading, excavation, drainage needed
💰 How Much It Costs: 2025 Data
Two‑Story Garage Costs
“On average, the cost to build a two‑story garage ranges from $50,000 to $150,000, with an average cost per square foot of $60 to $120.”
- Basic build with simple design and affordable materials starts around $50K
- Premium build with high-end finishes, living space, and complex design can exceed $150K
📐 Cost by Garage Type (Single‑Story for Comparison)
“The average cost to build a garage is $35 to $60 per square foot… 3‑car garage ranges from $28,200 to $42,700.”
Typical per‑square‑foot costs:
- 1‑car: $35–60/sq ft → $7,500–14,200
- 2‑car: $19,600–28,200
- 3‑car: $28,200–42,700
Detached vs Attached:
- Detached = ~10–15% more than attached
- Detached two‑car average cost: ~$52,830
📋 Quick Estimate Table
| Garage Type | Size Est. (sq ft) | Cost per Sq Ft | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Story Garage | 800–2,000 | $60–120 | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Single-story 3‑car | 576–864 | $35–60 | $28,200 – $42,700 |
| Detached 2‑car (single) | 576 | — | ~$52,830 |
🛠 Factors That Can Raise or Lower Cost
- Site prep: clearing, grading, foundation type, slope
- Material quality: siding, roofing, windows, doors
- Additional features: upstairs living, plumbing or HVAC
- Region: contractor rates and permit fees vary
✅ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Extra upstairs space (workshop, office, apartment)
- Boosts property value
- Frees up yard if detached
⚠ Cons
- Twice the framing & finishes → higher cost
- Requires stronger foundation or structural support
- Utilities more complex (plumbing/electrical upstairs)
🧰 Builder Tips
- Get bids from reputable local contractors
- Plan features now—wiring, plumbing, living space add costs
- Design roof & walls to match any adjacent structures
- Consider prefab kits if budget tight—but may limit design
- Always budget for permits & inspections up front
What it cost to build a 2 story garage
| Item | Details |
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| Average Cost |
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| Types of garages |
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| Cost per square foot | Average: $27 per square foot |
| Size Considerations |
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| Labor and materials |
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| Factors Affecting Cost |
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| Building Options |
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| Do-it-yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor |
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| Selecting a Contractor |
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How much does it cost?
It’s important to get quotes from several different contractors so that you can compare prices before making your final decision on who will do the work at your home or business location.
The average cost to build a 2-car garage is $36,000 to $40,000.
This estimate is based on the national average of $11 per square foot of garage space (including materials and labor). The cost will vary depending on your region, the size of your garage and any additional features you choose.
You’ll find it’s much easier to estimate your costs before you begin construction than after. Here are some factors that can affect the price of your new garage:
Size – Most garages are built on slabs or decks for easy access for vehicles. If you’re building off-grade, you’ll need to include “fill dirt” and compacting costs in your budget.
Style – A simple pole barn or wood frame structure will cost less than a brick veneer or stone facade design. And if you want extra storage space for lawn equipment or other items in addition to cars, factor in an extra room above the garage for storage.
Features – An automatic door opener installed by someone who knows what they’re doing will be more expensive than one installed by a general contractor who doesn’t specialize in garage doors (or who doesn’t have any experience at all). Likewise, a custom-made door with glass panels
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Small Garage?
If you have some basic carpentry and construction skills, building your own garage is a great way to save money on the project. However, there are some things to keep in mind before you begin your project. Here is a look at how much it costs to build a small garage.
Cost Factors
The cost of building your own garage depends on several factors:
Size of the Garage – The size of your garage will have an impact on its cost. A larger garage will cost more than a smaller one because it takes more materials and time to build.
Location – The location where you live can also affect the cost of building your own garage. For example, if you live in an area that requires permits or inspections for construction projects, this could increase the overall price tag for your project by 20% or more.