Have you got a special car you want to keep indoors, out of the sun and the ice? Do you go cycling and have expensive bikes you want to keep under lock and key? How about somewhere to keep and use exercise equipment? If so, you’ll need somewhere to do all these things. A garage is an obvious answer.
On average, the cost of building a garage in the UK is between £13,000-£26,000+
There are many different types of garage you can build. Many shapes and sizes too, but let’s not get too wild and wacky. If you’re building a garage, planning permission is essential, and the local authority’s planning office will have a lot to say about what design and building materials you can use. Therefore, it’s best to keep it in line with what’s ‘normal’ in your area. You’ll also need an architect’s drawings and probably a structural engineer’s input as well, and these costs will be added to your overall quotation.
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Main Topics
Building Cost Calculation
Let’s assume you want to know the cost of building a double garage because you want somewhere to keep your car, have a workshop and somewhere to keep all the bikes too. You’ve decided to keep the construction materials in line with your house so you’re building a brick garage with a pitched tiled roof.
Let’s break down the job into separate tasks:
- Garage Foundation (excavate foundation trenches and fill with concrete. Lay blocks up to floor level) – £2800
- Dispose of excavated soil – £500
- Pour concrete floor – £2500
- Construct brickwork, install lintels etc. – £4500
- Construct structural roof timbers – £1300
- Cover roof with felt, battens and tiles – £2300
- Install fascias, soffits, rainwater guttering and downpipes – £2000
- Install electrical fittings. Power sockets, internal lighting and security lights – £800
- Install electric garage door and associated fittings – £4000
- Painting, storage shelves, alter driveway etc – £1000
Total estimated cost: £21,700, inclusive of VAT (additional 20%), we arrive at a grand total of just under £26,000 for a double garage.
The cost of building a single garage, however, is much less, approximately half, at around £13,000 including VAT.
We mentioned earlier that you’ll need to pay fees to the architect, structural engineer, and a fee to the Planning Office. All these will vary depending on the value of the project but must be added into the total.
Brickwork
We mentioned the cost of brickwork to be about £4500. Usually, garages have a single skin brick wall unless you want to make part of it habitable. If so, the Building Control Officer will insist that it’s a cavity wall or has some other type of insulation.
Roof construction
The roof construction may differ from what we have assumed here. We have accounted for a pitched roof with tiles. You could alternatively use a flat roof or a sloping roof with just one pitched side. Both these will result in a cheaper build in case you need to save money.
Garage Sizes May Differ
So, how big should a garage be? The short answer is “big enough to house your car”. However, for a couple of metres more in length, you’ll have a good storage area as well. So let‘s have a look at typical British garage sizes.
Okay, the average single garage is about 3m wide and 6m long. This will give you storage room too. For a double garage, you’ll need it to be no less than 5.5m wide (preferably 6m) and 6m long. Remember though that you can make your garage any size as long as your bank balance will go that far, you’ve got enough room in your garden and you can get Planning Permission.
Remember too, that if you’re disabled or require an extra room at the sides, perhaps for a wheelchair, you’ll need it a bit bigger. Probably, about 4m wide by 7m long.
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The Different Types of Garages (structure materials)
Let’s assume you’re thinking of building a new garage. Remember there are many variants you can design. It’s a good idea to contact either an architect or a specialist garage supply company (yes, there are such things) to get advice on what’s best for your situation.
There are a few different materials you can build garages from, so let’s have a look at those.
Timber Frame & Wooden Garages
These will be factory–made and delivered for assembly at your home. All that’s required is to have foundations and a concrete floor ready to suit the garage’s size. These vary in quality depending on what design you go for and remember that you’ll get what you pay for. Cheaper ones will be made from single skin shiplap cladding, while better quality ones will be made from solid timber panels with foam insulation. You’ll also notice that the solid ones have a longer lifespan too.
Typical prices for a good quality single garage with a pitched roof will be about £12,000 including VAT, while a double garage will set you back about £19,000.
Concrete Sectional Garage
These are made from prefabricated moulded concrete sections. They are very quick to install and will last a very long time. Once again you’ll need foundations and a floor already installed ready for delivery. These will also be available with a pitched or flat roof, so take your choice. Probably the worst aspect of a concrete prefab garage is how unsightly they look. Although they’re functional, they don’t look pretty and won’t blend in well with brick or wooden cladding.
Typical prices for a single garage with a pitched roof is about £10,000 while a double garage is £17,000 including VAT.
Metal Garages
This type is one of the cheapest available and is very easy to assemble by the householder with a few simple tools. These usually cost less than a prefab concrete garage at between £5,000 and £8,000, but the roof will be corrugated metal or plastic. Once again they’re functional but not very pretty!
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Choosing Your Type Of Garage Doors
You’ve also got choices in garage doors too. Depending on what you prefer you can take your pick from the following.
Roller shutter
This type rolls upwards and rolls around itself out of the way. You can park larger 4×4 vehicles or people carriers as they don’t encroach into any overhead space you might need. A traditional up and over door needs additional space as you close it, but not this one.
Note: Learn more about electric garage doors fitted prices.
Sectional garage door
These are one of the most popular types. They’re secure, safe, easy to use and completely practical. They open and close vertically in sections and store flat, parallel to, and under the roof but don’t need any swing–out room.
Up and over door
These are probably the commonest garage door in the UK today. They’re a one–piece panel counterweighted by springs or weights, depending on the make. There’s an enormous choice of designs and colours and is probably the cheapest type around.
Round the corner
These were one of the earliest garage doors available and have come a long way since the early days. They‘re often made from slatted timber and are hung from top hung roller wheels in a channel and guided in–floor grooves along the chosen path.
Side–hinged garage doors
These are very simply made and simple to operate. They’ve minimal moving parts so there’s not a lot to go wrong. All you need is enough room to open the door onto the driveway.
All these doors come in a variety of colours and finishes, and different materials from wood to metal to GRP. Likewise, they can be opened manually or with an electric motor, incorporating a remote control.
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Building A Garage Q&A
Is it cheaper to build an attached or detached garage?
Usually, it’s cheaper to build an attached garage. Mainly, because you already have a strong and sturdy house wall to which you can attach everything. You also have a variety of designs, choosing to have a roof only with open sides, a fully enclosed one or one with walls but no door. An attached garage can also be built over an existing doorway into the house to provide shelter from the weather.
How much does a garage add to house value?
A garage can add a significant amount to the value of your house. On a typical house costing £225,000, a garage could add an extra £11,000. That’s about 5% extra. Not only does it increase the value, but it also increases the kerb appeal of your home.
How deep should a footing be for a garage?
Depending on the type of soil you have in your area, you would usually dig a trench (450mm wide minimum) until you reach stable subsoil (usually about 1m down). Then dig an extra 200mm. Inside this trench, you need to pour about 750mm concrete incorporating steel mesh.
Can I build a garage on a concrete slab?
Yes. This is called using a floating slab or a raft. In the UK you’ll have to get calculations done by a structural engineer to determine the thickness of concrete and whether it needs any reinforcing, based on the dimensions and overall weight of your garage and type of soil.
Do I need building regulations for a garage?
If your new garage attaches to your house, you will need Building Control approval. If you are building a carport with at least two open sides and less than 30m2 area, you don’t need approval.
A detached garage of less than 30m2 doesn’t normally need Building Regulations if
- Its floor area is less than 15m2.
- Its floor area is more than 15m2 but less than 30m2 and at least 1m from the nearest boundary.
Planning permission may be needed depending on many and varied conditions. Follow the link to read more. It’s always best to contact your local authority to see if permission is needed in your area based on the plans of your garage.
Looking For A Garage Builder Near You?
So, we now know that various types of a garage can be built with different materials and different roof types. Only use a professional to build your new garage. You’ll probably find many local builders and specialist companies nearby who will give you a quotation for the work. Remember, however, that you’re paying out a lot of money for your garage so you’ll want it built correctly. Always do background research on the chosen professional.
Alternatively, you can get quotes on your garage build costs, from professionals who have already been checked out by us. Simply fill out the form on this website and you’ll receive 3 or 4 quotes from different companies who know what they’re doing.
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