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Garages are often thought of as a place to store things you don’t have space for elsewhere in the house. Some people don’t even use them to store their cars, choosing instead to fill the garage with holiday decorations, an extra fridge freezer, bikes, and other bulky items.
Not many people consider remodelling their garage because of their perceived limited use, but there are some great reasons to do it. Remodeling a garage can transform it into a multifunctional space, improve your home’s overall energy efficiency, and even increase your home’s value.
With that in mind, you might be wondering, “How much does it cost to remodel a garage?” In this post, we’ve gathered information about key garage remodel costs for different types of garage remodeling projects. Let’s take a look!
Factors that affect garage remodel costs
Some of the factors that affect garage remodel costs are fairly obvious, like garage size and the materials used. However, there are some that may catch you off guard.
Size of the garage: If you already have a large garage or are looking to extend the existing garage, you’ll likely pay more than those with less square footage.
Intended use: A garage remodel to add storage space will typically cost less than creating a home gym, bedroom, or multipurpose space.
Permits and zoning requirements: Permit costs vary from place to place, and additional costs may be required to remodel the garage following local zoning laws.
Structural changes or additions: Transforming a garage into a multipurpose space or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) may require additions or changes to the existing structure, which can come with higher costs.
Local labor rates and material costs: The size of your garage remodel will directly affect how much you will pay for materials and labor. This will also vary based on location.
Quality of finishes: If you’re looking for a high-end finish, such as in a bedroom or ADU, you’ll pay more than you would for a simple storage area with budget finishing.
How much does it cost to remodel a garage?
Garage remodeling costs depend on the factors mentioned above, but according to data from Angi, they average around $18,000, with a typical range of $7,000 to $30,000.
Simple, low-spec garage remodels will cost less than extensive projects. Simple work, such as making light cosmetic updates and installing shelving can be as low as $2 to $5 per square foot, if you’re doing the work yourself. The final cost for a low-end remodel is typically around $3,500.
On the higher-end, garage remodeling costs can be upwards of $86 per square foot. This includes projects such as converting the garage into an ADU or expanding your existing living space. These higher garage remodel costs, which can exceed $50,000, can be attributed to the additional materials and labor required for HVAC, plumbing, and ensuring everything is up to code.
Large jobs like this will also require permits before construction gets underway, which will cost around $1,400 on average.
Garage remodeling costs by type
Whether you're refreshing the space or transforming it entirely, the scope of the project plays a major role in determining your budget.
Here’s a breakdown of common garage remodel costs by type:
Basic garage facelift ($3,000 to $10,000): This includes cosmetic upgrades like fresh paint, improved lighting, new flooring, and upgraded storage solutions. It’s a great option if you want a cleaner, more organized space without major structural changes.
Garage conversion to an office or gym ($10,000 to $25,000): This mid-range remodel involves upgrading the garage for a specific use without fully converting it to living space. For these types of remodels, you’ll need insulation, flooring, windows, and potentially plumbing. Plus, don’t forget about the cost of office furniture or gym equipment.
Garage expansion ($15,000 to $60,000): Garage extensions add usable space and can increase your home’s value, but such extensive work will significantly increase costs due to structural, foundation, and roofing work. You’ll need to hire contractors, acquire the appropriate construction materials, secure permits, and in some areas, you’ll need to work with the local HOA.
Garage conversion to living space ($20,000 to $50,000+): Turning your garage into a living space like a bedroom or family room requires insulation, flooring, HVAC, and possibly plumbing. This kind of remodel adds value to the property, but comes with a much higher price tag due to the additional materials and labor required.
Garage conversion to an ADU ($30,000 to $75,000+): An accessory dwelling unit (also known as a granny flat) is a self-contained living space with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Building an ADU is one of the most expensive types of garage remodels because it requires full utilities and must meet residential building codes.
Common garage remodel costs
Depending on the type of remodel, there are a number of essential costs you can expect to encounter. Not every project will come with all of these costs, but they’re handy to know if you’re looking to plan your garage remodel.
Common garage remodel costs include:
Framing and drywall: $1 to $5 per sq ft
Insulation: $1 to $3 per sq ft
Flooring: $3 to $12 per sq ft
Electrical: $1,000 to $3,000 depending on scope
Plumbing (if converting to bathroom or ADU): $1,500 to $5,000+
HVAC installation: $2,000 to $5,000
Windows and doors: $500 to $2,000 each
Garage door replacement: $1,200 to $2,500
Painting: $300 to $800
Storage systems or cabinetry: $1,000 to $5,000+
Plan your garage remodel with My Site Plan
As the scale of your garage remodel increases, so does the cost. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand what costs you’ll facehelped help you better plan and budget for your garage remodel.
Getting a detailed site plan can be another great step in the garage remodel process. Site plans help you plan out your garage ADU or living space and help you apply for permits.
