Garage Construction Price Guide in Quebec
- coraliefortin076
- Sep 30
- 7 min read
Building a garage, whether attached to your home, detached, or designed for a cottage, is much more than just a simple renovation project. It's a lasting investment that can increase the value of your property and improve your daily life. At Plan Maison Québec, we know how important it is to plan wisely to avoid budget overruns and unpleasant surprises.
The cost of building a garage varies depending on many factors: square footage, materials, foundations, insulation, finishes, permits, and, of course, site conditions. This guide aims to shed light on the main cost factors so you can accurately estimate your project and make informed decisions from the design stage.
The main cost categories for a garage
The total cost of building a garage in Quebec depends on several expenditures. First, you must consider the plans and preliminary studies. The use of a technologist or architect is often necessary to produce plans that comply with standards and are adapted to your land.
Next come the building permits, which vary depending on the municipality, as well as the concrete slab, which requires excavation, formwork, and pouring. The frame, roof, and exterior envelope form the core of the structure, while technical elements such as electricity and, in some cases, plumbing, are essential to the functionality of your garage.
Insulation, interior finishes, and aesthetic elements such as exterior siding, windows, or the choice of garage door will also have a significant impact on the final cost. Finally, a safety margin is always important, as unforeseen events frequently arise on construction sites.
Price ranges in Quebec: reliable indications
General data
For a single garage, such as a 12' x 20', prices can range from $35,000 to $55,000 for a basic structure. If you want a turnkey project that includes insulation, motorized doors, and electrical installation, costs often climb to between $55,000 and $75,000.
For a double garage, such as a 22' x 20', the cost of rough construction can range from $85,000 to $100,000, while the turnkey version can easily reach $100,000 to $140,000, depending on the desired level of finish. These estimates reflect 2025 standards, but may vary from one contractor to another and depending on your location in Quebec.
Some simpler models, without insulation or interior finishing, could fall into a more modest range, around $15,000 to $30,000, especially for small detached garages. It's important to note that these costs often do not include plan fees or hookups.
Concrete example
A 16' x 24' garage, with a concrete slab, basic structure, shingled roof, standard garage door, one window, and an access door, can cost around $34,000. This amount, however, generally excludes full insulation, electrical, and interior finishes. Adding these items can significantly increase the total cost.
The price of the concrete slab
Too often overlooked, the concrete slab is one of the most important foundations of the project. It represents an average cost of $25 to $30 per square foot, including excavation, formwork, reinforcement, and pouring.
For example: for a 240 sq ft (12' x 20') slab, you should budget between $6,000 and $7,200. However, specific site conditions, such as rock or a steep slope, can increase this expense.
Other costs to anticipate
Technical plans typically cost between $1,800 and $2,200 for a technologist, while an architect can charge between $2,500 and $6,000, depending on the complexity of the project. Building permits, on the other hand, depend on your municipality, but you'll often need to budget a few hundred dollars.
Electrical costs, including hookups, circuits, and lighting, add between $2,000 and $5,000 to the bill. Wall and roof insulation can add another $4,000 to $7,000, especially if the garage is intended for heating or use as a workshop.
As for garage doors, their price varies greatly. A standard manual door can cost around $2,000, while a high-end motorized model can exceed $10,000, especially for double garages. Finally, the materials chosen for the exterior cladding (vinyl, wood, fiber cement) or the roof (asphalt shingles, metal) have a considerable impact on the final cost.
Factors that strongly influence the price
Dimensions and complexity
The size of the garage is obviously a determining factor. A larger garage not only costs more in materials, but also involves more labor, a wider foundation, and sometimes additional permit fees. Adding a second story or overhead storage also increases costs, as the structure must be reinforced and the roof modified.
A detached garage, unlike an attached garage, requires a complete, independent structure, which increases the costs of excavation, slab, roofing, and utility connections. However, a garage attached to the house may require structural modifications to the existing residence, which also generates additional costs.
Materials and finish
The choice of materials has a direct impact on the overall price. Vinyl siding will cost much less than stone or wood siding. Similarly, a metal roof can double or triple the cost compared to asphalt shingles, although it offers greater longevity.
Interior finishes also play an important role. A painted or tiled garage floor will cost more than a bare concrete floor. Adding built-in storage, a sink, or additional windows also increases the budget.
Insulation and multiple uses
An uninsulated and unheated garage is significantly more economical. But as soon as you plan to work in it year-round, set up a workshop, or store sensitive equipment, insulation becomes essential. This involves additional costs for insulation, a vapor barrier, interior walls, a heating system, and sometimes even ventilation.
This type of configuration is increasingly sought after by Quebec homeowners, particularly for multifunctional or semi-habitable garages. It's therefore important to clearly define your needs from the outset to choose the right configuration.
Unforeseen events: not to be neglected
No matter how detailed your plan or the quality of your contractor, every construction project has its share of unforeseen events. At Plan Maison Québec, we've supported hundreds of projects across the province, and we know that the key to success lies largely in good risk management.
Unforeseen events related to the terrain
The soil you're building on can hold costly surprises. An excavation may reveal a layer of rock that will need to be blasted or fractured, resulting not only in additional costs but also delays. Clay or poorly drained soil may require the addition of backfill, additional drains, or even a reinforced slab.
On sloping sites, it's sometimes necessary to adjust the slab level or build a retaining wall. These are elements that are often difficult to predict without a proper soil study. At Plan Maison Québec, we can direct you to the right resources to better anticipate these constraints from the design phase.
Unpredictable weather conditions
In Quebec, the climate is an unavoidable factor. Heavy rain, an early frost, or a snowstorm can hamper the smooth progress of construction. These weather conditions can delay the concrete pour, compromise the stability of the formwork, or even force a temporary shutdown of the construction site.
These delays, while sometimes unavoidable, can result in additional costs, particularly for remobilizing the team or temporarily storing materials. This is why Plan Maison Québec advocates rigorous planning and realistic timelines, adapted to the seasons and regions of Quebec.
Fluctuation in the price of materials
The building materials market has become particularly volatile in recent years. The price of wood, steel, insulation, and even doors and windows can fluctuate significantly, sometimes within weeks.
A quote received today could be invalid a month later if the project is delayed. This means that unexpected price increases can significantly impact your budget. By working with Plan Maison Québec, you'll be better prepared for these market realities, thanks to effective planning and strategic material choices that are validated quickly.
Changes during the project
Another common cause of budget overruns is modifications decided upon mid-project. It's not uncommon for a client to want to add a window, change the size of the garage door, install a heating system, or even redesign the exterior cladding once work has begun.
These changes, while seemingly simple, can have ripple effects: adjustments to the structure, electrical system, permits, and delivery schedule. That's why Plan Maison Québec makes it a point to support you upfront to clearly define all the elements of the project from the very first sketches.
Administrative deadlines and compliance
Even a well-designed plan can be slowed by administrative delays. Municipalities sometimes have specific requirements regarding setbacks, maximum heights, or exterior design, which may require adjustments or delay permit issuance.
A plan that doesn't comply with regulations can waste weeks. Thanks to our knowledge of local standards and our collaboration with numerous cities and regional county municipalities, Plan Maison Québec can reduce these risks and expedite the approval process.
An essential budget margin
For all these unforeseen events—whether technical, climatic, administrative, or market-related—it's essential to include a 10 to 15% margin in your total budget. This reserve will allow you to cope with unforeseen events without sacrificing the quality of materials or interrupting the project. A well-planned budget, with a safety margin, is the best guarantee of a smooth project, delivered on time, and without unpleasant surprises.
Why call on Plan Maison Québec
Plan Maison Québec specializes in designing residential plans tailored to Quebec's unique circumstances. Our team develops custom plans for houses, cottages, and garages, respecting your needs, tastes, and budget. By working with us, you benefit from professional support that saves you from having to coordinate everything on your own.
We don't just draw lines on paper: we help you design your project based on costs, municipal standards, site constraints, and your long-term goals. Our experience allows you to begin your project with confidence, with a clear, compliant plan that's optimized to reduce unnecessary costs.
Conclusion : garage construction price
Whether you want to build a single garage to house your vehicle, a multifunctional double garage, or a fully insulated and heated space, it's essential to carefully plan each step of the project. In Quebec, garage construction prices can vary widely, but one thing is certain: a good plan is the first step to staying within your budget.
With Plan Maison Québec, you can rest assured that you're working with a responsive, competent, and transparent team. We help you assess real costs from the design phase, comply with municipal standards, and avoid costly mistakes.
Don't wait any longer to make your garage project a reality.
Comments