How much does it cost to build a garage?
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Building a garage is much more than just a structural addition to a property. It's a strategic decision that can transform the daily use of your home, improve its comfort, increase its resale value, and provide additional protection for your belongings. At Plan Maison Québec, we understand how much a well-designed garage can make a difference in a residential project. But how much does it really cost to build a garage in Quebec in 2025?
In this comprehensive article, we offer an in-depth analysis of garage construction costs, the factors that influence them, the available options, and tips for optimizing your budget—all to help you bring your project to fruition under the best possible conditions.
The different types of garages and their costs
Before getting into the specific amounts, you should know that there are several types of garages, each with its own characteristics, advantages and price ranges.
1 ) Attached garage vs. detached garage
An attached garage is built as an extension of the house. It shares one or more walls with the main structure, which can reduce the cost of some materials but increase the cost of insulation and plumbing. It is also more practical in winter since it allows direct access to the house without having to go outside.
A detached garage, on the other hand, is a freestanding structure. It offers more flexibility in terms of location and can sometimes accommodate upstairs storage space or even an accessory suite, but its construction is often more expensive, as it requires its own foundation, roof, and plumbing.
In 2025, here are the average prices observed in Quebec:
Single detached garage (gross): between $37,500 and $55,000
Single attached garage (turnkey): between $51,500 and $72,000
Double detached garage (gross): between $77,000 and $103,000
Double attached garage (turnkey): between $95,000 and $132,000
These prices generally include the structure, labor, and standard materials, but can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the project, the region, and the chosen finishes.
Factors that influence the cost of a garage
At Plan Maison Québec, every project is unique. That's why we emphasize the importance of understanding the various factors that can influence the total cost of building a garage.
1. The size of the garage
This is probably the most obvious factor. The larger the garage, the more materials, labor, and construction time it will require. A single garage measuring 12x20 feet will obviously be much less expensive than a double garage measuring 24x30 feet. But you also shouldn't neglect the thickness of the slab, the ceiling height, or the addition of an attic or a habitable floor.
Here's an idea of prices by size:
12x20 feet (single, uninsulated): $20,000 to $30,000
20x24 feet (single, insulated): $40,000 to $55,000
22x24 feet (standard double): $50,000 to $75,000
24x30 feet (turnkey double): $144,000 to $221,000
2. The type of foundation
In Quebec, harsh winters and freeze-thaw cycles make a quality foundation essential. Several options are available:
Slab-on-grade: The most common for a garage; it costs between $27 and $30 per square foot.
Screw piles: Used in unstable ground, generally costing less than full formwork.
Poured concrete or block foundation: More expensive but essential if a basement or living space is planned.
3. L’isolation et le chauffage
An uninsulated garage may be sufficient for simple storage, but if you want to use it as a workshop, a workout room, or to park your vehicle in the winter without hassle, insulation becomes essential.
Costs to anticipate:
Basic insulation: $0.50 to $1.70/sq ft for the roof and walls
Spray foam: approximately $3/sq ft
Vapor barrier and membrane: $1 to $3/sq ft
Heating system (electric baseboards or radiant floor): $1,500 to over $5,000, depending on the square footage
4. Exterior materials
The aesthetics of your garage play a role in its integration into your property, but also influence its price. Here are the most commonly used materials and their cost ranges:
Vinyl siding: $15,000 to $25,000
Metal siding: $20,000 to $30,000
Wood siding: $20,000 to $35,000
Masonry (brick or stone): up to $50,000
At Plan Maison Québec, we help you choose materials to combine style and durability, according to your budget.
5. Doors, windows and accessories
Finishing touches can quickly add up. A standard steel garage door costs around $1,000, but a motorized, insulated, glass door can exceed $3,500.
Add to that:
Secondary doors: $500 to $1,000
Windows: $300 to $800 each
Exterior/interior lighting: $1,000 to $2,000
Alarm or home automation system: $1,500 to $3,000
6. The workforce
Labor costs vary depending on the region, time of year, and contractor availability. In Quebec, the hourly rate for residential construction ranges from $65 to $90 per hour. A complete garage project can require several weeks of work, depending on its complexity.
Hidden costs to expect
Even with careful planning, some costs can be overlooked if you don't rely on experienced professionals like Plan Maison Québec. Here are a few examples:
Building permit: between $200 and $1,000, depending on the municipality
Connection to municipal services (electricity, water, sewer): $2,000 to $8,000
Soil study or geotechnical inspection: $800 to $2,500
Post-construction landscaping: varies depending on the work required
Garage renovation or extension: is it more economical?
If you already have a garage and want to remodel, expand, or make it more functional, it can sometimes cost almost as much as building a new one. Adding a second floor, an extra door, or renovating the slab are complex projects that often require modifications to the existing structure.
However, the advantage is that some infrastructure is already in place (foundations, roof), which can reduce overall costs if the building is in good condition.
Why do business with Plan Maison Québec?
By choosing Plan Maison Québec, you're choosing the expertise of a team specializing in the design of house, cottage, and garage plans, perfectly adapted to the realities of the Quebec market. Our expertise allows you to obtain custom plans designed to optimize space, comply with current standards, and meet your current and future needs.
We support you from design to submission to your municipality, and work closely with qualified contractors to ensure your project is a success.
Conclusion: Trust experts to build your garage
Building a garage is a significant investment, but one that can significantly improve your comfort and the value of your property. Whether you're considering a single, double, attached, or detached garage, it's essential to understand the costs and implications.
At Plan Maison Québec, we believe every project deserves a personalized approach. With our team of passionate professionals and extensive experience in residential design, we help you realize your vision efficiently, sustainably, and economically.
We are here to build with you!
