EXTERIOR
Garage Build Cost: Detached Two-Car in 2026
Estimate detached garage construction cost per square foot — with the free landscaping calculator.
A detached garage adds storage, a workshop and real resale value. Costs scale by size, finish and whether you add a second story. Here's the real 2026 number.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
A detached garage runs $40–$70 per sq ft in 2026: a 20×24 two-car runs $26,000–$51,000 standard. Basic builds start at $25,000; fully finished workshops run $50,000–$60,000. Slab included in most quotes.
What it costs
A standard 20×24 two-car detached garage runs $26,000–$51,000. The concrete slab adds $2,000–$4,000. Adding electrical, insulation or a workshop finish pushes it toward the top. Permits run $500–$1,500.
- 20×24 two-car standard: $26,000–$51,000
- Per sq ft: $40–$70
- Slab: $2,000–$4,000
- Finished workshop: $50,000–$60,000
What changes the price
A second story doubles usable space and adds $10,000–$20,000. Attached garages run less per sq ft. Slab-on-grade is cheapest; a full foundation with stem walls costs more. Finishes and doors scale quickly.
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