Cost To Build A Garage In Los Angeles

The cost of building a garage depends on a variety of factors. You can spend as little as $5,000 to $10,000 for a simple carport up to $50,000 for a full attached two or three car garage with extra room for work, play or storage.

The decision to have an attached or separate (detached) garage must be made. The attached garage offers a direct entry to the house and is generally less expensive to build. The advantage of a detached garage is that it can be larger, and any noisy activity will not be heard in the main house. It is also a great place for kids to have a sleepover if there is some adult supervision.

The size of the garage is an important cost factor and good planning will help you determine the optimal size. The only limitation on garage size is the square footage available on your property. The most common dimensions are a depth of 12 ft to 24 ft and a width of 20 ft to 28 ft. The height will be determined by the size of the garage doors and they can be 7 ft to 8 ft high for a standard automobile to 16 ft high for a large RV. The ceiling height will be at least 2 feet higher to account for any automatic garage door apparatus.

The next series of decisions to determine the garage cost are choosing the materials, and this will depend on the intended purpose of the garage. If the garage you need is a large detached building, a steel frame garage might be your best option. You gain useful space as there is no need for any interior support columns. A steel frame will cost more but you will not have to worry about any wood rot or decay. If the garage is an attached wood frame the options are drywall, plywood sheathing, and metal, fiberglass or plastic panels as the wall materials. Drywall is the most common choice because of its ease to install and paint.

Drywall is commonly used for the ceiling, but you can opt for styrofoam panels, cork or plastic tiles. If you like the look and texture of the stucco like “popcorn” ceiling, it can be sprayed onto drywall very easily from an aerosol can purchased at any hardware retailer. If insulation is to be added to protect the garage interior from outside temperature extremes or noise, now is the time to choose the insulation type.

Windows and doors are on the list of items for your garage building budget. The windows can be made of wood, metal or vinyl and be installed like any other window in the house. You have a choice to keep the windows uncovered or add window treatments like blinds or shutters. Hinged doors to the main house can be a simple screen door or made to match the windows. For the vehicle garage doors, you can choose to install an automatic garage door opening system for one or more garage doors.

The last series of decisions will be on what to include in the garage interior. Do you want to use the garage for a workplace or storage or both?

Do you need lighting and electrical outlets, or can you tolerate extension cords and clip on lights for any garage-based activity? Will the garage hold a spare refrigerator to keep your beer cold or a freezer used to store meat purchased in bulk quantities? Do you want the garage to be a living area with a bathroom and air conditioning? Is the AC to be a small window unit or a complete HVAC system?

The final and biggest decision will be if you decide to build a simple but functional garage yourself or to use the services of a professional who specializes in garages. An attractive well-made garage will add value to the house and be a feature to showcase when selling the house. You will have to ask yourself if your skills can produce the same results as a professional.

We, at Fidelity & Designs, pride ourselves on being professional, reliable, and affordable. We can help you build or convert your garage. We are fully licensed and fully insured. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-818-532-0482