The average cost to convert a carport to a garage is $22,000, but ranges between $15,000 and $30,000. The cost varies depending on the size, layout, and functionality of the converted space.
The cost to convert a carport into a garage averages around $22,000, but you could pay anywhere from $6,000 to $55,000 depending on several factors. One of the biggest influences on the price is the exterior finish you choose for your garage. For instance, using cinder blocks will cost less than opting for brick material. The size of your garage and whether you need to add a foundation will also influence your final price.
For a standard one-to-two-car carport to garage conversion, most homeowners will pay between $15,000 and $30,000.
The cost of enclosing a carport requires thinking about more than just four walls (or three for an attached garage). A carport conversion varies wildly in price based on how much of the original carport you can salvage. If you’re lucky, you can complete this project by reusing the same slab and roof without breaking the bank. In that case, your average cost would be closer to $6,000 for the cost of garage door installation and building a wall.
The size of your garage and existing carport play a major role in your pricing. The bigger the garage you’re building, the higher the price—though even one-car garages can come with a hefty price tag if you use premium materials.
| Garage Size | Average Cost (With Labor) |
|---|---|
| Single Car | $9,000–$11,000 |
| Two-Car Garage | $18,000–$22,000 |
It's less expensive to build a garage during the off-season, which is over the winter months. However, pouring concrete in cold weather isn’t convenient, and it’s not always possible. The sweet spot for pouring concrete for a new slab is between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so late fall could be the best option for affordability.
If your carport doesn’t already have a concrete slab, or if you want to expand or repair the existing slab, a concrete slab costs $4 to $8 per square foot. You’ll need to budget renting a concrete mixer and the tools needed to level the slab, so be sure to talk to a pro.
A strategically placed window or two can bring sunlight into your new garage. A single window unit runs from $300 to $1,200 for standard sizes. Labor to install the window costs about $150 to $800 per window or $40 per hour.
You can figure on adding between $75 and $500 to your budget to cover the cost of installing outlets, and between $75 and $125 to install a new light fixture. Adding one or two outlets when converting your carport can save you from running long electrical cords from other areas of your home if you need power for tools, a tire pump, or additional lighting. If you don’t have wiring to your existing carport, you could pay between $1,000 and $2,500 to run wiring to the space and through the walls.
The price for an average garage door is about $750 to $1,600. A premade, off-the-shelf style will range from $250 to $1,500. High-end designs range from $1,500 to $10,000. These prices do not include locks, openers, or labor, which bring the average cost for a new garage door to around $1,200. You should always hire a garage pro for the installation to ensure the garage door closes properly. They can also set up the garage door opener and handle dangerous tasks like adjusting the garage door spring.
There are garage door alternatives you can explore to keep the costs down as much as possible.
Standard framing to close in your new garage is usually $1 to $5 per square foot. Labor will cost you another $4 to $8 per square foot, depending on your location and the complexity of the build. The average price to enclose a one-car carport is around $2,500.
Replacing a garage roof tends to cost from $1,000 to $2,000, but this will, of course, vary based on your material. If your carport is in good shape beforehand, you may not need to replace the roofing at all, so this line item could be $0.
Not all areas require a permit for converting your carport into a garage. If your state does, the average cost of obtaining a building permit falls between $500 and $1,500. If hiring a contractor to perform the conversion, the company will be responsible for obtaining any home addition permits if necessary.
"Many homeowners want to convert carports into garage space into heated and air-conditioned living spaces, too," says Bob Tschudi, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based general contractor. "If you go this route, you’ll have to engage with the local municipalities to ensure that what you plan to do complies with their plan for the area."
Converting an attached carport into a garage differs greatly in price from converting a detached carport. It is far more cost-effective to run electricity and plumbing to an attached garage than running lines underground to a detached garage, plus you have one fewer wall to construct.
For example, turning an attached carport into an attached garage, using the same materials and square footage, costs 10% to 15% less than the cost of a detached garage made from a detached carport. However, it still falls within the general price range of $40 to $70 per square foot. For example, if you spend $45 per square foot on a detached unit, you’ll spend about $40 per square foot on the same thing attached to your home.
| Type of Garage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Stick Built Wood Garage | $5–$16 per square foot |
| Cinder Block Garage | $15–$30 per square foot |
| Brick Garage | $15–$40 per square foot |
| Metal Garage | $3,000–$11,000 for DIY kit |
There are some additional things you should consider in order to get an accurate estimate for your project.
Adding some luxury by installing HVAC, such as a garage heater or air conditioner, is an option that will cost between $1,000 and $4,000 to install professionally. If you’re converting an attached carport, you could just tie in your existing HVAC system, or you could add a ductless system to a detached carport-turned-garage for around $4,000.
The cost to add insulation is about $1 per square foot, which is beneficial if your garage is attached to your home or if you plan to use your new garage as a living space or a workspace.
Drywalling a garage costs $1 to $3 per square foot or about $8 to $12 per 4-foot-by-8-foot panel for materials only. If your garage is attached, you’ll need fire-rated drywall on the attached wall(s) in most municipalities. If you hire a garage builder near you to get the job done professionally, your contractor can help you figure out what kind of drywall your local building code demands.
Some homeowners decide to add plumbing to their new garages after enclosing their carports. This enables you to place your washer and dryer in the garage if you don't have space in your home, or to hook up a convenient utility sink to prevent having to go into your main structure to wash up. Running plumbing to an attached carport you turn into a garage should cost around $1,000, not including whatever fixtures you intend on using.
If you’re running plumbing to a detached garage, you should figure on paying around $4,000, as you’d have to run lines underground. It might not be possible to do this on your property, so consult with your local contractor to see if it’s an option for your new garage.
Since one of the primary benefits of converting your carport to a garage is added security, many homeowners opt to install security devices after construction, including cameras, floodlights, and alarm systems. Depending on the equipment you want installed, you can expect to pay between $100 and $5,000. If you’re paying for professional monitoring as well, you’ll likely have an ongoing cost of between $20 and $50 per month.
Many homeowners will opt to have shelving and storage cabinets installed to keep the garage organized. Depending on your needs, these can cost between $250 and $2,000, and you can have them custom-built or buy them as prefab solutions.
There are both practical and aesthetic factors to consider before working on your new carport.
Most carports have shed roofs or V-shaped roofs. While your carport's existing roofline may look "okay for a carport," it might not translate nicely to a garage structure. The aesthetic will shift dramatically once the space is enclosed. Think carefully about your roofline before starting construction, and adjust accordingly.
Local fire and safety codes may require any garage attached to your home to have fire-rated walls and entry doors. Consult your contractor or local municipality for confirmation before starting your conversion.
Converting a carport into a garage is considered a significant structural change, which usually means you need to acquire permits or permission from a homeowner's association. This project may also require plans that don’t extend your new garage too close to your neighbor’s property line.
"Converting a carport into a garage will not add much overall value to your house, given the expense to complete the renovation," says Bob Tschudi, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based general contractor. "However, you will gain a secure and weather-resistant space at a fraction of the cost to build it from scratch."
If you’re not the handy type, it probably makes the most sense to hire a garage builder in your area to convert your carport into a garage. That’s because a carport-to-garage conversion is not an easy job. It’s also extremely important to make sure your new garage is structurally safe and sound.
While converting your carport into a garage is a significant financial investment stretching beyond the original carport cost, there are a few ways to save money on the project.
Consider performing some of the work, such as prep or finishing work, yourself.
Reuse the existing concrete slab if possible.
Connecting the new garage to the house can cut some of the cost compared to building a freestanding space.
Limit the new garage size to that of the carport rather than upsizing and then enclosing.
Check local restrictions before starting work to avoid costly fees, fines, or reconstruction costs.
Keep your conversion simple. Avoid adding plumbing and HVAC unless you absolutely need them.
Choose more affordable materials whenever possible.
Shop around for a few quotes to see if a reputable contractor offers a lower price.
An addition like a garage can increase your home value significantly, but it’s also quite expensive to convert a carport into a garage. In some cases, you may see just a small boost to home value. With that being said, a carport conversion can add value to your experience as a homeowner long before you sell. Garages are useful for security reasons and storing vehicles, plus they can serve as a convenient place for storage and as workspaces or even living spaces.
It's possible to turn your carport into a living space, but there are additional factors to address over turning it into a garage. HVAC, plumbing, and electricity won't be optional, and you'll need finished flooring, drywall, trim work, and legal ceiling height, for starters. Also, keep in mind that living space conversions may require upgrading the foundation underneath, and the permits might be more expensive as well.
Depending on your carport's configuration, foundation or slab condition, and location in relation to the house, turning a carport into a garage has a lot in common with adding an addition to your home. However, you can skip some of the necessities of adding living space to your home, such as fine flooring, trim work, or even drywall or HVAC. It might be possible to DIY the conversion, but it’s complicated and potentially dangerous work, so it’s best left to the professionals.
