Two—car garages—isn’t always better than one
The average size of a single-car garage ranges between 12 to 16 feet wide and 20 to 24 feet long.
It costs $10,500 to $27,000 to build a one-car garage.
A 1.5-car garage is wider than a single-car garage but has the same length.
You can convert a single-car garage to a storage area, exercise space, or mudroom.
Size is always a factor when you’re building or renovating a home. Some homeowners keep a “bigger is better” mindset as they consider spaces like kitchens and bedrooms. Unless you own a fleet of cars, you’re unlikely to be worried about your garage, but the right (or wrong) size, especially for a single-car garage can affect how easy it is coming and going. Use this guide to figure out just how big your one-car garage size needs to be.
| Garage Dimensions | Total Square Footage |
|---|---|
| 12 x 20 feet | 240 square feet |
| 12 x 22 feet | 264 square feet |
| 12 x 24 feet | 288 square feet |
| 14 x 22 feet | 308 square feet |
| 14 x 24 feet | 336 square feet |
| 16 x 24 feet | 384 square feet |
One-car garages are typically one of three sizes: 240 sq. ft. (12x20), 264 sq. ft. (12x22), or 288 sq. ft. (12x24). The length changes depending on how long your current (or future) car might be.
Other common garage sizes are 308 sq. ft (14x22) and 336 sq. ft. (14x24). These wider and longer garage alternatives not only let you drive in and out of your garage with ease, but most homeowners like to use the extra space for storage.
Some homeowners may find that a smaller one-car garage can meet their needs just fine while saving them money and helping them use their limited square footage better. For example, someone living in a metropolitan area with small land lots may opt for a smaller one-car garage to give their living quarters more space. A smaller garage can also free up space for a larger back or front yard.
Your budget will play a crucial role in the decision-making process. Building a smaller garage costs less, which can appeal to homeowners looking for a budget-friendly solution. Ultimately, choosing between a smaller or larger one-car garage depends on the homeowner's preferences and requirements, striking a balance between functionality, cost-effectiveness, and available space.
The average square footage of a one-car garage is between 240 to 384 square feet. While you can choose from a few different size options, the average garage size for single cars ranges between 12 to 16 feet wide and 20 to 24 feet long.
The smallest garage size you’ll see is 180 sq. ft (10x18), but that won’t work for most cars. Unless you drive around in a Smart Car, you’ll need to go bigger. The minimum recommended width for a single-car garage is 12 feet. This gives you enough space to open your doors comfortably without worrying about cracking them into the sides of the garage.
The name might draw a few questions, but it’s as straightforward as it sounds. A 1.5-car garage is bigger than a single-car garage and smaller than a two-car garage. The standard width of a single-car garage is 12 to 16 feet, while two-car garage sizes range between 20 and 24 feet. That puts a 1.5-car garage at about 16 to 20 feet wide with the same length as its single- and two-car garage counterparts.
A 1.5-car garage isn’t for you if you’re looking to park more than one car under a roof each night, but it does have extra benefits if you only own one vehicle. Many homeowners who drive oversized cars opt for a 1.5-car garage with a matching oversized garage door to accommodate its size. For those who want to transform a garage into storage, the extra space allows for placing bins, tools, etc., along the walls.
When you get out of your car, you shouldn’t have to squeeze yourself between the body of the car and the door. That’s best left for parking lots at grocery stores and shopping malls. Properly sizing your garage saves you some discomfort and stops you from potentially damaging your car.
Knowing the dimensions of your car is the first step to correctly sizing your garage. For example, the average size of a pickup truck is 6.7 ft. wide and 19.8 ft. long. Although it could technically fit into a 12x20 garage, you’d have to be the world’s most precise driver to keep yourself from damaging your bumper—every single time—with less than three inches of available space. Most cars range between six and seven feet wide, so pay more attention to the length of your car and garage.
The width of your car matters most when sizing your garage doors. The standard single-car garage door is eight to nine feet wide. Based on your car’s width (with the side view mirrors), this standard size should be large enough to maneuver your car safely in and out of the garage.
Garages can do much more than just keep your car safe and clean. Chances are, you also want to get additional storage space out of your garage for things like holiday decorations, tools, bicycles, and sports equipment. You may even want to build a small workout area, incorporate a tool bench, or make space for a small hobby. You want to take your storage needs into account when building a garage. One way to stretch your garage storage space further is to build a tall garage to provide some ceiling storage.
When deciding what type of garage to build, you can choose between a detached and an attached garage. This choice is significant and can impact the options for future garage extensions or expansions.
Detached garages offer more flexibility regarding size modifications and expansions compared to attached garages. Detached garages are standalone structures separate from the main house. This independence allows homeowners greater freedom to increase the size of the garage in the future without directly affecting the existing house structure. If additional space is needed for more vehicles, storage, or other purposes, it’s easier to expand a detached garage by adding extra bays or extending its dimensions.
On the other hand, attached garages share a wall with the main house, making expansions more complex. Expanding an attached garage often involves adjustments to the existing house structure, which can be more challenging and costly. Zoning regulations and property line restrictions may also limit the expansion options for attached garages.
If you don’t have a car or prefer to park outside, you can use a single-car garage for other purposes. To start, you can use the garage to store belongings you don’t want to keep in your home. If you’re a minimalist, consider creating a workout space with a floor mat, some weights, and equipment.
If your garage is attached to your home, you can prevent your family from tracking dirt by using the area as a mudroom. You can install shelves and racks for shoes and outerwear. You can also use a garage as a hobby room.
Single-car garages have many uses. Even if your current plan is to use it for parking, your goals for the space can change. Consult with a local garage builder on how to insulate a garage to make it useful year-round and discuss lighting and electrical wiring. You'll be able to create an optimal garage for parking, storage, and more.
How much it costs to build a garage can vary based on factors like where you live and who you hire to build the garage. Size also plays a major role, as does garage door material and any extra upgrades. That being said, you can expect to spend between $10,500 and $27,000 on average to build a one-car garage.
Jouviane Alexandre contributed to this piece.
