Get matched with top garage pros in Ames, IA

Yes, you should be able to cover your detached garage on your homeowners insurance policy. Most policies will automatically cover it as a “separate structure,” but policies differ widely. It’s best to confirm with your insurance company whether or not it will cover the detached garage before starting this extensive project.

It’s typically less expensive to buy a garage-building kit than to build a garage from scratch if you’re supplying all the labor. However, unless you are an experienced builder, you will still need to hire pros to install the foundation, concrete floor, and add electrical and plumbing to your garage kit. In that case, it’s worth the investment to build a garage through a local garage builder who can coordinate the hiring of other necessary pros.

The cost to convert a carport into a garage averages about $22,000, ranging from about $15,000 and $55,000. Additional cost factors to consider include size, time of year, and how much of the carport you can reuse. Other cost factors include the kinds and amounts of materials used, such as:

• Add insulation: $1 per square foot

• Add drywall: $1–$3 per square foot

• Add window: $450–$2,000 per window

• Add outlets: $75–$500

• Add garage door: $250–$11,200

• Enclose framing: $5–$13 per square foot

• Replace roofing: $1,000–$2,000

The cost to build a detached garage for two cars costs about $26,400 on average. Prices range from $19,200 to $33,600, depending on your location, the garage size, height, materials, and site prep required. Additional cost factors include any plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation. If you need to build a concrete foundation for a new detached garage, you can expect to pay $1,000 to $8,600 for this essential addition.

The average cost to remodel a garage is around $18,000, ranging from $1,500 to $50,000, depending on size, materials, location, and other factors like plumbing and electrical. Garage remodels that include changing the roof and walls add significant expenses to the project. Plus, you can expect to pay about $1,400 for the building conversion permits. For a simple remodel, like painting interior walls and recoating the garage floor, it will cost about $2 to $5 per square foot.