Want to add value and living space to your home? Use this guide to figure out the cost to convert your garage into living space to see if it’s worth it.
Cost to Build a Garage in Los Angeles
Normal Range: $24,009 - $50,088
The cost to build a garage in Los Angeles, California, is $36,759 on average but ranges between $24,009 and $50,088 depending on its size.
How we get this data
Patricia Marroquin / Moment / Getty Images
Patricia Marroquin / Moment / Getty Images
Cost Insights
Building a garage for your Los Angeles home offers a high ROI of 60% to 85% and makes your home easier to sell.
Los Angeles’s relatively large lot size makes detached garages a popular option.
A qualified Los Angeles garage builder will ensure your garage is well-built and meets all local codes and regulations.
A building permit for a garage costs an average of $400 to $800, depending on the project's valuation.
Looking to add valuable storage space and protect your vehicles? Building a garage in Los Angeles will cost about 25% more than the national average due to the area’s high cost of living. The cost to build a garage in Los Angeles is $36,759 on average, but costs can range from $24,009 to $50,088. We break down some of the most common factors that affect how much you’ll pay.
Garage Building Cost Factors
A common question about building a garage is how much homeowners should budget for the project. The cost to build a garage in Los Angeles, California, depends on factors like garage size and type, materials, add-ons, and more. Take a look at how these factors will affect your total project cost.
Size
You'll pay about $63 per square foot on average between labor and materials when working with a professional. However, you'll find prices as low as $38 per square foot for simple, attached garages and up to $150 per square foot for detached, high-end garages with all the bells and whistles.
Below, we've listed the average cost to build a garage by size:
| Garage Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 12x20 | $9,000–$36,000 |
| 18x20 | $13,500–$54,000 |
| 20x20 | $15,000–$60,000 |
| 20x22 | $16,500–$66,000 |
| 22x22 | $18,125–$72,625 |
| 32x22 | $26,375–$105,625 |
| 32x34 | $28,750–$115,250 |
Materials
Budget-conscious homeowners may opt for lower-cost materials like metal, brick veneer, or a prefab pole barn garage. Sturdier materials like brick, cinderblock, and stick-built garages have a higher initial cost, but will be more durable in the long run.
| Garage Material | Average Cost (per Sq. Ft.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick | $30–$45 | Extremely durable | High initial cost |
| Brick-veneered | $5–$30 | Brick look with lower cost | Susceptible to leaks |
| Cinderblock | $30–$65 | Fire resistant | Prone to cracking |
| Metal | $15–$35 | Resistant to pests, fire, and rot | Noisy during rain or hail |
| Stick-built | $40–$70 | Match home’s aesthetics | Higher cost |
| Prefab pole barn | $11–$40 | Fast installation | Less durable |
Type
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The type of garage you build will affect the total cost. A one-car garage or garage extension will cost less than a multi-car garage, and an attached garage will cost less than a detached one. Because Los Angeles has a relatively large average lot size, detached garages are a popular option, often with included living space.
| Type of Garage | Cost to Build |
|---|---|
| One-car | $13,125–$33,750 |
| Two-car | $18,750–$50,000 |
| Three-car | $35,000–$71,250 |
| Attached | $13,500–$81,450 |
| Detached | $18,000–$95,000 |
Permits
To build a garage, you’ll need a permit from the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. Permit fees are based on the project’s valuation, but expect to pay between $400 and $800. Failure to obtain a permit can result in having to remove the unpermitted work, so confirm that you have all necessary permits before work begins.
Accessibility
If you plan on making your garage more accessible, you may need to hire a local ramp installation pro to install a ramp over the concrete foundation. This may require extra landscaping renovations.
Add-Ons
Adding features to your new garage will increase your final cost. From common add-ons like automatic garage doors, windows, and exterior doors to customized features like flooring, security, and storage, each add-on will increase your total project cost. Adding living space to your garage will cost the most but will have the highest return on investment (ROI) since it adds livable square footage to your home.
| Type of Add-On | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Windows | $300–$2,500 |
| Automatic door | $750–$5,000 |
| Exterior door | $150–$1,400 |
| Insulation | $1,900–$7,700 |
| Flooring | $2–$12 per sq. ft. |
| Storage | $500–$2,200 |
| Security | $300–$2,000 |
| Living space | $125–$250 per sq. ft. |
Garage Builder Costs
Labor costs to hire a garage builder in Los Angeles, California, will account for 50% to 70% of your total costs. An experienced garage builder can pull permits, ensure your garage is built to code, manage the project and any subcontractors, and build a garage with all the features you require. Because of structural and code considerations, building a garage isn’t a DIY project—hire a pro to ensure the job is done right.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
In some cases, you may need to hire additional pros for certain projects. You may need a structural engineer to review or draw up plans, costing between $200 and $1,500. An electrician will charge $50 to $100 per hour to run wiring for electrical fixtures.
If you’re finishing the interior walls, a drywall installer may charge $1 to $2.10 per square foot in addition to the cost of materials. Want to install a utility sink? A plumber will charge $200 to $700 for installation.
Angi Tip
Installing a garage door without prior experience can be extremely challenging and potentially dangerous. It's highly recommended to contact a pro if you need a garage door installed.
Does Building a Garage Increase Home Value?
A garage can add value to your home and offer a high ROI of 60% to 85%. A garage with living space will pay off with the highest ROI, so even the cost of a garage remodel to add living space is worth the investment. Converting a carport into a garage can also increase your home’s value—a garage is a popular feature for potential homebuyers and can set your home apart when it comes time to sell.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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