Considering enclosing your carport to turn it into a more protective garage? Find out about the cost to convert a carport into a garage in this handy guide.
Cost to Build a Garage in Washington, D.C. [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $24,975 - $53,090
The cost to build a garage in Washington, D.C., is $37,927 on average but ranges between $24,975 and $53,090 depending on its size.
How we get this data
Patricia Marroquin / Moment / Getty Images
Patricia Marroquin / Moment / Getty Images
Cost Insights
Adding a garage to your Washington, D.C., home adds valuable storage space and protects your vehicles from damage.
A garage offers an ROI of 60% to 85% and can make your home easier to sell.
Hire a qualified Washington, D.C., garage builder to ensure your new garage is code-compliant and structurally sound.
Garage building permit fees start at $71.50 and increase based on the project’s cost and scope.
A garage can be a valuable addition to your Washington, D.C., home, especially with the city’s relatively small average lot size and lack of parking. Building a garage in D.C. costs $37,927 on average, but it can range from $24,975 to $53,090. Garage size and type are the biggest contributing cost factors, but materials and add-ons can also affect how much you’ll pay.
Garage Building Cost Factors
The cost to build a garage in Washington, D.C., depends on various factors, including garage size and type, material costs, labor costs, and more. Take a look at some of the things that contribute to your total project cost.
Size
You'll pay about $65 per square foot on average between labor and materials when working with a professional. However, you'll find prices as low as $39 per square foot for simple, attached garages and up to $155 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 | $9,300–$37,150 |
| 18x20 | $13,950–$55,725 |
| 20x20 | $15,500–$61,925 |
| 20x22 | $17,025–$68,100 |
| 22x22 | $18,700–$74,950 |
| 32x22 | $27,225–$109,000 |
| 32x34 | $29,675–$118,950 |
Materials
The materials you use to build your garage will affect how much you’ll pay. A stick-built garage that matches your home’s aesthetics will cost the most, with durable materials like brick and cinderblock close behind. A prefab pole barn garage is the most cost-effective, but it will be less durable than other options.
| 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 also contributes to the total cost. One-car garage sizes and garage extensions will cost less than multi-car garages or a full new build, and a detached garage costs more than an attached one, since you’ll need to build all four walls.
| Type of Garage | Cost to Build |
|---|---|
| One-car | $13,550–$34,825 |
| Two-car | $19,350–$51,600 |
| Three-car | $36,125–$73,525 |
| Attached | $13,925–$84,050 |
| Detached | $18,575–$98,050 |
Permits
You’ll need to obtain a permit to build a garage in Washington, D.C., before beginning construction. Garage permit fees start at $71.50 and may cost more based on the scope and cost of the project. Failure to obtain a permit can result in citations, penalty fees, and even having to remove the unpermitted work, so be sure you have all necessary permits secured before starting work.
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
A garage is more than just four walls, and everything you add will affect your project cost. Common add-ons include automatic doors, windows, and exterior doors, and other customizations like storage, security features, and living space will all add to the total cost.
| 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 |
| Storage | $500–$2,200 |
| Security | $300–$2,000 |
| Living space | $125–$250 per sq. ft. |
Garage Builder Costs
The cost to hire a garage builder in Washington, D.C., will account for 50% to 70% of your total project cost. An experienced, qualified garage builder is worth the cost—they’ll ensure your garage is built right, answer all your questions about building a garage, pull the proper permits, and build you the exact garage you’re looking for.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Depending on the specifics of your garage, you may need to bring in some additional pros. Hiring a structural engineer to draw up or review plans can cost $200 to $1,500 if your builder doesn’t have an in-house engineer.
If you’re finishing your garage walls, a drywall installer will cost $1 to $2.10 per square foot in labor plus the cost of materials. You’ll also need an electrician to run wiring for your automatic door, lights, and outlets, which will cost an average of $50 to $100 an hour.
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?
Building a garage can increase your home’s value and provide a return on investment (ROI) of 60% to 85%. How much value a garage adds depends on the specifics of the garage—a finished garage with living space will have the highest ROI, and a garage in an area of the city with limited parking will make your home stand out 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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