Cost to Build a Garage in Chicago

Tired of brushing snow off your car every winter? Adding a garage to your Chicago home can protect your vehicle and add value to your home. Building a garage in Chicago costs an average of $18,971, with most homeowners paying between $11,122 and $27,170. The project cost depends on factors like garage size and type, add-ons, and more. We break down what can affect how much you’ll pay for a new garage. 

Garage Building Cost Factors 

The cost to build a garage in Chicago, Illinois, is based on various factors, including garage size and type, material, customizations, labor costs, and more. Take a look at some of the things that determine the cost of building a garage. 

Size

You'll pay about $32 per square foot on average between labor and materials when working with a professional. However, you'll find prices as low as $19 per square foot for simple, attached garages and up to $77 per square foot for detached, high-end garages with all the bells and whistles. The size can also affect how long your garage takes to build, which may increase labor costs over the course of the project.

Below, we've listed the average cost to build a garage by size:

Materials

Durable materials like brick and cinderblock hold up well to Chicago’s often extreme weather conditions. However, you’ll pay more than for less sturdy materials like metal, brick veneer, or a prefab pole barn garage.

Type

Different types of garages will have different effects on your total cost. A one-car garage or garage extension will cost less than a multi-car garage, while a detached garage will cost more than one that’s attached to your home. Here are some common garage types and how they can affect your budget.

Permits

You’ll need to obtain a permit from the Chicago Department of Buildings before starting work on your garage. A detached garage up to 600 square feet may qualify for an express permit, which can save time in the permitting process. Permit fees vary based on the project's scope, so ensure you have all necessary permits and have paid all fees before construction 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

If you want your garage to stay comfortable during Chicago’s cold, windy winters, you’ll need to install insulation. This and other add-ons like a garage door opener, flooring, storage, and security, will add to your total project cost. Determine what features and customizations while you’re planning your garage—it’ll cost less to install them from the start rather than having to pay the cost to remodel your garage later on.

Garage Builder Costs

The cost to hire a garage builder in Chicago, Illinois, will account for 50% to 70% of your total project cost. Homeowners shouldn’t take on building a garage as a DIY project—a qualified builder can answer your questions about building a garage, plan and coordinate the build so it goes smoothly, and ensure your new garage is fully up to code. 

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring 

Depending on the project's specifics, you may need to consider hiring some additional pros. A structural engineer to draw up or review your building plans will cost from $200 to $1,500, depending on the scope of work. Hiring a drywall installer to finish the walls will cost $1 to $2.10 per square foot plus the cost of materials. 

An electrician to run wiring for lights, outlets, and an automatic door will cost around $50 to $100 per hour, and if you want to install a utility sink or sump pump, a plumber will cost $40 to $200 per hour.

Does Building a Garage Increase Home Value?

Building a garage has a high return on investment (ROI) of 60% to 85%, depending on the details of the garage. How much value a garage adds to your home depends on the garage size and type, whether it’s finished, and the quality of the build. A garage is a highly desired feature for homebuyers in Chicago, where parking is at a premium and winters take their toll on vehicles, so adding a garage can also make your home easier 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. 

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