Cost to Build a Garage in Detroit [2025 Data]

Detroit homeowners can avoid the inconvenience of removing the area’s heavy snowfall from their vehicles with a new garage. Building a garage in Detroit costs $24,221 on average, but it can range from $16,135 to $32,755, depending on the specifics of the project. We explore some of the factors that affect how much you’ll pay to build a garage in Detroit.

Garage Building Cost Factors 

A common question about building a garage is how much the project will cost. Various factors contribute to the cost of building a garage in Detroit, MI, like garage size, type, material, and customizations. Take a closer look at some of those factors and how they affect your total project cost. 

Size

You'll pay about $41 per square foot on average between labor and materials when working with a professional. However, you'll find prices as low as $24 per square foot for simple, attached garages and up to $97 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:

Materials

What material you use to build your garage will affect the project cost. Durable, weather-resistant materials like brick and cinderblock will cost more than budget-friendly metal, brick veneer, or a prefab pole barn garage. A stick-built garage constructed to match your home’s aesthetics is more expensive than other materials, but it will look like an original part of your property. 

Type

When budgeting to build a garage, you also need to consider the garage type. A one-car garage will cost less than a multi-car garage or one that has storage or living space included. It also makes a difference whether the garage is attached or detached—an attached garage builds off an existing exterior wall while a detached garage will need to have all four walls constructed.

Permits

Before building your garage, you’ll need to obtain a building permit from the City of Detroit in order to avoid fines, citations, or other costly penalties. Permits for projects that cost between $2,000 and $500,000 cost $150 plus $20 per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $2,000, so a permit for a garage that costs Detroit’s average of $24,221 would cost $610. Confirm with your builder that you have all necessary permits in place 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

How you customize your garage will affect your total cost. The type of garage door you choose, whether you add exterior doors or windows, and adding storage space or security features will all add to your project cost. You may also want to budget for the cost to insulate a garage so your garage stays warm in Detroit’s often bitterly cold winters.

Garage Builder Costs

Plan to budget 50% to 70% of your total project cost to hire a garage builder in Detroit, MI. The labor costs from hiring a qualified garage builder will ensure your project runs smoothly and your new garage is built to plan and is compliant with all local building codes.  

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

In some cases, you may need to hire some additional pros for specific projects. If you need a structural engineer to review your building plans, expect to pay between $200 and $1,500. A drywall installer to finish the walls will cost $1 to $2.10 per square foot in labor on top of material costs, and an electrician to run wiring will cost an average of $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the scope of work.

Does Building a Garage Increase Home Value?

Building a garage adds value to your home, offering a high return on investment (ROI) of 60% to 85%. Even the cost of a garage remodel can provide a significant ROI, particularly if your garage includes finished living space that adds to your home’s total square footage. A well-constructed garage is a sought-after feature in the Detroit area and can set your home apart from similar properties to potential buyers. 

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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