The cost to build a detached garage depends on the size, materials, labor, and more. Read this guide to learn more about detached garage costs.
Cost to Build a Garage in Philadelphia
Normal Range: $18,196 - $49,716
The cost to build a garage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is $33,326 on average but ranges between $18,196 and $49,716 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 Philadelphia home can add storage space and protect your vehicles from the area’s varied weather conditions.
A new garage can add value to your home and offer an ROI of 60% to 85%.
A qualified Philadelphia garage builder will ensure your new garage is structurally sound, built to code, and contains all the features you’re looking for.
Building permit fees are $75 for the first 500 square feet, plus $56 for each additional 100 square feet or fraction thereof, plus a $25 filing fee.
A new garage can protect your vehicles from weather-related damage, provide valuable storage or even living space, and increase your home’s value. The cost to build a garage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is $33,326 on average, with most homeowners paying from $18,196 to $49,716. Garage size and type are the biggest factors determining cost, but add-ons, materials, and labor costs also play a role.
Garage Building Cost Factors
A common question about building a garage that Philadelphia homeowners have is how much the project will cost. The cost to build a garage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, varies widely and is affected by the size and type of the garage, how you customize it, and more. We break down some of the most common cost factors so you can plan your budget.
Size
You'll pay about $57 per square foot on average between labor and materials when working with a professional. However, you'll find prices as low as $34 per square foot for simple, attached garages and up to $136 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 | $8,125–$32,550 |
| 18x20 | $12,200–$48,825 |
| 20x20 | $13,550–$54,250 |
| 20x22 | $14,900–$59,675 |
| 22x22 | $16,375–$65,650 |
| 32x22 | $23,843–$95,475 |
| 32x34 | $26,000–$104,200 |
Materials
What you choose to build your garage out of will affect the total cost. Durable, weather-resistant materials like brick and cinderblock will cost more than materials that may succumb to weather damage sooner, like metal, brick veneer, and prefab pole barn garages. Plan to pay a premium for a stick-built garage that matches your home’s aesthetics.
| 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 help determine your total cost. A detached garage costs more than an attached one, since you’ll need to construct all four walls instead of building off an existing exterior wall. A one-car garage will be more budget-friendly than a multi-car garage, but it’s more complicated to expand if you decide you need more room later on.
| Type of Garage | Cost to Build |
|---|---|
| One-car | $11,875–$30,500 |
| Two-car | $16,950–$45,200 |
| Three-car | $31,650–$64,400 |
| Attached | $12,200–$73,850 |
| Detached | $16,275–$86,150 |
Permits
In Philadelphia, you’ll need a building permit if you’re building an attached garage or a detached garage that’s more than 200 square feet, and you may need a zoning permit for a detached garage under 200 square feet. Permit fees are $75 for the first 500 square feet, then $56 for each additional 100 square feet or fraction thereof, plus a $25 filing fee.
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
Every feature you add to your garage, from the type of garage door to any storage or security features, will increase your total cost. Also expect to pay extra to insulate your garage or to add living space to or above it.
| Type of Add-On | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Windows | $300–$2,500 |
| Automatic door | $750–$5,000 |
| Exterior door | $150–$1,400 |
| Flooring | $2–$12 per sq. ft. |
| Insulation | $1,900–$7,700 |
| Storage | $500–$2,200 |
| Security | $300–$2,000 |
| Living space | $125–$250 per sq. ft. |
Garage Builder Costs
Hiring a Philadelphia garage builder will make up about 50% to 70% of your total cost. Building a garage isn’t a project you should tackle on your own—hire a qualified professional so you know your new garage is up to code and built correctly.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Depending on the details of your new garage, you may need to hire additional pros for specific projects. If your garage builder doesn’t have an in-house structural engineer to review the plans, hiring one will cost between $200 and $1,500. If you’re finishing the garage walls, a drywall installer will charge an average of $1 to $2.10 per square foot on top of the cost of materials.
Need to run wiring for the automatic door opener or lights? An electrician will cost $50 to $100 per hour. If you want to install a utility sink in your garage, you’ll need to hire a plumber, which will cost $200 to $700.
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 adds value to your home and offers a high return on investment (ROI) of 60% to 85%. When deciding whether you should install a carport versus a garage, a garage will add significantly more value to your home and is a more sought-after feature by potential homebuyers. A finished garage with living space will have the best ROI, but a well-built garage by itself will still increase your home’s value and make it 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.
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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