A 12 x 24 garage costs about $28,100 to build in 2026 with a contractor, or roughly $98 per square foot for a standard one-car garage with a concrete slab, asphalt shingles, vinyl siding, one 9 x 8 ft insulated steel door with an opener, and basic lights and outlets. Most homeowners pay between $24,800 and $32,400 depending on location, finishes and site work. Doing much of the work yourself can bring the cost down to about $14,900.
12 x 24 Garage Cost by Build Level
| Build level | Total cost | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (basic door, budget materials) | $25,800 | $90 |
| Standard shell (most common) | $28,100 | $98 |
| Standard with insulation and drywall | $34,500 | $120 |
| Premium (metal roof, fiber cement siding, premium door) | $36,900 | $128 |
| Standard, you act as general contractor | $25,200 | $87 |
| DIY most of the work, electrician hired | $14,900 | $52 |
Cost Breakdown
Here is where the money goes on a standard 12 x 24 garage built by a contractor:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Site prep and grading | $1,490 |
| Foundation (monolithic concrete slab) | $3,170 |
| Framing and roof structure | $7,520 |
| Roofing | $1,740 |
| Siding and trim | $3,350 |
| Garage door and openers | $2,050 |
| Entry door and windows | $1,250 |
| Electrical (lights and outlets) | $4,030 |
| Permits and plan review | $600 |
| Contractor overhead and profit | $2,950 |
| Total | $28,150 |
Materials make up about $11,930 and labor about $12,670 of the total before permits and contractor overhead. Lumber, concrete and the garage door are the biggest material costs; framing and concrete finishing are the biggest labor costs. Price the foundation on its own with our concrete slab cost calculator.
What Fits in a 12 x 24 Garage?
A 12 x 24 garage is a roomy one-car garage. It holds one car or a full-size pickup with about 4 ft to spare at the front for a workbench or shelving. At 12 ft wide you get about 3 ft beside an average car, enough to open one door comfortably. It also makes a good workshop, motorcycle garage or storage building.
Tip: If you can, go to 14 x 24. The extra 2 ft of width costs only about 7% more and gives you room to open doors on both sides of the car.
Options That Change the Price
- Frost wall foundation (required in many cold climates): about $1,600 more, for a total near $29,800.
- Sloped or difficult site: about $5,200 more for extra grading and fill.
- Metal roofing instead of shingles: about $800 more.
- Insulation and drywall: about $6,300 more. Compare options with the garage insulation cost calculator.
- Storage loft with attic trusses: about $3,900 more.
- Location: about $26,800 in the South and Midwest, and about $32,100 in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.
- Driveway, EV charger and heat are extra. See the driveway, EV charger and heater calculators.
DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a general contractor to manage everything costs about $28,100. Managing the trades yourself saves roughly $3,000, and doing most of the work yourself, while hiring a licensed electrician, brings the total to about $14,900. Most DIY builders still hire out the concrete slab and often the roof trusses. Construction typically takes 4 to 6 weeks once the permit is approved.
Ready for real numbers? Get quotes from local garage builders and compare at least three bids for the same plans. If you still need plans, browse detached garage plans in this size.
Other options for one car: if you only need cover rather than an enclosed building, a carport costs a fraction as much; compare with the carport cost calculator. Already have an older one-car garage? The garage roof replacement cost calculator prices a new roof on an existing garage.
Compare Other Garage Sizes
| Garage size | Standard cost | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 12 x 24 garage (this page) | $28,100 | $98 |
| 16 x 24 garage | $32,200 | $84 |
| 20 x 20 garage | $33,600 | $84 |
| 24 x 24 garage | $41,800 | $73 |
| 30 x 30 garage | $55,200 | $61 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a 12 x 24 garage?
About $28,100 with a contractor in 2026, with most projects between $24,800 and $32,400. A DIY build costs about $14,900.
Is a 12 x 24 garage big enough for a truck?
Yes for most pickups. A full-size crew cab is about 19 to 20 ft long, which leaves roughly 4 ft at the front. Choose a 9 x 8 ft door if the truck is lifted or has a rack.
How much does a 12 x 24 garage cost per square foot?
About $98 per square foot built by a contractor with a slab, vinyl siding and an insulated door. Small garages cost more per square foot because the door, electrical and permits cost about the same at any size.
Prices updated October 2026 using the GarageCalculator.com cost model and national-average material and labor rates. Prices vary by region, site and contractor; always get written quotes.
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