A 16 x 24 garage costs about $32,200 to build in 2026 with a contractor, or roughly $84 per square foot for a standard 1.5-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 $28,300 and $37,000 depending on location, finishes and site work. Doing much of the work yourself can bring the cost down to about $16,800.
16 x 24 Garage Cost by Build Level
| Build level | Total cost | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (basic door, budget materials) | $29,600 | $77 |
| Standard shell (most common) | $32,200 | $84 |
| Standard with insulation and drywall | $39,600 | $103 |
| Premium (metal roof, fiber cement siding, premium door) | $42,400 | $110 |
| Standard, you act as general contractor | $28,800 | $75 |
| DIY most of the work, electrician hired | $16,800 | $44 |
Cost Breakdown
Here is where the money goes on a standard 16 x 24 garage built by a contractor:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Site prep and grading | $1,580 |
| Foundation (monolithic concrete slab) | $4,220 |
| Framing and roof structure | $8,810 |
| Roofing | $2,320 |
| Siding and trim | $3,780 |
| Garage door and openers | $2,050 |
| Entry door and windows | $1,250 |
| Electrical (lights and outlets) | $4,180 |
| Permits and plan review | $600 |
| Contractor overhead and profit | $3,380 |
| Total | $32,180 |
Materials make up about $13,660 and labor about $14,530 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 16 x 24 Garage?
A 16 x 24 garage is often called a 1.5-car garage. It parks one vehicle with a generous strip along the side for a workbench, mower, bikes and shelving, or two motorcycles and a car. It is a popular size for a garage-plus-workshop on a tight lot or a budget.
Tip: Swapping the 9 ft door for a 12 ft door adds a few hundred dollars and makes it much easier to park while leaving room for a riding mower beside the car.
Options That Change the Price
- Frost wall foundation (required in many cold climates): about $2,200 more, for a total near $34,300.
- Sloped or difficult site: about $5,600 more for extra grading and fill.
- Metal roofing instead of shingles: about $1,100 more.
- Insulation and drywall: about $7,400 more. Compare options with the garage insulation cost calculator.
- Storage loft with attic trusses: about $5,200 more.
- Location: about $30,600 in the South and Midwest, and about $36,700 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 $32,200. Managing the trades yourself saves roughly $3,400, and doing most of the work yourself, while hiring a licensed electrician, brings the total to about $16,800. 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.
Comparing options? A carport over the same footprint costs far less if you only need weather cover; see the carport cost calculator. For an existing garage that needs a new roof rather than a new building, use the garage roof replacement cost calculator.
Compare Other Garage Sizes
| Garage size | Standard cost | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 12 x 24 garage | $28,100 | $98 |
| 16 x 24 garage (this page) | $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 16 x 24 garage?
About $32,200 with a contractor in 2026, with most projects between $28,300 and $37,000. A DIY build costs about $16,800.
Can you fit two cars in a 16 x 24 garage?
Not comfortably. Two cars need at least 20 ft of width, and 24 ft is far better. A 16 x 24 garage fits one car plus storage or a second smaller vehicle like a motorcycle or riding mower.
How much does a 16 x 24 garage cost per square foot?
About $84 per square foot for a standard contractor-built garage with a slab, asphalt shingles and vinyl siding.
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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