How Much Does it Cost to Build a Garage in the UK?

‍Garages are typically simpler structures than a full-blown house extension, so the price per square metre is lower compared to many homebuilding projects.

Drawing on industry data, a custom-built garage in the UK tends to start at around £1,200 to £1,500 per square metre in the more affordable range. That price includes everything linked to the project, including materials and labour, but can scale higher depending on finishes. Some more deluxe projects can hit £2,000 or more per square metre.

Our experience shows the average cost often lands in the region of £1,600 per square metre for a brick-built, pitched-roof garage – though you’ll see a broad range. A basic prefab garage might end up in the lower end of the spectrum, while a larger or partly underground structure (with extra excavation) can climb into the upper brackets of £25,000–£40,000 total cost, or more.

An Example of Garage Constuction Cost

‍To give you a clearer picture of how costs can add up, here’s an example based on a 40 m² bespoke garage with pitched roof in the UK. Keep in mind that these figures vary significantly based on region, materials, and site conditions:

• Design and project planning (including drawings): £3,500
• Groundworks and foundations: £6,000
• Timber, brickwork, roofing, and other building trades: £30,000
• Electrical wiring and connection: £3,500
• Total: £43,000 (roughly £1,075 per m²)

This includes all costs from start to finish of the project.

What Kind of Garage Should You Build?

Prefabricated or Custom-Built

‍When planning a garage, it’s usually a choice between a standardised “kit” (a prefabricated or modular design) or a fully bespoke structure. Prefab garages are highly popular and sold as ready-made packages. They’re somewhat comparable to flat-pack furniture, where you receive all the materials and plans so you can get on with the construction.

Most providers of prefab garages also offer assembly and finishing, if you’d rather not do the work yourself.

A prefab garage is a kit, and as a customer, you have limited scope for changes. In simple terms, you get exactly what you pay for with minimal tailoring. If you have special requirements that go beyond the prefab offering, you should look into architect-designed or custom garages.

Generally, prefab garages tend to be somewhat cheaper than fully bespoke ones. However, it’s vital to be aware that groundworks and foundations usually aren’t included in prefab quotes. These ground preparations can make up around 20 percent of the total cost of the project.

Detached or Attached Garage

‍This is another major choice that will impact costs: should the garage be built as a free-standing structure, or attached to the house?

By attaching a garage, you effectively skip one external wall, but the required adjustments to the existing structure usually offset much of that saving. Furthermore, you’ll often need an architect for attached garages, whereas a small detached one might be simpler.

A big advantage of an attached garage is that it’s possible to build direct access from your home to the garage without stepping outside. This type of garage can also be used as a workshop or storage room.

Types of Garages (UK Classics)

Before examining specific costs, it's worth understanding typical UK garage configurations, as these significantly influence both planning and budgeting decisions. British garages traditionally follow different dimensional standards compared to many other countries, reflecting our unique automotive history and property configurations.

Traditional Single Garage 

The typical UK single garage measured approximately 9 feet wide by 18 feet deep internally. However, modern vehicles have grown considerably larger since these standards were established in the 1950s. Contemporary recommendations suggest minimum internal dimensions of 11 feet wide by 20 feet deep to accommodate larger modern vehicles while allowing comfortable door opening and some storage space.

Double Garage Considerations

Double garages in the UK traditionally measure around 16 feet wide by 18 feet deep. However, for comfortable modern use, industry professionals recommend internal dimensions of at least 19 feet wide by 20 feet deep. This allows for two cars plus a modest amount of storage space or a small workbench area.

Tandem Garages

The tandem garage accommodates two vehicles in a line rather than side by side. These typically measure 11 feet wide by 36 feet deep. While requiring less frontage than a traditional double garage, tandem arrangements offer flexibility for combined vehicle storage and workspace applications. The set up can however be somewhat inconvenient, and is not very common in new builds. 

Height Considerations

Standard UK garage heights traditionally range from 7 feet to 8 feet internally. However, modern recommendations suggest a minimum height of 8 feet to accommodate taller vehicles and allow for the installation of storage solutions or vehicle maintenance equipment. 

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Popular Configurations

Several garage configurations have become standard in the UK market:

The Traditional Single: The most common type, typically featuring an up-and-over door and side personnel door. These often include a rear window for natural light and ventilation.

The Extended Single: Similar to the traditional single but with additional depth, usually 7-7.5 metres (23-25 feet), allowing for both vehicle storage and a dedicated workshop area.

The Double-Width: Featuring either two single doors or one large double door, these provide flexibility for multiple vehicle storage or combined garage/workshop space.

The Corner-Turned: L-shaped garages that wrap around property corners, often incorporating multiple access points and divided storage areas. Not very common.

What Drives Prices Up or Down?‍

With a garage, there are several ways you as the client can influence the final bill. For instance, if you choose to skip electrical wiring entirely, you avoid that cost. Garage doors can also vary wildly in price, depending on style and quality.

On the whole, it’s wise to think about the future. It’s generally more expensive to add things later than to install them in the initial build. So if you might want power in the garage eventually, it’s worth including it now, rather than retrofitting down the line.

Likewise, deciding on the garage size from the start is crucial. Adding space later can be a hassle and cost more than building it in from the outset. Although a garage may seem straightforward, repeated changes or add-ons will be time-consuming and expensive.

Material choices also play a role. Most garages in the UK are built with masonry (brick or block) or timber frames, and each option can shift the budget. Laying out extra windows or investing in premium roofing materials will drive costs higher. Going for more basic doors and fewer windows can pull the total down.

Contributing some DIY labour is another way to reduce costs. If you have the skills to undertake some aspects yourself, you could potentially save thousands in labour. However, if you’re not confident in tasks like bricklaying, roofing, or electrics, it’s often best left to the professionals.

Lastly, it always pays to choose the right contractor. By reaching out to multiple specialists for quotes and comparing them, you’ll get a sense of the market rate. Services like ours can help you find vetted pros for your area.

What’s Included in the Quote?

‍If you buy a prefab garage, the supplier typically offers some configuration options. Besides the size, you may decide whether they supply it as a complete assembled unit or only as a flat-pack kit.

As mentioned earlier, groundwork and foundations are usually not part of the prefab package. You’ll typically get the materials to build the main structure, and if you opt for it, labour to assemble the garage. That can be a cost-effective route for many, but only if the prefab is suited to your needs.

With a custom garage, it’s often simpler to get a complete overview. A contractor can usually quote for the entire project, including groundwork, masonry, and electrics. The main difference is that a prefab supplier might not offer in-house groundworks or electrical installation, unless you pay extra.

A Note on Planning Permission and Building Regulations

‍In many cases, a simple detached garage can be built under Permitted Development (PD) rights, assuming it meets certain criteria (such as staying under a specific height and floor area, and not being used as living space). If you plan a larger garage or attach it to the house, you’ll often need planning permission from your local authority. Check the official Planning Portal’s guidance on outbuildings for more details, or contact your local council’s planning department if you’re unsure.

Buildings regulations

Meanwhile, if the garage is larger than 30 m², or attached to your property, Building Regulations approval can apply. Even if your garage is small enough to be exempt, any electrical work should adhere to Part P rules, usually requiring certification. If in doubt, talk to your local Building Control.

VAT
When building a garage for an existing home, VAT on labour and materials will usually be charged at the standard 20% rate, so remember to confirm whether a contractor’s quote is inclusive or exclusive of VAT. Special rules sometimes apply if the garage is part of a brand-new build, but for most homeowners, the standard rate is what to expect.

Summary

‍Garage costs can vary significantly, influenced by size, design, materials, and how involved the build gets. Much like other construction projects, it’s crucial to choose the right tradespeople, plan properly, and stick to your brief to avoid expensive changes down the line. Going too cheap at the outset can sometimes cost more in the long run, so it’s often worth investing in a well-built garage that meets your present and future needs.

Make space for more

Modern UK garages increasingly serve as multipurpose spaces. When you consider your needs, and you're future needs, see if you might add more space for features such as:

- Wall-mounted storage systems 

- Workbenches

- Utility connections for washing machines or freezers

- Storage lofts or mezzanine levels (requiring additional height clearance)

- EV charger

When you are building a new garage, there is no reason to settle for anything less than what you want and need - budget allowing, of course.

Plan carefully

While some expenses are unavoidable, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to keep costs in check. Even factors like where you situate the garage on your plot can have a big impact on total spend. By taking time to plan carefully, ensuring you stay within planning guidelines, and understanding any building regulation requirements, you’ll be able to move forward confidently.

If you’re ready to start your garage project, feel free to register your job on our site. We’ll be in touch to go through your plans and connect you with the right pros.