What happens when your garage just isn’t cutting it? Should you tear it down and start all over? Sure, it’s an option but it’s also an expensive one. A new garage can easily run over $20,000. After you finish gasping at the cost, what about sticking with a garage remodel?
The costs can be significantly more affordable. So, what is the average cost of a garage remodeling project? There isn’t a straightforward answer. Different projects have widely varying costs. Figuring out how much to budget for a garage remodel generally comes down to a few factors.
Start with the Square Footage
You’re probably going to refer back to the garage’s square footage a few times throughout the remodeling process. Before breaking out the measuring tape or a yardstick, here’s a handy cheat sheet:
- The average square footage for a one-car garage is 240 sq. ft
- Two-car garages typically measure 440 sq. ft.
- A three-car garage has an average footprint of 680 sq. ft.
If you have a four-car garage, your square footage is probably around 880 sq. ft. Keep in mind these are national averages but it gives you a general idea of the remodeling costs. Typically, you should expect to spend anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot.
You May Need a Permit
Yep, you may need to shell out some cash for a building conversion permit. On average, this costs around $1,400. This type of permit allows you to change the purpose of your garage. For example, if you’re turning it into a workshop or another living space.
If you’re not changing the overall purpose of the garage, you may be able to skip getting a permit. Every state and municipality is different so it’s usually best to check with your local ordinances. Fines for not getting a permit can be stiff and you still have to pay the permitting fees.
Labor Costs Can Add Up
Some garage remodeling projects are relatively simple tasks. You can tackle these tasks over the weekend without bringing in outside help. On the other hand, some projects are simply beyond your skill set. Maybe you simply don’t have time to work on your garage remodel.
Did you know your labor costs can easily account for about 50% of the total remodeling expenses? Yep, it’s a lot, and tackling some projects on your own can result in huge savings. If you do decide to go with a general contractor, get everything in writing. This includes the contractor’s base rate, it’s usually separate from the labor costs.
An Electrician May Be Necessary
Thankfully, your garage should be connected to your home’s electricity. This is one expense you can cross off your list. If you’re adding new switches, outlets, or even light fixtures, you’re going to need a professional electrician. This isn’t exactly a suggestion. Some states require all electrical work to be performed by a licensed electrician. Even if this isn’t the law, it’s never a good idea to mess around with electrical wiring. You’re only asking to be injured in an electrical accident.
Even though upgrading the electrical wiring and other components may be a necessity, it also comes at a price. You’re paying for the electrician’s labor, along with the project cost. Here’s a quick look at the average cost for some common electrical work:
- $100 per new outlet
- $100 per new light fixture, plus the fixture price
- $150 per new light switch
- $3–$5 per square foot for new wiring, if necessary
Keep in mind these are only examples of average prices. Yours may be a little more or even less.
Do You Want Plumbing?
Not all garage remodels include adding plumbing but it can be a convenient feature. Whether it’s a workshop or a living space, running water is almost always a plus. Your garage should be hooked up to your home’s plumbing. This is pretty standard. However, you’re probably going to need piping and something like a sink or basin to catch the water. This also means you’re going to need a spigot or faucet.
All of this can quickly add up. Most plumbing work in a garage remodel runs around $1,500. However, like just about everything else the price can go up or down. Remodeling a garage is significantly less than building a new one, but this also doesn’t mean it’s cheap. Even a remodel can run several thousand dollars. The cost tends to depend on the extent of your remodeling project, along with the size of the garage. You can keep costs down by tackling one or two projects at a time.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.