ᐅ Detached double garage with brick cladding – Costs and affordable alternatives

Hello everyone,

We are planning to build a detached double garage and are a bit overwhelmed by the offers and costs we have received. Therefore, I would like to ask about your experience to understand if these prices are reasonable. I am also interested in alternatives for a more cost-effective version.

Project details:
- 7 m x 8.5 m (23 ft x 28 ft) with an eave height of about 3 m (10 ft)
- Hip roof with a 30% pitch
- One double sectional door plus one pedestrian door
- Two sets of two windows on the sides

The garage will be used for cars, bicycles, and as a small workshop.

The current offers (the lowest from several bids per trade reflected here) total approximately 50,000 Euros net excluding the doors, windows, gates, and electrical work. I would estimate another 10,000 Euros net for those. Overall, the garage would cost over 60,000 Euros net, about 75,000 Euros gross. Originally, we had expected costs around one-third less.

If helpful, the cost breakdown by trades is roughly as follows (all net):
- Shell construction (foundations, sand-lime brick masonry, etc.) 13,000 Euros
- Brick veneer 17,000 Euros
- Carpentry/wood construction 8,500 Euros
- Roofing 12,500 Euros
- Doors, windows, gates, electrical work, and possibly interior work are not included yet; as mentioned, we estimate around 10,000 Euros net for these

Is this within the expected range, or do some trades appear particularly expensive?

Do you have any ideas for more affordable alternatives that would still allow the desired appearance (hip roof, brick veneer)? We have already considered prefabricated garages and brick-veneer carports and have contacted some suppliers. We are still awaiting feedback and bids.

A design without a hip roof and brick veneer is not an option for us. Given the current costs, we are considering living without this garage and possibly revisiting the project in a few years.

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Hi, unfortunately I can’t provide specific help with the prices. But here’s a suggestion:
If the garage itself is very expensive, consider separating the solutions for your different needs. For example, a carport for the car (since a carport doesn’t need a building—it’s designed to be outdoors). Then a garden shed or storage shed for the other items that really need to be securely enclosed.

This approach could save you a considerable amount.

Chrisddorf schrieb:

Is this within the expected range, or do certain trades tend to be particularly expensive?

What you are planning is basically a small house without extensive interior work or technical installations. Your gross construction cost will then be about €1,250 per square meter (approximately $140 per square foot). This is completely within the normal range for a “closed shell construction” and, in my opinion, not expensive.

A garage is a luxury (not a must-have) and is therefore subject to current price developments and additional cost effects. Fortunately, the government does not start subsidizing expensive garages to make them affordable for everyone 😉 I agree with @SaniererNRW123, the price is high but roughly appropriate. Galvanized and coated metal sheets are "good for outdoor use." The e-bike with a non-removable battery is better kept in a warm and dry place.

Visually matching the brickwork, a wooden carport built by a carpenter with a storage room is an option. For a faux hip roof, the parapet can be finished with tiles. The remaining part can then be constructed as a flat roof.