Cost for free standing 2 car garage

[Tom.A]

I was wondering if any of you home builders in California can give an idea what to expect in terms of cost to build a free standing 2 car garage. I have been looking at buying a neW home and we found one that my wife and I really like except they only built it with a two car garage. The price of the home is kinda at the limit of comfort zone so the add on would have to be at a later time. I thought about a metal prefab but would much rather have it match the house which as cement style siding. Is it a big Pita for permits also?

[67 LS1 Vert]

where ya at in So Cal? LA or San Diego? Approx in the low $30's

[Tom.A]

Originally Posted by 67 LS1 Vert

where ya at in So Cal? LA or San Diego? Approx in the low $30's

Thanks. Riverside/San Bern County area

[Track Junky]

I'm in Nor Cal and if I were to build a detached garage for someone I would charge in the ball park $60 per s.f. assuming the lot was flat, grading and clearing at a minimum, and no retaining walls to build. Permits shouldn't be an issue but the percentage of structural coverage allowed on a residential lot will have its limits so it might be wise to speak with someone at your local building department before committing. The cement siding you are refering to is called Hardi Plank.

[Tom.A]

Originally Posted by Track Junky

I'm in Nor Cal and if I were to build a detached garage for someone I would charge in the ball park $60 per s.f. assuming the lot was flat, grading and clearing at a minimum, and no retaining walls to build. Permits shouldn't be an issue but the percentage of structural coverage allowed on a residential lot will have its limits so it might be wise to speak with someone at your local building department before committing. The cement siding you are refering to is called Hardi Plank.

Thanks Gaetano So assuming a 500 sq ft also sounds like around $30K as mentioned above. The lot is a 1/2 acre and the house is around 3000 sq ft so I think that might be fine as the home next door is 5600 sq ft single story on the same size lot. However that is good to know and I would suspect it would be more as the land kind of slopes towards the rear of where the garage would end. I know it is hard to tell from this picture but I would assume a lot could be made up with concrete or would you back fill with dirt?

[clill]

You really need to see if outbuildings are allowed in your subdivision. I would also go bigger than 500 sq ft and plan on 10' ceiling so you can have a hoist.

[GregWeld]

I wonder if the seller would be willing to build the building you want and have it added into the selling price -- therefore you could finance it all at the same time -- or add the cost to the selling price and give you the cash back at closing?

With finance rates what they are today.... 100K add is like $450 a month. If you have to save that much after buying a new house - it's going to maybe take you awhile!?

Just trying to think outside the box... with sellers being on the short end right now you may be able to work something out.

[Vegas69]

That would have to be one desperate seller and then you wouldn't get even close to dollar for dollar for it in the appraisal. You would need to negotitate a deal far enough under market for the adjustment. Cash back at closing would be limited to 3% on a conventional loan and it would need to be applied to your actual closing costs. Basically you use it or lose it as the lender won't allow a check.

[Track Junky]

Originally Posted by Tom.A

Thanks Gaetano So assuming a 500 sq ft also sounds like around $30K as mentioned above. The lot is a 1/2 acre and the house is around 3000 sq ft so I think that might be fine as the home next door is 5600 sq ft single story on the same size lot. However that is good to know and I would suspect it would be more as the land kind of slopes towards the rear of where the garage would end. I know it is hard to tell from this picture but I would assume a lot could be made up with concrete or would you back fill with dirt?

I would prefer a raised wall rather than fill. Fill might look a bit funny as you cant just fill directle under the structure.....you we need to spread it out wider, this all being done with a truck to haul in material and a back ho to spread and compact with a wheel would be more expensive than a raised wall.

[camcojb]

Boy, was I off on the costs of a shop in California. At some point in the future my wife would like to move, and it's tougher to find a place with a shop already vs a place with the room and ability to build. Wasn't looking at a Charley size place just maybe 1500-2000 sf tops. However, I thought I could get the above in a regular wood structure for $40K to $50K.

I would never be able to afford $90K+ for a shop, so if we ever get in a position to move I better find a place with a shop already built.