Building a new garage adds secure parking, covered storage, and in many cases workshop or utility space to a property. It also tends to add more to property value than it costs — particularly in areas where off-street parking is at a premium. In 2026, the cost of building a standard single brick garage ranges from £15,000 to £30,000; a double garage from £25,000 to £50,000. Prefabricated timber or steel options are available from around £5,000 but require planning permission if above certain thresholds.
Types of Garage
Brick-Built (Traditional)
The most durable option and the closest visual match to a brick house. Brick and block cavity construction with a concrete slab floor, pitched tiled roof, up-and-over or roller door, and a service door. Life expectancy: 50–100+ years with normal maintenance.
Timber Frame
Timber stud construction with cladding (typically feather-edge board or shiplap), felt or tiled roof, and a concrete slab. Faster to build than brickwork and cheaper, but requires more maintenance. Life expectancy: 20–40 years depending on specification and maintenance.
Prefabricated Sectional / Metal
Pre-engineered steel or GRP (fibreglass) garages assembled on site. Fast to erect, no wet trades required. Lower cost but limited size options, and resale value is lower than a brick-built garage. Life expectancy: 15–30 years.
Oak Frame / Cart Lodge
Exposed oak frame with infill panels (sometimes open-fronted). Popular in rural and period properties. Premium option: £25,000–£60,000+ for a single bay, depending on complexity.
Garage Build Cost Breakdown (Single Brick Garage, 6 m × 3 m)
| Cost Element | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Design / planning drawings | £500 | £1,500 |
| Planning application (if required) | £258 | £258 |
| Groundworks & concrete slab (150 mm, reinforced) | £2,500 | £4,500 |
| Brickwork and blockwork (walls) | £4,500 | £8,000 |
| Roof structure and tiling | £3,000 | £6,000 |
| Garage door (up-and-over, manual) | £600 | £1,500 |
| Service door and window | £400 | £900 |
| Electrics (lighting + sockets, separate circuit) | £700 | £1,500 |
| Plastering / internal finish (optional) | £600 | £1,500 |
| Driveway connection / drainage | £500 | £1,500 |
| Total | £13,558 | £27,158 |
A higher specification — electric roller door, insulated walls, insulated roof, tiled damp-proof floor, full plastering, and EV charging point — takes a single garage to £28,000–£40,000.
Cost Comparison by Garage Type
| Type | Single Garage (6×3 m) | Double Garage (6×6 m) |
|---|---|---|
| Brick built | £15,000–£30,000 | £25,000–£50,000 |
| Timber frame | £10,000–£18,000 | £16,000–£30,000 |
| Prefab steel | £5,000–£10,000 | £8,000–£18,000 |
| Oak frame | £25,000–£50,000 | £40,000–£80,000 |
Planning Permission
Most detached garages fall within Permitted Development (PD) rights under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, provided:
- The garage is within the curtilage of a dwelling house
- It is not forward of the principal elevation
- Maximum eaves height: 2.5 m (within 2 m of boundary) or 4 m (further away, dual-pitch roof) or 3 m (other roofs)
- Maximum total coverage of outbuildings and extensions: 50% of the original garden area
- No more than one storey in height
If the property is listed, in a conservation area, or the garage exceeds these limits, full planning permission is required. Planning application fee in England 2026: £258 for a householder application.
Building Regulations are generally not required for a single-storey detached garage under 30 m² of floor area, but electrics must still comply with Part P and the structure should meet basic structural safety requirements.
Garages over 30 m² (e.g., a double garage or one with a mezzanine) require a Building Regulations application.
Adding an EV Charging Point
A 7 kW home EV charger in a garage requires a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit. Installed cost in 2026: £750–£1,200 (including the charger unit). The OZEV grant scheme (up to £350) was available for some property types and tenures in 2026 — check current eligibility on the gov.uk website.
Day Rates for Key Trades (Garage Build, 2026)
| Trade | Day Rate (Midlands) | Day Rate (London) |
|---|---|---|
| Groundworker | £220–£280 | £280–£380 |
| Bricklayer | £240–£320 | £320–£450 |
| Carpenter / roofer | £220–£280 | £300–£420 |
| Electrician | £230–£310 | £300–£450 |
Tips for Getting the Best Result
Don’t cut corners on the slab — a 150 mm reinforced concrete slab on a well-compacted sub-base is the minimum for a vehicle; consider 200 mm if a van or heavy loads are expected. A failed slab is expensive to relay.
Insulate if it’s a workshop — 100 mm PIR in walls and roof makes the space usable year-round; marginal cost at build stage, very expensive to retrofit.
Specify proper drainage — a linear channel drain at the front opening prevents rainwater ingress.
Match the roof to the house — using the same roof tile or slate significantly improves planning consent likelihood and property value.
