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Step 1
Determine how large the garage will be. The minimum size for a single-car garage is about 20 feet long by 12 feet wide; a two-car garage should be at least 18 feet wide. This all depends on the size of your vehicles and what other uses the garage will have (e.g., storage, laundry, workspace).
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Step 2
Consult your local permit office. They can tell you if zoning and code restrictions will allow for your garage addition. They can also tell you how much the permits will cost. Do this before you get too far into the planning stages.
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Step 3
Call around to get quotes from local contractors. You can use a general contractor for this job and he will know the ins and outs of building your garage. He can give you an idea of how much this will cost as he has experience with the subcontractors needed for the project. If you want to include any windows or an electronic keypad, ask about those as well.
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Step 4
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Step 5
Pick out a garage door. Contractors will generally let you pick your own finishing touches so you will have complete control over the cost of this. They can be found at your local home improvement store. Consider the quality of the doors as that has a large effect on the price. For example, a steel garage door will cost less than a decorative wood door. Windows and designs add to the cost.
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Step 6
Compare quotes. Each estimate should be within a couple thousand dollars of the next. In most situations, it's best to take the middle bid. The estimates will include all the labor and materials (except the garage door), and some may include the costs of the permits, so no other research is required on your part.
