A parking garage is a smart solution to fit many cars in multiple levels with less space than a surface lot. They are important for commercial buildings. Also, more than 60% of American homes include a two-car parking garage.
Today, we will discuss how much it costs to build a parking garage. You will see average costs and other factors that affect the total price of the parking garage construction project.
Parking Garage Construction Costs
Average Cost To Build a Parking Garage
The average cost to build a parking garage is $70 to $100 for each square foot. The cost mostly depends on the design of the garage and material you use for its construction. For example: small garages cost less, while big ones cost more.
Parking Garage Cost Per Space
The cost per space means the money you spend to build one parking spot inside the parking garage. The price to construct a parking garage is approximately $1500 to $10000 for each space. But, if you want to build it underground, you may need to invest $35000 to $50000 per stall (includes extra costs).
Cost To Build a 3 Story Parking Garage
A 3-story parking garage is a building that is made for parking cars on three levels. You can park on the ground floor and two floors above it. Its construction with about 300 parking spaces costs from $5.9 million to $8.6 million. This price covers the electrical systems, lighting, basic finishes, and extra money set aside for unexpected needs.
Underground Parking Construction Cost
Building an underground parking garage generally costs $75 to $350 per square foot. This price involves a budget for digging, structure, ventilation, lighting and waterproofing. The final expense can change based on soil conditions and local labor rates.
Average Cost To Build Asphalt & Concrete Parking Garage
You can use concrete for multi-level garages, because it is strong and lasts a long time. Asphalt is usually used for surface lots. However, concrete costs about $4 to $8 per square foot and asphalt costs $3 to $6 per square foot.
If you want to build a garage with 50 parking spaces, it can cost $65,000 – $130,000 with concrete and around $48750 to $97500 when used asphalt.
Automated Parking Garage Cost (Automated Parking System)
How much does a vertical parking garage cost? An automated parking garage is also known as a vertical parking garage. It uses machines and robotic technology to park and retrieve cars for you. They can save space and fit more cars in a small area. But they are more expensive for you to construct than regular garages.
The roughly estimated cost to build an automated parking garage is $16000 to $24000+ per space. You can fit more cars in an automated garage, so the total cost can be higher based on its size.
Cost Per Square Foot to Build a Garage
The price to build a parking garage changes with its size. When you calculate it per square foot, you can see the total cost clearly and it will be easy for you to plan your budget. Below table will show you parking garage construction cost per square foot
| Garage Size | Average Cost |
| 12×20 feet | $7000 to $17000 |
| 18×20 feet | Around $10,000 – $44,000 |
| 20×20 ft | Estimated to be between $11500 – $48500 |
| 20×22 feet | Approximately $13100 to $52900 per square foot |
| 22×22 ft | Building cost is in the range of $14400 to $58000 |
| 32×22 ft | It can cost you about $21,000 to $84,000 |
| 32×34 feet | This parking garage is approx. $23500 to $92500 per square foot |
Parking Garage Construction Cost Breakdown
Building a parking garage involves many costs. You need to pay for land, materials, labor, equipment and permits. Generally, materials make up about 30% to 50% of the total building budget. While, labor and machinery covers 50% to 70% of the cost.
Size of Commercial Garage
A commercial parking garage is the part of a shopping mall, office building or public parking area. The building cost varies according to its size.
- Small Commercial Garage: For one car parking garage, the cost ranges from $10,500 to $27,000, with an average of around $20,000.
- Medium Commercial Garage: For a parking garage of 100000 to 150000 square feet, the building cost can be $7 million to $15 million.
- Large Commercial Garage: A large commercial garage can hold 200 or more cars. It is expensive and takes more space than a medium garage.
Material Cost
| Type of Material | Price per Square Foot (Labor Included) |
| Brick | $30 – $45 |
| Gravel | $3 to $5 |
| Chip Seal | Between $2 and $5 |
| Permeable Pavers | $2 to $8 |
| Metal | $15 – $35 range |
| Cinderblock | From $30 up to $65 |
| Stick-Built Wood | $40 to $70 |
Location
The cost of a parking garage also depends on location. For example: city parking centers are expensive to build. But, suburban areas are cheaper and offer more space.
- Foundation Work: Cost is higher in the city area and less in the suburban zone.
- Excavation and Grading: Urban sites need more digging and land leveling, which increases costs. Residential areas need less work, so the cost is lower.
Number of Parking Levels
More levels mean, you will require more materials, labor, machinery and structural work. This impacts the overall construction cost of parking space.
- Single-Level Parking Garage: Single-level garages fit fewer cars but are cheaper to construct.
- Multi-Level Parking Garage: Multi-level garages usually cost about $14000 to $30000 per space.
Permits and Compliance
Do I need a permit to build a garage? Yes, you will need local permits before you start construction of a parking garage. For most garage projects, these permits generally cost around $1200 to $1500.
These permits may include zoning approval, structural safety checks, fire safety compliance as well as environmental reviews. You have to follow these requirements, because you can’t build the parking space without proper approval.
Total Parking Spaces
Each space of the parking garage adds expenses for materials and construction. For example, more spaces require extra concrete and electrical work, which increases the overall price. When you carefully plan the number of spaces, it will be helpful for you to estimate the total budget accurately.
Parking Lot Striping and Markings
You should paint markings and stripping in the parking garage to organize space and guide drivers for safe parking. To mark parking lines, you usually need to spend $4 to $5 per standard space and $25 to $40 per handicapped space. Extra features like letters or parking signs can raise the price. To save your money, you can use the JACKWIN marking machine to mark parking areas.
Parking Garage Up-Grade
When you add parking safety features to make a garage more functional or comfortable, it also impacts the building budget. For example: motorized doors add $220-$520 and security tolls cost $300 to $1200. Remember, costs depend on the number of levels and the complexity of construction.
Architectural Facade Treatment
Architectural facade treatment is the way the outside of a parking garage looks. This affects both its design and cost. When you add decorative finishes or special designs, it will increase expenses. Further, customized treatments with metal or glass can raise the total construction cost, too.
Drainage System
With a drainage system in a parking garage, you can remove rainwater and prevent flooding. If you install a proper drainage system, it definitely adds to the construction cost. But, it will protect the garage from water damage and keep it safe for vehicles and pedestrians.
Technology & Additional Program Elements
Nowadays, you will also find automated payment machines, security cameras, vehicle guidance systems and EV charging stations. If you want to add such features, it may cost you anywhere in the range of $5000 to $20000 or more.
Market Conditions
You may pay more or less for a parking garage based on market conditions. If material or labor costs are high, your total expense will increase. You should also consider local construction demand and the availability of skilled workers. Because, these factors directly affect how much you will spend on your parking garage building project
Parking Garage Maintenance Cost
The maintenance of a parking garage can cost about $0.15 to $0.75 per square foot per year. It also depends on how often it is used and how old it is. Costs also change according to the type of maintenance such as cleaning, fixing cracks or electrical work.
- Regular tasks include floor cleaning need $1 per square foot
- The filling cracks cost: $1 – $3 per linear foot
- Line painting: $300 to $500 per lot
We Have Answers To Your Questions
What is the Cheapest Way To Build a Garage?
The most affordable way to build a parking garage is to choose a simple and basic design. You can use low-cost materials and keep it single-story with no extra features. For more tips, you can read this reddit discussion.
How Long Does it Take To Build a Parking Garage?
Building a parking garage usually takes 6 to 24 months. But it highly depends on the size and design. You can finish smaller garages faster. Multi-level or underground structures need more time. Also, permits and construction complexity affect the timeline.
Do You Need Planning Permission For a Garage UK?
Normally, you don’t need planning permission for a single-storey domestic parking garage in the UK. However, you will need permission if the parking garage is taller than 4 meters and it takes up more than 50% of your garden space.
What Kind of Concrete is Used in Parking Garages?
You can use precast concrete or cast-in-place concrete for parking garage construction. Precast is the most common and easy to install material. Well, cast-in-place is poured directly at the site and it stays better.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Detached Garage
For a detached parking garage, you may need to invest around $26400. The cost depends on the garage size and its materials. On average, a basic one-story garage costs $40 to $75 per square foot. A two-car garage can range from $16000 to $28000.
To Conclude
After you plan your parking garage project and understand the costs, you can trust us for all your parking safety needs and consultation. JACKWIN engineers also manufacture customized parking items such as signs, bollards and curb ramps.
You only need to tell us your requirements and get high quality products at affordable rates. Contact us now!
For More Help:
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