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How much does it cost to build a garage with an apartment above? check this out | cost to build apartment over garage

Author

Charlotte Adams

Updated on July 21, 2026

Garage With Apartment Cost

For an average 400 square foot garage, an apartment costs between $60,000 and $70,000 to add fully finished. Your return of investment could improve if you build a detached garage with a loft above it and use it as a rental unit.

Building an apartment above a garage is possible, but the planning process, permit applications, and budgets will be considerably different. The cost to add an apartment typically ranges from $110 to $250 per square foot. It will be more expensive if the garage is detached and will depend on the finish you’re looking for.

Building an apartment above a garage is possible, but the planning process, permit applications, and budgets will be considerably different. The cost to add an apartment typically ranges from $110 to $250 per square foot.

How much does it cost to build a room over a garage?

According to Salter Spiral Stair, “the approximate cost of finishing the bonus room over your garage is approximately $35 per square foot. This is calculated from standard costs for all of the different finishing pieces, such as the insulation, flooring, and wiring.”

Can I build an apartment over my garage?

Building an apartment over your garage has many benefits. Whether you’re looking to add extra income by renting it out or adding a new place for a family member in your home, you can definitely put this space to good use.

How much does it cost to add a second story over a garage?

If you’re looking to add a new story to your garage, the cost will be between $100,000 to $150,000. If you want to have a full-fledged apartment on top of your garage, then it may cost upwards of $200,000.

What is an apartment above a garage called?

A garage apartment is an apartment built within the walls of, or on top of, the garage of a house. A garage apartment is one type of “accessory dwelling unit” or ADU, a term used by architects, urban planners and in zoning ordinances to identify apartments smaller than the main dwelling on one lot or parcel of land.

Can I add a second floor to my garage?

If you have a detached garage, you may consider adding a second story to it. A room above the garage offers privacy and tends to be a more cost-effective solution for increasing square footage than adding a room on ground level.

Can you build a bedroom over a garage?

In modern housing, bedrooms can be built directly on top of the garages. This setup allows homeowners to have more room for living rooms, kitchens, and other guest-dominated rooms. It also allows for the master bedroom to be significantly larger without taking up floor space on the main part of the house.

Can I build a room on top of my garage?

Adding Onto a House Ideas: Build Over the Garage

A room above a garage might prove the perfect tonic for a house with a small lot and a need for additional rooms. You’ll save on some of the construction because there will be a foundation already in place with the garage.

Can I extend over my garage?

Yes, as we have already discussed, it is possible to extend over a garage. However, depending on the structural foundations of the garage, it might be that a new garage needs to be built if the foundations are weak.

Is it safe to live over a garage?

A garage apartment is as safe to live in as any other apartment as long as it gets built to code. Fire and building codes exist for good reason. Garage apartments often get added to an already existing garage that was not originally designed as a living space.

Do I need planning permission to build above a garage?

Under permitted development guidelines there is no allowance for an extension over a garage. As such, you will require planning permission. However, each Local Authority will have a ‘House Extension Design Guide’ which outlines the criteria under which this would be considered acceptable.

Is it cheaper to add on or build up?

Here’s the bottom line: When building new construction, building up with a two-story home is cheaper than building out. When remodeling, building out with a one-story addition is cheaper than adding a second story to an existing dwelling.

How much does it cost to add on above the garage?

Home Addition Cost by Size

A home addition costs about $80 to $200 per square foot, including materials and labor. For a second-story addition, the cost is likely to be higher at around $300 to $500 per square foot.

Can you build a granny flat on top of a garage?

Can you build a granny flat above a garage? Yes – You can build a granny flat above a garage. There are requirements that need to be met by your local council and an engineer must inspect your property before submitting a DA (Development Application).

What do you call a room over a garage?

A garage apartment is an apartment on top of the garage of a house. A garage apartment is an accessory dwelling unit that is smaller than the main dwelling on a lot or parcel of land.

How much does it cost to build a garage with living quarters?

How much does it cost to build a garage with living quarters? The cost to build an apartment above your garage starts at about $100 per square foot. A living space complete with a full kitchen, bathroom and private may range from $50,000 to as much as $250,000.