1. Garage or carport?
  2. Cost factors for a garage
  3. Costs for a wooden garage
  4. Costs for a sheet metal garage
  5. Costs for a prefabricated garage
  6. Costs for a solid garage
  7. Costs for a garage door
  8. Costs for useful extras
  9. Do you need a building permit for a garage?

A garage protects your car and sustainably increases the value of your home. In addition, a garage is practical. For example, you can use the additional storage space if your basement is too small, green the garage roof or have a photovoltaic system installed on it and produce your own solar power. We have researched all the cost factors and costs for wooden, sheet metal, prefabricated as well as solid garages and compiled them for you right here in this article.

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Good to know

All figures in this article are indicative prices only. If you would like a concrete offer, please contact certified regional garage builders and get an offer.

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Garage or carport?

Whether you need a garage for your vehicle(s) or whether a carport will suffice depends on several factors. These five reasons speak for a garage: A garage ...

  • ... protects better against wind and weather. Especially in winter, when it snows and others have to shovel their car free or scrape ice.
  • ... better protects against burglary or theft. Especially if you secure your garage with a garage door and lockable door.
  • ... better protects against marten damage. Especially if you equip your garage, for example, ultrasonic device that drives away martens.
  • ... offers more practical storage space. For example, for luggage racks, lawn mowers, tires or skis and motorcycles, scooters or bicycles.
  • ... there is less to do. In principle, you only need to mop the floor from time to time, occasionally maintain the garage door and maintain the door operator.

If you cannot decide, perhaps a garage with carport is a good alternative. For example, if you own a restored old-timer for weekend trips and a practical van for the everyday family life, a carport would come in handy.

Houzy Hint

Tip

If you are thinking about a carport, you should read our article «Carport: Costs, Seven Advantages and Solar Power from the Carport Roof» before deciding.

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Cost factors for a garage

The cost of a garage depends on several factors. Firstly, the size: a double garage costs more than a single garage, but not necessarily twice as much. Secondly, the material: a solid brick garage costs more than a simple wooden garage. In return, the solid garage is more stable, durable and easy to maintain. Finally, costs for the foundation, which must support about 1.5 tons of weight per vehicle, and for the garage door with or without drive also need to be considered for the calculation.

Costs of a wooden garage

A wooden garage is the cheapest garage. For a single garage, calculate 1,250 to 5,000 francs for the material and 750 to 1,250 francs for the labor. Plus 1,000 to 1,500 francs for the foundation. The bottom line is that a wooden garage costs about 3,000 to 7,750 francs, plus the additional cost of the garage door if you don't want an 0815 door.

Costs of a sheet metal garage

A sheet metal garage with foundation is slightly more expensive than a wooden garage. For a single garage, calculate 1,500 to 5,500 francs for the material and 750 to 1,250 francs for the labor. Plus 1,000 to 1,500 francs for the foundation - unless you put your sheet metal garage on a paved path. The bottom line is that a sheet metal garage costs about 2,250 to 6,750 francs without a foundation or about 3,250 to 8,250 francs with a foundation. Then there are the additional costs for the garage door, if you don't want an 0815 door.

Cost garage: sheet metal garage

Costs of a prefabricated garage

Prefabricated concrete garages are supplied and assembled in a modular system. They cost more than a wooden or sheet metal garage, but are cheaper than a brick garage. For a single garage, calculate 6,000 to 12,000 francs for the material and 500 to 750 francs for the labor. Add to that 1,000 to 1,500 francs for the foundation. The bottom line is that a prefabricated garage costs about 7,500 to 14,250 francs. Plus additional costs for the garage door, if you don't want an 0815 door. In principle, you could assemble the elements yourself. But you should think twice before doing so.

Costs of a solid garage

The solid garage is, so to speak, the Ferrari among garages. The material costs are lower than for a prefabricated garage in the modular system, but the labor costs are higher because the solid garage is planned and bricked to measure. For a single garage, calculate 2,500 to 4,000 francs for the bricks and 8,000 to 12,000 francs for the labor. Add to that 1,000 to 1,500 francs for the foundation. The bottom line is that a solid brick garage costs about 11,500 to 17,500 francs. Plus additional costs for the garage door, if you don't want an 0815 door.

Costs of a garage door

An overhead door for a single garage is available from 2,000 francs without operator or from 3,000 francs with operator. Space-saving roller doors, up-and-over doors or sectional doors cost more: calculate with 4,000 francs or more for a single garage (door size 235 x 210 centimeters) or 6,000 francs or more for a double garage (door size 500 x 210 centimeters). A door operator is convenient and practical. When you come home and it rains or snows, you stay in the warm car, open the door with the handheld transmitter or smartphone app and get out dry in the garage. You can also retrofit the operator for about 1,000 francs.

Cost garage: garage door with sectional door
Sectional doors are particularly space-saving because they consist of several slats connected by joints.

Costs for useful extras

In addition to a door operator, there are other extras that are quite useful, but cost extra. For example, a light barrier with automatic switch-off as a child safety device, a bar lock and an emergency release for the garage door, a window and a wicket door in the door or a motion detector with light. Your garage builder will advise you on what makes sense for you and how much such extras cost.

Houzy Hint

Tip

If you drive an electric car, you should equip or retrofit your garage with an e-charging station. You can read how much this costs in «E-Charging Station or Wallbox: Smart Charging Solutions for Your E-Car».

Do you need a building permit for a garage?

Most likely. A garage affects the view and privacy of your neighbors and the overall impression of your neighborhood. This is why you need to submit a building application to your municipality for structures above a certain size or height. In Switzerland, you generally need a building permit for all structures that are firmly connected to the ground or firmly anchored in the ground. If you build a garage without a permit, you are liable to prosecution and could be charged if you can be proven to have acted with intent. If the construction is not subsequently approved in a building law procedure, you would have to dismantle the garage. That is why you should ask the building authority to be on the safe side before you commission a garage builder with the project.

Houzy Hint

Tip

In our article «Building Permit: When Do You Need One and When Not?» among other things, you will learn how to submit a building application and apply for a building permit.

Do you not want to expose your car to wind and weather anymore? With a garage you protect your car all around and increase your storage or storage space at the same time. In our strong partner network you will find certified experts who will advise you competently and build or assemble your garage professionally.

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