How Much Does a Carport to Garage Conversion Cost?

How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Carport to a Garage?

Thinking of transforming your carport into a garage? Converting a carport into a garage can significantly enhance your home's functionality and value. However, understanding the costs involved is crucial for budgeting and planning. In this comprehensive cost guide, we break down the factors influencing the price of a carport conversion, from materials and labor to permits and additional features. We'll cover the average costs, potential hidden expenses, and tips for keeping your project within budget. Whether you're considering a DIY approach or hiring garage builders, this guide will help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth conversion process. Think through different conversion types and look for alternatives in the case of budget limitations. To be accurate, the cost figures change significantly based on conversion type, varying from basic, mid-range and high-end, which are as follows:

• Basic Considerations: Anywhere between $15,000 and $22,000 based on location and size.


• Mid-Range Considerations: Between $22,000 and $55,000 based on insulation and material quality.


• High-End Considerations: $45,000 and more based on premium material quality.

Common Reasons For Converting A Carport to A Garage

Aesthetics Improvement

Upon converting a carport to a garage, one of the first things you get to notice is the improvement in the overall aesthetics of your premise. Many homeowners start by asking how much to enclose a carport, as it directly relates to the garage conversion cost and the value it adds. A converted garage that has proper roofing and matching siding significantly contributes to a more attractive exterior appeal.

Security And Protection

One of the important benefits you get is enhanced security and protection for your vehicles in the closed space called a garage, more than a carport. In favour of security and protection, you can expect lockable doors and closed walls, both of which reduce vandalism.

Additional Storage Space

In comparison with a carport, a garage provides enough space for your vehicles as well as additional storage space for your other vehicle belongings. Therefore, you can store equipment, bicycles, tools and other belongings along with your vehicles.

Privacy And Versatility

If your priority is to have more private space so that you can use it for multiple other purposes like repairing your vehicle, replacing the parts, etc, then garage conversion is a better choice. This is because it is versatile and can be used in various ways, like hobby areas, home gym workshops and additional living space for different needs.

Climate Control

As a garage is a closed space, you can easily get it insulated and climate-controlled, contributing to the energy efficiency of your property. The climate-controlled garage helps in regulating the temperatures, gives you a more comfortable space and reduces potential energy costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Convert A Carport to a Garage?

Converting a carport into a garage is never a bad choice if your only thought is about the security and protection of your vehicles. There are different factors that dramatically change the numbers in cost aspects when it comes to garage conversion. Whether you're considering the cost to build a garage from a carport or evaluating the overall cost to enclose a carport, each of these cost-affecting factors plays a crucial role in your garage conversion costing. Even the addition of insulation and drywall to your garage space differentiates the cost based on square feet. Here are some costs that are considered while converting a carport to a garage.

Size Of The Garage:

• Single car garage size- $9,000 to $11,000 along with labour costs.


• Double car garage size- $18,000 to $22,000, along with labour costs.


• Construction of wall and garage door installation with reusable materials: Average cost of $6,000.

Insulation And Drywall:

• Insulation Cost- $1 per square foot.


• Drywall Cost- Between $1 and $3 per square foot.

Windows

• Single Window Unit of Standard Size- $300 to $1,200.


• Labour Cost To Install A Window Unit- $150 to $800.


• Labour Cost Per Hour- $40.

Electricity

• Outlet Installation- Between $75 and $500.


• Installation Of A New Lighting Fixture- Between $75 and $125.


• Run Wiring Through Walls And Other Spaces- Between $1,000 and $2,500.

Garage Door

• Average Garage Door- Between $750 to $1,600


• Off-The-Shelf Style: From $250 to $1,500


• High-End Design Range: From $1,500 to $10,000


• A New Garage Door: About $1,200.

Framing

• A New Garage: $1 to $5 per square foot.


• Labour Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot.


• Average Cost For Enclosing A 1-Car Carport: About $2,500.

Roofing

• Replacement of Garage Roofs- Somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000.

Carport To Different Types Of Garage Conversion

• Cinder Block Garage: From $15 to $30 per square foot.


• Brick Garage: From $15 to $40 per square foot.


• Stick Built Wood Garage: From $5 to $16 per square foot.


• Metal Garage: From $3,000 to $11,000 per square foot.

Additional Costs:

• Heating and cooling ($1,000 to $4,000)


• Slab ($4 to $8 per square foot)


• Permits ($500 to $1,500)


• Plumbing (Around $1,000)


• Lighting ($150 per light fixture)


• Storage ($20 to $450)


• Security ($100 to $5,000)


• Organisation ($500 to $1,500)

How Much Does Cladding Cost?

The second biggest investment after the garage door is the cladding cost when you are turning your carport into a garage. The cost of cladding is high because of certain factors such as cladding material, labour cost, project size and other additional features. Here is the information on different cladding materials that a garage usually requires are as follows, along with their cost estimations:

• Vinyl Cladding: $2 to $7 per square foot


• Wood Cladding: $5 to $15 per square foot


• Metal Cladding: $5 to $15 per square foot


• Brick Cladding: $8 to $15 per square foot


• Fibre Cement Cladding: $5 to $10 per square foot


• Composite Cladding: $8 to $15 per square foot.

Average Cost to Convert A Carport to a Garage at Different Locations in Australia

Based on the area, the extent of the job, and the materials used, the cost to convert a carport into a garage varies greatly in Australia. The following is a cost range for a large city:

• Sydney: Conversion costs can range from $5,000 to $25,000 because labour and material expenses are higher here than in other cities.


• Brisbane: This is more inexpensive than Sydney and Melbourne; expect to pay between $10,000 to $20,000.


• Melbourne: Making it marginally less expensive than Sydney, prices in Melbourne normally vary from $12,000 to $22,000.


• Perth: Just like in Brisbane, conversion prices typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 in Perth.


• Canberra: Making them similar to those in Perth and Brisbane, prices in the nation’s capital range from $10,000 to $20,000.


• Adelaide: Making it less expensive than other large cities, prices here typically vary from $10,000 to $18,000.

These quotes cover a garage door, roofing, walls, and basic structural work. The total cost may go up if you include other features like insulation, electrical installation, and interior finishing. Local laws and permit requirements may also have an impact on the ultimate cost.

Tips To Assess The Budget To Convert A Carport To A Garage

To improve the functionality of your house, turning a carport into a garage can be an affordable method in Australia. To assess the budget for this type of conversion, you can focus on the following costs.

• Materials and size: The cost is affected by the carport’s size as well as the materials that are employed. Standard windows and doors are another way to cut costs. Brick and wood are more expensive than steel or aluminium.


• Regulations and permits: To obtain the required permits, pay a fee of $500 to $2,000 to local authorities. Sure, local building codes can help avoid expensive fines or rework.


• Labour costs: The cost of labour varies by location. Using local contractors could result in cost savings on travel and logistics costs. You must assess the cost for all types of experts required in the conversion.


• DIY vs professional assistant: Including painting or simple installation, labour costs can be reduced by performing some tasks. However, safety and quality are ensured when professionals are hired for structural work.


• Compare Quotes: To get the greatest offers, compare estimates from several suppliers and contractors. You can use the service marketplace to get quotes faster than ever before and assess your budget.


• Energy efficiency: By making investments in energy-efficient doors and windows, as well as insulation, long-term cost savings on energy bills can be achieved.

On turning your carport into a garage, you may efficiently budget for and possibly save money by taking these things into account.

Alternatives You Have To Turn A Carport Into, If Not A Garage

If you find that converting a carport into a garage is not a feasible solution and is not within your budget, then you have several other alternatives, too. It is not just you alone who might not feel it is a feasible solution. This is because of the risk of dampness, the requirement for more spaces, maintenance challenges, the potential for noise, and the heating and cooling costs that come into the picture. Thus, if you are looking for alternatives to turning a carport into a useful space, then you can also go with any of the following options provided here.

• Portico


• Canopy


• Pergola


• Shed


• Temporary or portable shelters


• Custom carport solutions


• Renting storage spaces


• Investing in car covers


• Landscaping and natural barriers


• Storage units

You can also check comprehensive cost guides on loft conversion costs, electric car servicing costs, and wedding cake costs, to manage related projects and expenses.

Conclusion

Converting a carport into a garage is a valuable home improvement that can significantly enhance your property's function and value. However, a successful project goes beyond just considering the initial cost to build a garage. Whether this conversion is a standalone project or part of a wider House Renovation, professional input is crucial for a seamless and compliant result.

For a project of this scale, which is effectively a form of House Extension, engaging certified Architects is a wise first step. They can help you navigate design challenges, maximise space, and ensure the new structure complements your home’s existing aesthetic. Furthermore, to guarantee that all work adheres to the National Construction Code and local council regulations, hiring professional Building Auditors provides peace of mind and certifies that the construction is safe and compliant.

When budgeting, it's essential to understand the full scope of costs. In Australia, the garage cost can vary widely—how much it costs to build a garage in Australia depends on size, materials, and finishes, with estimates often ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. Don't forget to factor in associated upgrades that complete the transformation, such as the new front door cost, sliding glass door replacement cost, fire door cost, or security door installation cost.

By carefully planning your budget and engaging the right professionals, the transformation from a simple carport to a fully functional garage will significantly boost your home's appeal and market worth. Just look at some before and after garage conversion Australia examples to see the incredible difference a well-executed project can make.