New Garage Cost Calculator NZ
A new garage build is an excellent investment that not only boosts your home’s value but also gives you extra storage space, keeps your vehicles safe, and can even transform into a workshop or hobby space.
However, the cost of building a garage can vary depending on various factors.
The cost of building a garage can range from around $30,000 to upwards of $100,000, depending on the size, features and other variables.
Let’s take a closer look at what influences the cost to build a new garage in New Zealand and check out the new garage cost calculator.

Table of Contents
What Factors Determine the Cost of Building a Garage in New Zealand?
Despite being a fairly straightforward process, building a new garage can be expensive, depending on the type of council approval required.
The following are a few key factors influencing the cost to build a new garage in New Zealand.
- The size of your garage.
- Where the garage will be sited.
- Garage foundations.
- Interior finish.
- Exterior finish.
- Roof material.
- Garage flooring.
- Garage utilities.
Also, keep in mind, depending on where you live, what kind of zoning your property is in, whether or not your property has covenants, whether it is in a heritage listed zone, and how close the planned garage is to nearby residences, you may or may not be able to obtain permission to build a garage.
Size of the Garage
The main element influencing the cost is the size of your garage. The size of the garage will have a big impact on the final cost, regardless of whether you’re creating a single-car, double-car, or even a larger multi-car garage.
A larger garage will cost more because it will require more labour and materials.
Site Preparation & Excavation
Because the topography in New Zealand can vary greatly, site preparation might be a significant portion of your budget. It’s important to have a clear idea about your site and the garage structure you want.
Before you can begin constructing, you must prepare the site, which may include levelling the ground, removing waste, or even dealing with challenging soil conditions.
The cost of site preparation in New Zealand varies based on factors such as site size, terrain complexity, and project scope. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs per m²:
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Basic Earthworks $40 – $60/m².
Basic Earthworks: For flat land clearing, costs range from NZD $40 to $60 per m².
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Moderate Earthworks $70 – $90/m².
Moderate Earthworks: Standard excavation for foundations typically costs between NZD $70 to $90 per m².
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Complex Earthworks $110 – $130/m².
Projects involving challenging terrain or detailed grading can reach up to NZD $110 to $130 per m².
Foundations
Whether building a separate garage or adding a garage to an existing house, a foundation will undoubtedly be needed before construction begins. In most situations, this foundation is a concrete slab foundation. If you’re building a new garage by extending from your current home, it will also be necessary.
The following estimates for laying a 30m² concrete garage floor are generally in line with industry standards:
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100mm Thickness Around $3,300
Purpose: Suitable for standard vehicle storage. Estimated Cost: Approximately NZD $110 per m², totaling around NZD $3,300 for 30m².
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150mm Thickness Around $3,900
Purpose: Recommended for heavier vehicles or equipment. Estimated Cost: About NZD $130 per m², totaling approximately NZD $3,900 for 30m².
These estimates typically include materials (such as concrete, polythene, and mesh) and labour, assuming the site is a flat, compacted gravel pad.
Garage Interior Walls
After the construction of the garage is complete, you’ll need to determine how to finish the interior garage walls such as if you want insulation, and have it covered over with gib, or leave it as a frame.
The size of the area, the difficulty of the task, and the supplies required all affect how much it costs to fix and stop a GIB wall. On average, the cost in Auckland, ranges between $55 to $85 per square meter. For a 5m x 6m garage, using $70/m2, the cost is $2,100. If wall insulation (R2.0) is installed, the cost would be around $600.
Garage Exterior Cladding
The exterior finish of your garage plays a crucial role in determining both its overall cost and visual appeal. The material you choose will not only influence the initial price but also have a lasting effect on how much maintenance is required over time. There are several options to consider, each offering different benefits.
One popular choice is weatherboard cladding, which is commonly used in New Zealand. It provides a traditional, timeless look that complements many different home styles. However, weatherboard often requires regular upkeep, such as painting or staining, to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements.
Alternatively, more modern materials like metal or vinyl siding have gained popularity due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. Metal siding is often resistant to weathering and can last for many years without needing frequent repairs. Vinyl siding, on the other hand, is highly resistant to moisture, fading, and pests, making it a great option for areas with harsh weather conditions.
Garage Roof Selection
The type of garage roof you choose can have a significant impact on your overall budget. If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, a simple gable roof might be your best bet. Its straightforward design not only keeps construction expenses lower but also requires less labour compared to more intricate styles. However, if you’re leaning toward a more sophisticated look, a hip roof could be a great choice. While it offers better durability and improved resistance to high winds, its complexity typically makes it more expensive due to increased material and labour requirements.
Beyond the roof’s design, the materials you select will also play a major role in determining the final cost. Options like asphalt shingles are often the most affordable and widely used, offering decent durability and a range of colours. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are more expensive upfront but can provide excellent longevity and minimal maintenance. For a premium look, tile roofing might be an appealing choice, though it comes with higher material costs and added structural requirements due to its weight.
Ultimately, your garage roof’s total cost will depend on the balance you strike between aesthetics, durability, and budget.
Here is an overview of the approximate costs per m² for various roofing materials in New Zealand
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Metal Roofing $65 – $125/m².
Costs vary by type: Galvanized Steel ($65 – $85/m².), Colorsteel ($80 – $125/m².)
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Asphalt Shingles $65 – $85/m²
Asphalt shingles cost between $65 and $85/m².
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Membrane Roofing $85 – $110/m².
Butyl rubber membranes start at around $85/m², while torched-on bitumen products start from $110/m².
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Concrete Tiles $65 – $100/m²
Concrete tiles cost from approximately $65/m².
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Slate Roofing $200 – $500/m²
Slate tiles range from $200 to $500/m², depending on quality and origin.
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Copper Roofing $160 - $260/m²
Copper roofing range from $160 to $260/m², depending on the type of copper roofing you want, the difficulty of installing it and other factors.
Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as roof complexity, labour costs, and regional differences. It’s advisable to consult with local suppliers or contractors for precise quotes tailored to your specific project requirements.
Garage Utilities
It’s pretty standard for garages to have electricity, which powers essentials like garage door openers, lights, and at least one outlet. But have you considered adding water to your garage setup? If you’re planning to include features like these or if your garage will double as living space, you’ll need to apply for the necessary consents, including resource consent.
Electrical Work: All electrical installations, including wiring for garage door openers, lighting, and outlets, must be performed by a registered electrician. Even if the building itself doesn’t require consent, electrical work must comply with the Building Code and other legislative requirements.
Water Supply: Introducing plumbing (e.g., for a sink or bathroom) into your garage necessitates building consent, regardless of the garage’s size. Plumbing work must comply with the Building Code and other legislative requirements.
Living Spaces: Converting a garage into a habitable space or adding living quarters typically requires both building and resource consents. This ensures compliance with zoning laws, building standards, and other regulations.
Electrical Work Costs:
In Auckland, electricians’ hourly rates generally range from NZD $80 to $140, depending on experience and the nature of the work. Some companies may charge between $140 to $220 for the first hour, which often includes travel time.
For example, a project requiring 1/2 day to 2 days of electrical work, you can expect total costs to range from approximately NZD $320 to $2,240. This estimate varies based on the complexity of the job and whether additional tasks, such as excavation, are necessary.
Garage Flooring
In Auckland, garages typically feature concrete slab foundations. Enhancing these spaces with additional flooring options is becoming increasingly popular, especially for those repurposing their garages beyond vehicle storage. Here are some common choices:
When considering these options, it’s essential to assess your garage’s size, intended use, and budget. Consulting with local professionals can provide tailored advice and accurate quotes for your specific needs.
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Garage Carpet - Single Garage Around $700
This carpet is designed to withstand the unique demands of garages, including resistance to oil drips and heavy equipment.
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Garage Carpet - Double Garage Around $1,400
This carpet is designed to withstand the unique demands of garages, including resistance to oil drips and heavy equipment.
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Epoxy Flooring Around $140/m²
Epoxy coatings provide a durable, easy-to-clean surface that protects the concrete slab and enhances the garage's appearance.
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Concrete Floor Sealing Varies
Applying a penetrative sealer can reduce dust and make the floor easier to clean. This is a more budget-friendly option compared to epoxy coatings. The cost varies depending on the product and application method; generally less expensive than epoxy.
Legal Requirements and Consents in New Zealand
When considering constructing a new garage in New Zealand, it is essential to understand the consent procedures to ensure that your project conforms with local council regulations.
In order to ensure compliance with the Building Code, building consents are necessary for the majority of construction work, including garages, particularly when substantial structural, plumbing, or drainage work is involved.
Single-storey detached buildings greater than 10 square metres but less than 30 square metres
If a garage or other small, single-story detached building is between 10 and 30m2 and is made of lightweight materials like steel or timber, you might not need building consent. However, these structures cannot be used for sleeping quarters, cooking spaces, or sanitary amenities.
Position and Height: The garage needs to be situated farther from the property boundaries than it is high. It can be constructed without consent if it satisfies these and other technical requirements.
You must make sure your project conforms with the Building Code even if it doesn’t call for a building consent.
The net floor area of a single storey, detached building is limited to a maximum of 30m2. If you are extending an existing single storey detached building, the maximum total net floor area cannot exceed 30m2.
The net floor area in a building is measured to the inside of the enclosing walls or posts/columns.
Building Consent Exemption Example
A 28m2 sleepout is built in the backyard of a residential dwelling. It is more than its own height away from all boundaries and the attached residential dwelling, and does not have cooking or sanitary facilities, or a potable water supply. The design was created or overseen by a Licensed Building Practitioner and conforms with the technical specifications of the Building Code. A Licensed Building Practitioner then supervises or completes the work in compliance with that design. Because there are sleeping quarters in this structure, fire alarms are installed and specified in compliance with Acceptable Solution F7/AS1.
Attached Garages
Regardless of size, a new attached garage to an existing home often require a building approval/consent because they change the home’s main structural component.
For foundation work and major structural alterations, building consent is required.
For additional utilities, building consent is required. For example, if your garage has drainage, electricity, or plumbing services installed.
For compliance, it is critical to make sure your construction satisfies the performance, durability, and safety requirements of the Building Code. You can manage these regulations with the assistance of an architect or a licensed building practitioner (LBP).
Resource Consent
Depending on the specifics of your garage project you may require resource consent. For example, if your garage will be used as an extra residence or if there are particular local planning considerations. Consult with your local council or an architect.
New Garage FAQS
- Do I need a Licensed Building Practitioner if the garage you're planning exceeds 10m2 and does not exceed 30m2This exemption requires that any design or construction work be completed or overseen by a licensed building practitioner (LBP). For this work, homeowners are advised to look for LBPs with the necessary expertise since this offers the highest level of assurance.
- Is it cheaper to build an attached or detached garage?Generally speaking, a detached garage is cheaper than an attached garage to construct.
- Is the New Garage Cost Calculator NZ Free to Use?Absolutely! The Garage Cost Calculator, created by Style Plus Renovations, is completely free to use. It was designed to help visitors get accurate cost estimates for building a new garage.
- What do I need to know if the garage you're planning exceeds 10m2 and does not exceed 30m2 but to build out of lightweight materials."Lightweight" means that either light timber or steel are used for the structural framing, the roof is less than 20kg/m2 and cladding is less than 30kg/m2 Read More > Single-storey detached buildings between 10 and 30sqm in floor area, using lightweight material.
- What do I need to know if the garage you're planning exceeds 10m2 and does not exceed 30m2 but to build using a prefabricated or kitset garageConfirm with the manufacturer or supplier of the kitset that a chartered professional engineer has approved it first. It is necessary to adhere to the supplier's construction instructions for the prefabricated or kitset garage. Read More > Single-storey detached buildings up to 30sqm in floor area with prefab or kitset components
NEW GARAGE COST CALCULATOR
Various cost considerations may impact the accuracy of this new garage cost calculator for any given project.
To give you an idea, costs are calculated using averages. Always ask a project manager for expert advice and quotes if you need a precise estimate. Only use this calculator for research purposes; never use it as the basis for your allowances or finances. Regional variations also exist in rates and material costs.
Please keep in mind, that additional cost variables such as design and architectural fees, council consent fees, and utility connections can influence the overall project cost.
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