Garage Construction Cost in Australia (2025): Price Guide, Materials, Wind Ratings, and Council Approvals

Pro tip: Using insulated roof panels or anticon blanket can reduce internal garage temperatures by up to 10°C in summer, improve condensation control, and lower noise from heavy rain.

How much does it cost to build a garage in Australia in 2025?

Garage construction cost varies by size, wind rating, finish, and site works. As a planning guide for a Colorbond steel garage with a concrete slab:

For simple build kits, check our Carport Kit Australia guide.

For more details about region-specific advice and builder rates, check out the Garage Construction Sydney guide.

• Single garage (3m x 6m ~18m²): $12,000–$25,000 installed (kit + slab + basic electrical)
• Double garage (6m x 6m ~36m²): $20,000–$45,000 installed
• Triple/large (7m x 9m ~63m²): $35,000–$75,000+ installed

Installed price includes engineered steel portal frame, Colorbond cladding, roller doors, concrete slab, standard earthworks, council fees and basic power points/lighting. Cyclone, BAL or architectural finishes increase cost.

Cost per m² (steel garage, installed):

• Non‑cyclonic metro (e.g., Perth/Adelaide/Melbourne suburbs): ~$700–$1,200/m²
• Regional or sloping sites: ~$800–$1,350/m²
• Cyclonic or high BAL/fire-prone areas: ~$950–$1,800/m²

Quick garage cost calculator Australia

Use this simple estimator for a Colorbond steel garage:

1. Base build: Width (m) × Length (m) × $500–$900/m² (kit, erection, standard N2 wind)
2. Slab: Area × $110–$160/m² (100–120 mm with mesh; thicker if heavy loads)
3. Site works: $1,500–$8,000 (cut/fill, access, spoil removal, drainage)
4. Doors & windows: Roller doors $900–$2,500 each; motors $400–$800 each; windows $300–$700; PA door $450–$1,100
5. Upgrades: Insulation $30–$60/m² roof; BAL upgrade +10–25%; cyclonic +15–30%; coastal (Colorbond Ultra/Zincalume Ultra) +10–18%
6. Professional fees: Council/shire $400–$1,800; engineering usually included in compliant kits
7. Electrical: $1,200–$3,500 (lights, GPOs, sub‑board as needed)

This gives a realistic “on the ground” figure for a new garage. For detailed pricing, request a fixed quote with site inspection.

What drives garage build cost in Australia?

Standard garage kits (like the popular 6×6 Shed Price in Australia) can be a cost-effective route.

• Size and height: Taller walls (3.0–3.6 m) and wider spans need heavier frames and larger doors.
• Wind region and terrain category: N2/N3 vs cyclonic C/C1/C2 design affects frames, hold‑downs, doors and sheeting.
• Roof form: Gable is most cost‑effective; skillion, parapet fronts, or tiled look add cost.
• Doors: Wind‑locked roller doors and wider openings increase cost.
• Cladding and corrosion class: Coastal sites may need Colorbond Ultra or Zincalume Ultra and extra fastener protection.
• BAL (bushfire) rating: BAL‑12.5 to BAL‑FZ changes ember protection, glazing and vents.
• Slab thickness and loads: Heavier vehicles or hoists may require 150–200 mm slab and N32–N40 concrete.
• Fit‑out: Insulation, whirlybirds, mezzanine storage, workshop benches, plumbing and solar add spend.
• Access and site complexity: Narrow access, rock, stormwater upgrades, and retaining walls increase costs.
• Location and labour: Regional logistics and lead times can shift pricing.

Real‑world price examples: Perth, Brisbane and regional NSW

Perth metro: custom‑built double garage in Monument

6 m x 6 m gable, 2.7 m eave height, N2, Colorbond walls/roof, two 2.4 m roller doors (motorised), 100 mm slab:

• Kit and erection: ~$15,000–$20,000
• Slab and site works: ~$5,000–$7,000
• Council/shire + compliance: ~$800–$1,400 (council‑approved sheds WA)
• Electrical and sundries: ~$1,500–$2,500
• Total: ~$22,300–$30,900 inc GST

Added 2024 WA wind‑rating compliance notes: Many Perth sites are N2–N3. Check terrain category and shielding. Perimeter tie‑downs and door wind‑locks are typical for coastal suburbs exposed to sea breezes.

Brisbane (moreton bay exposure): wind‑rated double garage

N3 with wind‑locked doors, anticon blanket, 120 mm slab:

• Total typical range: ~$25,000–$38,000

Regional NSW farm shed/garage combo (rural sheds NSW)

7 m x 9 m with a 3 m lean‑to for farm machinery storage, 3.0 m eave, gravel driveway extension:

• Total typical range: ~$42,000–$65,000 depending on site works and driveway

What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?

Hot summers, sea air and occasional storms mean cladding choice matters. Most premium Australian garages use BlueScope steel in Colorbond or Zincalume. Here’s a quick decision guide.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?

Do I need council approval and engineering?

Almost always, yes. Australian garages must comply with the NCC (BCA), AS/NZS 1170.2 wind actions, AS/NZS 4600 (cold‑formed steel), AS/NZS 4100 (steel structures), and local planning rules. Most reputable suppliers deliver certified engineering for your wind region.

How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA

1. Confirm planning requirements (setbacks, height, streetscape) with your local shire.
2. Order site‑specific engineering and drawings from your shed supplier (council‑approved sheds WA support is common).
3. Lodge a Building Permit (BA1/BA2), including energy and bushfire documents if required.
4. Allow 10–25 business days for assessment; conditions may apply (stormwater, vehicle crossover).
5. Book inspections as required (footings/slab, final).

Lead times: steel kit 3–8 weeks depending on colour and region; install 2–6 days for a standard double garage after slab cure.

Should I buy a DIY shed kit or go custom‑built?

Both routes can deliver a compliant, durable garage. Choose based on time, skills and site complexity.

Cyclone and bushfire considerations

• Cyclone regions (C/D): Specify cyclone‑rated sheds QLD, WA north and NT. Expect upgraded portal frames, hold‑downs, bracing, wind‑locked roller doors and thicker sheeting.
• BAL sites: BAL‑12.5 to BAL‑FZ can require ember‑proof vents, metal mesh screens, toughened glazing, and sealed junctions per AS 3959.
• Stormwater: Larger gutters, overflows, and connection to legal point of discharge; consider rainwater tanks for irrigation.

How to choose the right garage for your property

Keyword clusters to consider while you plan:

• Urban: steel sheds Perth, custom Colorbond garages Perth, affordable carports for Australian homes
• Regional/rural: rural sheds NSW, farm machinery storage, workshop fit‑out
• Coastal/cyclonic: wind‑rated sheds for cyclonic areas, Colorbond Ultra near surf
• Drive‑through and height: caravan/boat clearance, high wind‑rated roller doors
• Accessory options: DIY shed kits, mezzanine storage, lean‑to, custom carports Melbourne

5‑Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

1. Define use and size: Car bays, workshop space, storage, future mezzanine. Sketch door locations and heights.
2. Check site and services: Slope, access, easements, stormwater, power run. Get a site measure.
3. Select materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume, Ultra grades if coastal; insulation and ventilation strategy.
4. Confirm compliance: Wind region, BAL, NCC setbacks. Ask for engineering to AS/NZS standards.
5. Lock in total cost: Slab, earthworks, doors/windows, approvals, electrical. Seek a fixed, itemised quote.

Frequently asked questions

How expensive is it to build a garage compared with a home extension?

Steel garages are typically far cheaper per m² than brick‑and‑tile extensions. Expect ~$700–$1,800/m² installed for steel versus $2,500–$4,500+/m² for full home extensions, depending on finish and location.

Flat roof or gable roof — which is cheaper?

Gable is usually more economical and sheds water well. Skillion can be comparable for small spans but may need heavier purlins for longer runs.

What thickness slab do I need?

100–120 mm is common for cars with SL72 mesh. Heavier 4WDs, hoists or point loads may require 150–200 mm with N32–N40 concrete. Engineer to suit loads and soil class.

Do I need insulation?

Yes in most climates. Anticon blanket or insulated panels reduce heat, noise and condensation. Add wall sarking and ventilators in humid or cold regions.

Can I add a carport to my garage?

Yes. Many owners add a lean‑to or freestanding carport for drive‑through access. Confirm planning setbacks and fire separation if near boundaries.

How long does approval and build take?

Approvals: 2–6 weeks typical. Kit lead time: 3–8 weeks. Slab: 1 day pour + 7‑14 days cure. Erection: 2–6 days for a double garage, longer if complex.

What warranties should I expect?

BlueScope base material warranty (subject to site category and maintenance), installer workmanship warranty (ask for 6–10 years), and door/motor manufacturer warranties.

Case study: costed build example — custom-built double garage in Perth

Project: 6 x 7 m double garage, 2.7 m eave, gable roof 15°, N2, Colorbond Matt, 2 x 2.6 m wind‑locked roller doors with motors, anticon roof blanket, skylight, 120 mm slab with thickened edges, 2 x whirlybirds, 6 GPOs, LED battens.

• Kit and erection: $19,500
• Slab and earthworks: $7,800 (partial rock removal)
• Council, engineering, plans: $1,250 (council‑approved sheds WA)
• Electrical: $2,200
• Total: $30,750 inc GST

Hidden costs to watch

• Stormwater soakwell upgrades or legal point discharge connection
• Retaining walls for cut/fill platforms
• Driveway tie‑ins and crossovers
• Coastal maintenance schedule (wash‑down requirements for warranties)
• Energy or bushfire assessments in some councils

Popular add‑ons for Australian homeowners

• Motorised Colorbond garage doors and remotes
• Skylights or polycarbonate roof sheets
• Whirlybirds and ridge vents for heat extraction
• Mezzanine storage platform and stair
• Workbench, sink, hot/cold water points
• Solar PV pre‑wire or roof load allowance

Get an accurate quote for a new garage

Every site is different. For a precise garage build cost, ask for a site visit, soil report (if needed), and an itemised quote covering kit specs, engineering, slab, earthworks, doors, approvals and electrical. If you’re in WA, ask specifically for custom Colorbond garages Perth experience and council‑approved sheds WA documentation. In QLD north, ensure cyclone‑rated sheds QLD certification with door wind‑locks and tie‑downs to the correct C or D category.

Citations and useful resources

• Housing Industry Association (HIA) — outdoor structures guidance and market updates
• Australian Steel Institute — technical notes on steel design and corrosion
• Bureau of Meteorology — local wind, rainfall and climate data
• CSIRO and Energy.gov.au — insulation and energy information
• Standards Australia — AS/NZS 1170.2 wind, AS 3959 bushfire, AS/NZS 4600 steel
• Master Builders Australia — licensing and building advice

LSI keyword coverage (for search relevance)

Included throughout: steel sheds Perth; custom carports Melbourne; rural sheds NSW; Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison; wind‑rated sheds for cyclonic areas; farm machinery storage; DIY shed kits; affordable carports for Australian homes; garage build cost; garage cost calculator Australia; how much to build a garage; how expensive is it to build a garage; new garage; garage building; custom Colorbond garages Perth; council‑approved sheds WA; cyclone‑rated sheds QLD; BAL bushfire ratings; corrosion resistance for coastal; regional WA; shed insulation; concrete slab for garage; mezzanine storage; workshop fit‑out; roller door wind‑lock; cyclone tie‑downs; shed kit delivery; BlueScope steel warranty; Colorbond Ultra.