Double Garage in Australia: Prices, Kits, Council Approvals, Wind Ratings (2025 Guide)
Whether you’re comparing double garage kits Australia, speccing a custom-built double garage in Perth, or hunting for garage sheds for sale, this guide gives you the facts on design, durability, engineering and double garage prices in 2025. We cover cyclone compliance for QLD, council pathways across states, and practical upgrades like a 2 bay shed with awning or a double garage and workshop combo. Read the buyer checklist near the end for quick next steps.
What size is a standard double garage in Australia?
The most common footprint for a double car garage is 6.0 m × 6.0 m with a nominal eave height of 2.4–2.7 m. For utes, 4WDs, roof racks or trailers, prefer 6.0–7.5 m depth and 3.0 m eave height. Popular larger plans are 6.0×7.5 m and 7.0×7.0 m to allow a workshop bay or storage mezzanine.
- Typical plan examples: 6.0×6.0 m (two cars only); 6.0×7.5 m (cars + 1.2–1.5 m bench/storage); 7.0×9.0 m (one bay workshop + parking).
- Door sizes: twin 2.4–2.7 m roller doors or single 4.8–5.2 m panel lift — allow 200–300 mm clearance each side for door hardware.
- Vehicle clearance: allow 2.2–2.4 m clear opening for most SUVs/utes; 2.7–3.0 m if roof racks or high-top canopies are used.
- Mezzanine/head height: keep 2.0–2.2 m headroom above a mezzanine; structural loads and access ladder/platforms must be engineered.
- Layout notes: a 6×7.5 can be arranged as 2×2.7 m door bays + 1.5 m workshop bench; a 7×7 gives more manoeuvre space for longer wheelbases and storage.
Double garage prices in Australia: 2025 overview
Prices current as of May 2025 — ranges exclude GST and council fees. Below are indicative bands for a metro site with standard access; final price varies with wind rating, soil and access.
Representative cost breakdown (6.0×6.0 m example):
- Kit (frame, sheets, fixings, basic plans): $6,500–$14,500 (depending on spec and Colorbond finish).
- Concrete slab: typically $90–$160/m² (standard 100–125 mm slab with engineered edge/thickened footing). For a 36 m² slab expect $3,240–$5,760.
- Doors (two auto rollers or single panel lift): $2,000–$7,500 depending on size, insulation and wind-locks.
- Engineering & certifier fees: $900–$4,000 (site-specific wind/footing design, soil tests extra).
- Delivery/cranage & siteworks: $500–$4,000 (remote access or crane lifts increase cost).
- Supply + install (no slab): $11,000–$22,000 typical for standard N2/N3 builds in metro zones.
- Turnkey with slab: $18,000–$38,000+ (includes kit, slab, install, gutters, basic electrical and permits).
- Premium/custom (high eaves, workshop bay, insulation, BAL upgrades, cyclone upgrades): $30,000–$55,000+.
How we calculated prices: assumptions — metro site access, no contaminated fill, standard N2/N3 wind region unless noted, Colorbond or Zincalume cladding at typical thicknesses. Council fees, private certifier fees and unusual access or remediation add to cost.
Typical additional fees to budget: soil test $400–$1,200, council application/fee $0–$3,500 (varies by state and DA vs complying development), BASIX and bushfire reports where required. Expect delivery surcharges for regional/rural: $300–$2,000.
Materials and climate suitability for Australian garages
Choose materials to match the local climate: coastal salt, QLD humidity and cyclones, inland heat and dust, or cold and condensation in TAS/VIC. Below are regional recommendations and material notes.
WA coastal / hot Mediterranean (Perth)
Colorbond is preferred for colour stability and heat-reflective options; use stainless or hot-dipped galvanised fasteners with protective coatings in splash zones. Add sarking/insulation and ridge/whirly ventilation to reduce internal temperatures.
QLD / NT — tropical, cyclonic risk
Specify cyclonic sheeting thickness, heavier purlins and certified C‑class wind design (C1–C4). Use motorised doors with certified wind-locks and consider battery backup for remote operation. Fasteners must meet coastal corrosion resistance; stainless fixings for near-coast installs.
TAS / VIC — cold, condensation risk
Prioritise vapour barrier and insulation (sarking + blanket/PIR). Manage condensation with ventilation and adequate eave/ridge vents. Ensure gutters and fall minimise standing water; metal roofs can be noisy in heavy rain — insulation helps.
Inland NSW / SA — heat and dust
Use Zincalume or Colorbond depending on budget; consider dust-sealing details at doors and adequate eave overhangs. For agro/rural buildings, Zincalume offers cost advantage but ensure fastener and edge protection against abrasion.
Materials notes: Colorbond = pre-painted finish backed by warranty and good coastal performance when specified to exposure zone. Zincalume = Al‑Zn alloy coating, lower cost, good reflectivity. For all coastal builds use stainless fixings or corrosion-resistant coatings; consult Australian Steel Institute guidance and supplier corrosion zone charts. For more on coastal/cyclone specs see the Australian Steel Institute.
Design options and upgrades to get right
- Roof pitch: Gable 20–30° gives classic look and attic ventilation; skillion 2–10° suits solar and modern aesthetics. For solar panels consult pitch and orientation guidance.
- Gutters & fall: Minimum fall 1:100; use 90–115 mm box gutters depending on catchment. Provide soakwell or stormwater connection.
- Doors & motorisation: Choose wind-locked roller doors in higher wind areas. Consider torque rating, UPS/battery backup in cyclone-prone zones, and manual emergency release if power failure occurs.
- Workshop bay: Add 1–2 m depth, 900–1,200 mm bench width and 10–20 amp power circuits. Provide dedicated ventilation and consider mezzanine loadings (engineer-specified live loads).
- Insulation/ventilation: Sarking + foil-backed blanket or PIR panels reduces internal temperature by ~5–10°C; ridge vents and whirlybirds improve airflow. In humid climates use cross-ventilation and dehumidifiers if needed.
- Security & finishes: Colorbond cladding with internal lining improves security and aesthetics. Consider anti-condensation paint or internal linings in cold climates.
- Drainage specifics: Design slab fall (min 1:100), edge beams and connection to stormwater to prevent slab undermining. For permeable soils include drained footings per engineering.
For installation guidance and turn-key options see our product-specific options in double garage kits Australia.
DIY garage kits vs custom-built garages
Which route depends on budget, skills and site complexity. Below are practical differences and a buyer checklist.
- Kit components: typically include frames, rafters/purlins, girts, sheeting, flashings, screws, plans and often stamped connection details. Confirm sheet thickness, purlin spacing and fastener types before purchase.
- Assembly time: expect 60–250 man‑hours (2–6 people) for a 6×6 kit depending on experience, equipment and site prep. Crane hire reduces manual handling time but adds cost.
- Warranties: manufacturer structural warranties vary; supplier-installed turnkey generally includes workmanship warranties and easier claims handling.
- Approvals: DIY kits require the owner to manage engineering, soil tests and council applications unless the supplier offers approval packs. For complex or cyclonic sites prefer turnkey with in-house engineering.
- Decision matrix: Simple, flat, accessible sites = kit may save cost; complex, sloping or high-wind sites = custom-built/turnkey strongly recommended.
Council approvals and engineering
Most double garages require some form of approval and certified engineering under the National Construction Code (NCC). Structural design refers to AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind actions) and steel design standards AS 4100 / AS 4600; bushfire is AS 3959. Link to the NCC and standards for details: ABCB (NCC), Standards Australia.
State pathways — key notes
Western Australia (WA)
Complying development or building permit depending on council. Typical approvals: site plan, elevations, engineer’s certificate, footing/slab design. Timelines: 2–6 weeks for certifier/compliant lodgement; DA longer. For council specifics see council portals or our resource.
Queensland (QLD)
Cyclonic areas need certified C‑class design. Small sheds may be exempt where complying development applies, but many double garages require building approval. Typical turnaround: 1–6 weeks for building certifiers depending on completeness.
New South Wales (NSW) & Victoria (VIC)
Complying Development Certificate (CDC) often available for standard garages; complex or heritage sites require DA. NSW may require BASIX for annexed habitable space. Typical times: CDC 1–3 weeks; DA 6–12+ weeks.
South Australia / Northern Territory
Check local council thresholds for exempt vs development. Remote or flood-prone sites need extra geotechnical or drainage design.
Documents to lodge: site plan with levels, elevations, engineered footing/slab details, wind classification, structural certificate, BASIX/bushfire assessment (if applicable), and a plumbing/drainage plan if stormwater connections change. Expect private certifier fees $500–$2,500 and engineering $900–$4,000. For more on approvals see our council pages and the NCC at ABCB.
Wind ratings, bushfire and regional building considerations
Wind classes are determined by AS/NZS 1170.2 using factors for terrain, topography and shielding. Non-cyclonic classes N1–N4 and cyclonic classes C1–C4 set member sizes, connections and door specs. As a rule of thumb, expect a 10–30% cost uplift when moving from standard N2 to higher C-class designs due to heavier sections and stronger fixings.
Bushfire (BAL): Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) under AS 3959 dictates ember protection, reduced vents, and cladding choices. BAL-LOW to BAL-FZ: higher BAL increases glazing limits, ember seals and non-combustible zones — factor this into doors and vents.
Coastal corrosion mitigation: use stainless fasteners, specify pre-treated flashings, and consider sacrificial anodes or extra coating systems. For close-to-surf sites, follow Australian Steel Institute and manufacturer corrosion-zone guidance.
Practical steps: obtain a site-specific wind map, request a site-rated wind classification from your engineer, use wind-locked doors in higher classes, and include hold‑down schedules and continuous load paths in the design.
Build examples and indicative budgets
Case Study 1 — Perth custom (N3)
- Project: 6.5×7.0 m gable, 3.0 m eaves, Colorbond walls/roof, twin auto rollers, roof blanket insulation.
- Costs (indicative): kit $11,000; slab $4,200 (36 m² @ $117/m²); doors $3,500; engineering/certifier $2,200; install & gutters $6,000 → Total $26,900 (turnkey range $28k–$38k).
- Lesson: invest in sarking and whirly ventilation for summer comfort; stainless screws near coast.
Case Study 2 — Brisbane cyclonic (C2)
- Project: 6.0×6.5 m skillion, C2 engineering, wind-locked rollers, extra tie-downs.
- Costs: kit $9,500; doors $4,200 (certified wind doors); engineering $2,500; install $5,500 → Supply+install $21,700 (slab excluded).
- Lesson: certified doors and continuous fixings drive cost; factor in battery backup for door motors.
Case Study 3 — NSW rural (kit + slab)
- Project: 7.0×9.0 m gable, one workshop bay, lean-to awning.
- Costs: kit $16,000; slab $9,000; delivery $1,200; install $6,000 → Total approx $32,200 (N2).
- Lesson: remote delivery and heavy slabs increase cost; confirm delivery depots and cranage needs in advance.
Case Study 4 — Metro budget kit install
- Project: 6.0×6.0 kit, owner-supplied slab: kit $7,200; door $2,200; delivery $450; owner install labour value saved → out-of-pocket $9,850 (excludes slab and engineering).
- Lesson: DIY can lower cash outlay but requires time and permits; warranty handling may be more complex.
These line items preserve strengths of the guide: practical price bands and real-world lessons. For turnkey quotes see our regional pricing pillar.
5-Step buying guide for custom sheds in Australia
- Define use: List vehicles, workshop needs, storage, and future-proofing. Ask suppliers for sample layouts and mezzanine load ratings.
- Size & height: Choose footprint and eave height based on roof racks and wheels. Request clearance diagrams from suppliers.
- Site & wind class: Use online wind maps and get an engineer to confirm (or request supplier-provided site-specific wind classification).
- Materials & spec: Check sheet thickness, purlin spacing, fastener type and corrosion treatments. Request manufacturer warranties and material data sheets.
- Compare quotes: Use an apples-to-apples checklist: kit inclusions, door specs, slab depth, engineering, council fees, delivery and cranage.
Ask suppliers for an itemised quote, engineer’s certificate, lead time and references. If you need approval help, choose suppliers who offer permit packs or turnkey services.
Who we’re a good fit for
- Homeowners wanting council-approved sheds WA with N2–N3 engineering.
- Coastal builds needing Colorbond and stainless fixings.
- QLD sites requiring cyclone-rated sheds (C1–C4).
- DIYers comparing garage shed kits vs installed solutions.
- Buyers who need clear line-item quotes from suppliers.
Next steps: Get a fixed quote for your double garage
Tell us size, wind region, door choices and whether you want a workshop or awning. We’ll price both double garage kits Australia and installed options so you can choose the best path. Include site photos and a site plan for faster, more accurate quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Colorbond double garage cost in Australia?
As of May 2025 a turnkey Colorbond double garage (6×6 m) typically ranges $18,000–$38,000 in metro areas, while kit-only prices are about $6,500–$14,500 (ex slab). Coastal, cyclonic or bushfire specs can add 10–40%. Always get a site-specific quote including council and engineering fees.
What are the standard sizes for a double garage in Australia?
Common sizes: 6.0×6.0 m (standard), 6.0×7.5 m (cars + bench/workshop), 7.0×7.0 or 7.0×9.0 m (workshop + parking). Eave heights: 2.4–2.7 m standard; 3.0 m recommended for roof racks or mezzanine. Choose layout based on vehicle length, door widths and storage needs.
Do I need council approval to build a double garage in WA or QLD?
It depends. In WA many standard garages need a building permit or complying development; in QLD cyclone zones typically require certified building approval. Exemptions apply for small structures; always check local council guidance and lodge engineering and plans where required. Obtain a certifier for accurate advice.
What’s the difference between a DIY garage kit and a custom-built garage?
DIY kits supply components and basic plans; you (or a contractor) manage slab, engineering and permits. Custom-built/turnkey includes supply, install, slab, permits and warranties. Kits save material cost but need time and project management; turnkey costs more but reduces risk on complex sites.
How do wind ratings affect double garage design and cost in Australia?
Wind ratings (N1–N4 non-cyclonic, C1–C4 cyclonic) determine member sizes, connection design and door ratings. Higher classes require stronger purlins, heavier sheeting and certified doors — expect a roughly 10–30% cost uplift between typical N2 and moderate C-class designs. Always use site-specific engineering.
Is Zincalume steel cheaper and suitable for Australian garages?
Yes—Zincalume is typically 5–15% cheaper than Colorbond and suitable for many inland and rural sites. For coastal or premium residential projects Colorbond’s painted finish and warranty are preferable. Use stainless or corrosion-resistant fixings in coastal exposure zones regardless of base steel.
Can I build a workshop bay within my double garage?
Yes. Add 1–2 m depth or plan a 7×9 m footprint for a practical workshop bay. Include power, ventilation, benching and separate access where possible. Structural loads for mezzanines or heavy equipment must be engineered; check council impacts and service routes before quoting.
How long does it take to get approval and complete construction of a double garage?
Typical timeline: approvals 1–6 weeks for complying development/CDC, 6–12+ weeks for DA; engineering and certifier turnaround 1–4 weeks. Construction: slab 1–2 weeks (including curing allowance), erection 1–3 weeks depending on crew and site. Total typical 4–12 weeks, varying by complexity and council schedule.


