Buying a prefabricated garage – costs, building permits & decision-making assistance

Having your own garage reliably protects your vehicle from the elements, such as rain, snow, or strong sunlight, and at the same time reduces the risk of theft or vandalism. In addition, it offers sufficient space for the safe parking of motor vehicles and therefore ensures greater tidiness on the property. Moreover, a garage can increase the value of the property and, in many cases, create additional storage space for bicycles, tools, or garden equipment. For these reasons, many builders are faced with a key decision: prefabricated garage or brick-built – which solution is more economical, easier to plan, and overall less stressful?

This guide, ‘Buying a garage – costs, building permits & decision-making assistance,’ supports you step by step, from the initial idea through cost planning and building permit questions to the final purchase decision. In particular, it focuses on planning security, compliance with building regulations, and a transparent assessment of the costs of a prefabricated garage.

Those who want to buy a prefabricated garage benefit from clearly calculable costs, a comparatively short construction time, and consistently high quality. Depending on the design, prices for simple models start at around 6,500 €, while larger versions, such as a double garage, can cost up to around £30,000. As a result, the garage can be flexibly adapted to both your budget and your space requirements.

However, whether a building permit is required depends on several factors, including the size and height of the garage, its planned location, the boundary construction, and the applicable state building regulations. In general, garages are legally classified as structures and are therefore subject to the relevant building codes.

Modern concrete prefabricated garage with dark sectional door attached to a two-storey single-family house, featuring clean architectural lines, illuminated entrance area and falling snow in a winter setting by ZAPF Garages

Why buy a prefabricated garage?

Advantages at a glance:

Very short construction time, as production takes place in the factory and installation on site is usually completed within just one day.
Transparent costs, since you choose a prefabricated garage with clearly defined services instead of facing potentially unpredictable open construction costs.
Consistently high quality, because industrial production under controlled conditions ensures reliable standards.
One central contact person who coordinates planning, delivery, and installation, and who therefore simplifies the entire process.
A durable concrete garage which, in addition, offers low maintenance requirements over the long term.

In short, and taking all these aspects into account, building a garage without unnecessary stress is a realistic and practical possibility when opting for a prefabricated garage.

How much does a prefabricated garage cost?

The cost of a prefabricated garage varies depending on size, fittings, roof shape, and location. Whether the garage is attached to the house or free-standing also plays a role.

Garage prices at a glance:

Single garage: approx. 6.500 to 13.000 €
Wide garage: approx. 9.950 to 19.000 €
Double garage: approx. 13.000 to 26.000 €
Large garage: approx. 23.100 to 30.000 €

This makes it clear that buying a double garage is often more economical per parking space than two single garages.

Four views of modern garage solutions including concrete prefabricated garages, single and double garages with sectional doors, and an open carport, shown as freestanding and house-integrated structures with contemporary design by ZAPF Garages

Don’t forget additional costs

Also relevant in the context of “Buying a prefabricated garage – costs, building permit & decision-making aid” is the fact that, in addition to the actual purchase price of the prefabricated garage, further costs must generally be taken into account.

Firstly, there are expenses for the foundation, which, depending on the soil conditions and the structural requirements, usually range between 1.500 and 3.000 €. Secondly, costs for delivery and assembly must be considered. While many suppliers offer all-inclusive prices that already include installation, additional transport or crane services may otherwise be required and therefore charged separately.

In addition, there may be costs related to obtaining a building permit. If approval is required, expenses for the building application, the site plan, and the official fees must be expected, which, in many cases, are typically in the three-digit range.

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Do I need a building permit for my garage?

Whether a building permit is required for a garage depends on the federal state, the size and the location. Among other things, the following factors are decisive:

Floor space (e.g. 30 square metres or 50 square metres)
Height of the garage
Location on the property
Whether the garage is built on the property line

In federal states such as Bavaria or North Rhine-Westphalia, different regulations apply to permits in Bavaria and permits in North Rhine-Westphalia.

When is a garage exempt from planning permission?

It is only possible to build a garage without a permit if, and only if, all the requirements set out in the applicable state building regulations are fully met. In this context, the following conditions often apply, although they may vary depending on the federal state:

The maximum floor space must not exceed 30 or 50 m².
Certain maximum heights must not be exceeded.
Clearance areas must be complied with and, where applicable, the rules for permissible boundary construction of the garage must be observed.

Important: Even a garage built directly on the property boundary may require a permit, especially if one or more of the specified requirements are not fulfilled or if additional local regulations apply.

Prefabricated garage or brick garage – comparison & decision-making aid

Costs: A prefabricated garage is generally more cost-effective and, at the same time, the overall construction costs are significantly easier to calculate and plan in advance.

Construction time: The garage is usually assembled within a day – with brick garages, it often takes weeks.

Flexibility: Both variants, regardless of the construction method, must comply with the same applicable garage regulations and building law requirements.

Freestanding concrete prefabricated garage with flat roof and wide wood-look sectional door, positioned beside a single-family house with pitched roof, surrounded by lawn and paved driveway by ZAPF Garages

OUR SMART SOLUTION

ZAPF Garage Configurator

The ZAPF Garage Configurator With our garage configurator, you can design your garage according to your wishes in just a few clicks – from size to equipment.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need a building permit for a prefabricated garage?

Whether a building permit is required depends on the respective federal state, as well as on the size of the garage and its location on the property. As a general rule, a prefabricated garage is also legally considered a structure and therefore requires a permit, unless it is expressly covered by the exemption provisions of the applicable state building regulations.

When is a garage exempt from planning permission?

A garage does not require a permit if, and only if, it complies with the requirements set out in the relevant state building regulations. However, these rules vary from state to state. In many cases, garages up to a certain floor area, for example 30 or 50 m², and up to a specified maximum height do not require a permit, provided that all additional legal conditions are also met.

Which is cheaper: a prefabricated garage or a brick garage?

In most cases, a prefabricated garage is cheaper than a brick garage, because prices are more predictable and, at the same time, the construction time is significantly shorter. In addition, prefabricated concrete garages in particular often result in comparatively low maintenance costs in the long term.

How long does it take to build a prefabricated garage?

A prefabricated garage can usually be assembled within a single day. It is delivered by truck and then placed on the prepared foundation with the aid of a crane, so that the installation process is both efficient and well coordinated.

Can I build a garage without a building permit?

A garage may only be built without a building permit if, and insofar as, it fulfils the legal requirements for exemption from planning permission. Otherwise, if a permit is required but not obtained, the owner may face fines or, in some cases, even an order to demolish the structure.

Planning a prefabricated garage – with ZAPF & Garage Configurator

If you want to plan your garage in a structured and well-informed way, you can, for example, use the ZAPF garage configurator. With it, you can not only choose the garage type and size, but also define the door design, colours, and additional equipment step by step.

In this way, you gain clarity at an early stage, and therefore right at the beginning of the planning process. You receive an overview of the costs of a prefabricated garage, as well as of possible permit requirements and relevant technical details.

As a result, and at the same time, you create a solid basis for discussions with the building authority. Consequently, you also ensure smooth and well-coordinated implementation.

Single garage with black sectional door on a paved area surrounded by plants.

Configure your garage in 3D now and experience it virtually on your own property!

With our garage configurator, you can easily and intuitively put together the size, fittings, doors, windows and extras in just a few steps. We will then arrange a non-binding consultation appointment with you, on the basis of which you will receive an individual quote, naturally at a fair price and with no obligation to purchase. Experience your configured garage in impressive 3D visualisation during your non-binding consultation appointment.

Configure your garage now