Garage Construction Cost in Australia (2025): Price Guide for Custom Colorbond Garages and Steel Sheds

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

Short answer: most Australian homeowners spend between $14,000 and $48,000 to make a garage, depending on size, wind rating, and finish. Premium, custom-built triple garages with insulated roofing and automation can exceed $60,000.

• Single Colorbond steel garage (around 3m × 6m, 18 m²): $14,000–$28,000 installed (incl. slab)
• Double garage (around 6m × 6m, 36 m²): $24,000–$48,000 installed (incl. slab)
• Triple/large custom (54 m²+): $38,000–$75,000+ installed

Ranges include typical site prep, reinforced slab, wind-rated steel frame, Colorbond cladding, gutters, one or two roller doors (motorised), and basic electrical. Region C/D cyclonic upgrades, alpine/snow loads, complex earthworks, and architectural façades increase costs.

What drives garage construction cost for Australian homes?

• Wind region and terrain category (AS/NZS 1170.2, NCC BCA): Region C/D cyclonic designs can add 10–25%.
• Size and height (clear spans, eave height, mezzanines raise steel and engineering requirements).
• Cladding choice: Colorbond vs Zincalume, insulation, coastal corrosion category.
• Doors and openings: extra roller/sectional doors, 5m openings, wind-lock rollers, glass and airflow louvres.
• Slab thickness and soil class: M/H sites, edge thickenings, waffle pods, and piering add cost.
• Electrical and fit-out: power, lighting, EV chargers, storage, custom joinery.
• Access and site works: cut/fill, drainage, soak wells, retaining, crane access.
• Approvals and engineering: council fees, BAL (bushfire) or flood overlays.

What is the cost breakdown for a custom-built double garage in Perth?

Indicative 6m × 6m Colorbond garage (36 m²), non-cyclonic, urban Perth:

• Engineering and permits: $1,200–$3,000 (certifier + council fees)
• Site prep and drainage: $1,500–$6,000
• Reinforced slab (100–120 mm, 32 MPa, mesh, vapour barrier): $5,400–$7,900 ($150–$220/m²)
• Steel kit (galvanised frame + Colorbond cladding): $7,000–$12,000
• Install labour: $5,000–$9,000
• Doors and windows: $2,800–$6,500 (2 roller doors, motors, remotes)
• Electrical: $1,200–$3,500
• Insulation and ventilation: $1,000–$3,000

Total: $25,000–$51,000 depending on selections. custom Colorbond garages Perth

Garage cost calculator Australia: a quick way to estimate

Use this back-of-the-ute formula to price your new garage quickly. Works for steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, and rural sheds NSW.

1. Base shell (frame + cladding) = $300–$520/m²
2. Install labour = $140–$240/m²
3. Slab and footings = $150–$220/m²
4. Doors/windows allowance = $120–$220/m² (or itemise if many openings)
5. Electrical/insulation/finishes = $70–$180/m²
6. Wind/cyclone/terrain uplift = +10–25% (Region C/D or exposed sites)

Example: Double garage (36 m²) mid-spec Perth, non-cyclonic:

[$400 + $180 + $180 + $160 + $110] × 36 m² = $37,080 (excl. complex site works)

For a more granular garage cost calculator Australia, itemise door sizes, motorisation, and any BAL/flood requirements.

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

Perth heat and coastal air demand corrosion resistance and solar reflectance. Here’s the local view:

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?

Also consider hot-dip galvanised frames for coastal C4–C5 corrosion categories and quality flashings to manage Fremantle Doctor winds.

Which roof style is cheaper: flat roof vs gable roof?

DIY shed kits vs custom-built garages — what’s the real cost?

For most suburban homeowners, professional install offers better value and compliance certainty.

How do wind ratings and building codes affect garage build cost?

• Region A (e.g., much of VIC, SA, inland NSW): baseline cost.
• Region B fringe: +5–10% for strengthened connections.
• Region C/D (north WA, coastal QLD): +10–25% for cyclone ties, purlin spacing, wind-lock doors.

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: In WA coastal and northern shires, engineering sign-off for Region C/D is mandatory. Budget for wind-lock roller doors, additional hold-down bolts, and upgraded sheeting screws.

Standards to reference: AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind), AS 4100/AS 4600 (steel structures), NCC 2025 BCA, and local planning schemes.

How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA

Step-by-step for council-approved sheds WA

1. Confirm zoning and R-Codes setbacks (check overshadowing and eave height limits).
2. Order certified engineering for your wind region and terrain category.
3. Prepare site plan, elevations, stormwater, and slab details.
4. Lodge Building Permit (BA1/BA2) with energy and bushfire notes if applicable.
5. Book inspections as required; keep forms for final occupancy/use.

Expect $400–$2,000 in approvals/certification fees in WA metro. Rural shires vary.

What about Queensland and NSW?

• cyclone-rated sheds QLD: Prioritise Region C/D design, wind-lock roller doors, and proper tie-downs. Council certificates of classification may be required.
• Rural sheds NSW: Check flood overlays, BAL ratings, and farm use exemptions where applicable.

Real-world examples: costs across three Australian builds

Perth metro — custom-built double garage

• 6 × 6 m, Colorbond Matt walls/roof, 2 motorised rollers, insulation blanket, LED lighting.
• All-in: $31,000–$42,000 (non-cyclonic, level site).

North QLD — cyclone-rated shed/garage

• 7 × 7 m, Region C, wind-lock roller, extra hold-downs, 120 mm slab with edge thickenings.
• All-in: $39,000–$56,000.

Central NSW — rural combo for farm machinery storage

• 9 × 7.5 m with 3 bays, one enclosed for a new garage + 2 open carport bays.
• All-in: $44,000–$62,000 depending on cladding and concrete coverage.

Which shed type or use-case fits your property?

Keyword clusters to help you research

• Urban and suburban: custom steel garages, affordable carports for Australian homes, EV-ready garages, garage building.
• Regional/rural: rural sheds NSW, farm machinery storage, hay and implement sheds, Zincalume kit sheds.
• Coastal and cyclonic: wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, Colorbond Ultra coastal garages.
• Design/material: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, insulated panel roofs, hot-dip galvanised frames.
• Project delivery: DIY shed kits, council-approved sheds WA, custom carports Melbourne, steel sheds Perth.

Will a new garage add property value?

Yes—especially in suburbs where secure parking and workshop space are scarce. A neat, council-approved garage with Colorbond cladding generally enhances resale appeal and rental yields for investors.

5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

1. Set the brief: number of cars, height for 4WDs/roof racks, storage/mezzanine, door types.
2. Check your site: access, slope, soil, services, and stormwater discharge.
3. Choose materials: Colorbond colour, insulation level, corrosion protection for coastal zones.
4. Confirm compliance: wind region, terrain category, BAL/flood, local setbacks and maximum heights.
5. Compare quotes apples-to-apples: engineering, slab spec, door motor brands, electrical scope, warranty.

FAQs about garage construction cost

How expensive is it to build a garage?

Most single garages land between $14k–$28k installed; doubles $24k–$48k; triples $38k–$75k+. Coastal/cyclonic, complex earthworks, and designer facades push higher.

Do I need council approval for a new garage?

In most cases, yes. Even “exempt” structures must meet size, height, setback, and structural requirements. Always confirm with your local council.

What wind rating do I need?

Your address determines Region A/B/C/D and terrain category under AS/NZS 1170.2. Ask for site-specific engineering; never assume a generic kit will comply.

How long does a garage build take?

Lead times vary with steel supply and council processing. Allow 2–6 weeks for approvals and 2–5 days on site for install after the slab cures.

Colorbond or Zincalume — which lasts longer?

Both are durable. For premium street appeal and coastal resistance, Colorbond (or Colorbond Ultra near surf) is often preferred.

Can I add solar or an EV charger?

Yes. Pre-wire during construction and align roof pitch for solar output. Check Energy.gov.au for rebates.

Trusted Australian references and further reading

• Housing Industry Association (HIA) — market reports and building guidance
• Master Builders Australia — licensing and contracts
• Australian Steel Institute — steel design and best practice
• Bureau of Meteorology — cyclones and wind info
• CSIRO — materials, corrosion, and climate research
• Energy.gov.au — energy efficiency rebates and advice
• Standards Australia — AS/NZS 1170.2 and related standards

Industry sources referenced include the 2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook and 2024 HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement Report for pricing and demand trends.

Ready to price your new garage?

Whether you need a custom-built double garage in Perth, a council-approved shed in WA, or a cyclone-ready garage in Queensland, we engineer to AS/NZS standards and local conditions. Ask for a fixed-scope quote with a line-by-line cost breakdown and wind-rating compliance.