What does garage build attached typically cost in New Brunswick?

Building an attached garage in New Brunswick typically runs $35,000–$90,000+, depending on size, finishes, and whether you're adding living space above. Here's how the numbers break down across the range you're likely to encounter.

A basic single-car attached garage (roughly 12'×22' to 14'×24') with standard finishes — concrete floor, insulated walls, basic overhead door, and electrical — will generally land in the $35,000–$50,000 range. Step up to a double-car garage (22'×24' to 24'×28'), which is the most common build in NB, and you're looking at $55,000–$75,000 for a mid-range finish. Add a bonus room or loft above, heated floors, premium doors, or a full second-storey suite and costs can push $90,000–$130,000+.

A few factors specific to New Brunswick will shape your final number significantly. The frost line here runs 4+ feet deep, meaning your footings need to go down accordingly — this adds concrete and labour cost compared to milder provinces. If you're in the Saint John River flood plain (Fredericton, Sheffield, Grand Lake area), your engineer may specify elevated slabs or additional drainage measures. Coastal areas like Saint John or Shediac require corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashings due to salt air exposure.

Permits are mandatory for any attached garage in NB, and the authority depends on where you live. If you're in a city like Fredericton, Moncton, or Saint John, you apply directly to the municipal building department. Rural homeowners go through their Regional Service Commission (RSC). Either way, budget $500–$1,500 for permit fees and expect a structural review since the garage connects to your home's foundation and framing. Under the National Building Code of Canada 2020 (mandatory in NB for new applications as of May 1, 2025), attached garages require fire separation from the living space — typically a 45-minute fire-rated assembly on the shared wall and ceiling, plus a solid-core self-closing door.

Electrical is a separate cost and a separate permit process. A licensed electrical contractor must pull a wiring permit through NB Power (1-800-615-0522) before any wiring starts, and TIS (1-888-659-3222) does the final inspection. Budget $3,500–$7,000 for a properly wired garage with outlets, lighting, and a panel sub-feed — more if you want EV charging.

Rough cost breakdown for a typical 24'×24' double-car garage in NB:

• Excavation and footings: $6,000–$12,000
• Foundation walls and concrete slab: $8,000–$15,000
• Framing, sheathing, roofing: $12,000–$20,000
• Insulation and drywall (fire-rated shared wall): $4,000–$7,000
• Overhead doors (2): $3,000–$6,000
• Electrical: $4,000–$7,000
• Exterior finishes (siding, windows, trim): $4,000–$9,000
• Permits and engineering: $1,500–$3,000

Labour shortages in some parts of NB — particularly northern communities like Edmundston, Campbellton, and the Acadian Peninsula — can push timelines and pricing higher, so getting quotes early and booking contractors ahead of the spring season is smart.

The best next step is to get two or three quotes from licensed general contractors who can walk your property, assess your existing foundation, and factor in your specific site conditions. Browse local contractors in the New Brunswick Construction Network directory to find builders in your area — and always ask for their WorkSafeNB clearance certificate before signing anything.