What was the actual price quoted for the garage or did he "quote" you a sq ft price?

$56,700 was the quote. I just broke it down by sq/ft pricing for my post.

Each area has different building prices. To me, that sounds normal/reasonable if that is the set, final price. However, you probably should just get different bids and see what your market dictates.

That sounds really high to me.

We built a 28' x 36' garage with a loft - it had a brick face, hardie plank on the sides and back, insulated, heated and cooled, plumbed, with a separate electrical service for around $50,000.

Our cost of living is probably less than yours but still if you are not plumbing and heating the space then that seems a bit high. I mean we know the materials cost for a 26' x 28' garage in the D.C. area is around $6,224 for grooved siding. to remove the siding and add brick will be a good bit of money, and that doesn't include foundation, insulation or labor but it seems unlikely that those things would add $50,000. Aside from brick you can build a sided garage in a long weekend once you get the foundation done.

How do you know the $6,224?

Since building prices can vary so much by region, you'd be best served by checking pricing with other local contractors. Just keep in mind that a lower price doesn't mean you'll get the same quality finished product in the same timeframe with the same experience (i.e., headaches and heartaches.)

Best wishes for a successful project.