Attached vs. Detached Garages

Many homeowners face the attached vs. detached dilemma when considering adding a new garage. No question, garages are essential for homeowners, but which type is best for you?

A lot of that decision is based on personal preference and building codes. Some building codes may not permit a detached garage, or you may not have enough land space. Ultimately, there are benefits and drawbacks to each type, so it is important it meets your particular needs. Consider these three factors from HomeAdvisor: lot size and shape, intentions for the garage, what fits your home best, and overall building considerations.

Lot Size, Shape

Believe it or not, the shape of the lot you’re planning to build on may help make your decision an easy one. A narrow lot that stretches far back towards an alley is a natural fit for a detached garage. On the other hand, detached garages can swallow up a big chunk of your existing yard. Building an attached garage instead might be the difference between filling up your lot with a detached model, and still having a yard for your kids and pets to enjoy.

For some ideas to help you consider, walk your lot and look at your property from every angle: the street, the alley, backyard, driveway, deck, back windows, etc. Try to visualize the size of garage you are thinking about. Will it confine your view if it’s detached? Will it change the architecture if it’s attached? Take a tape measure and mark off the space you are considering. What will this do for the shape of your yard?

Intentions For Your Garage

Beyond the practical considerations of your property, also be honest about what your intentions are for this garage. If your main goal is to avoid having to trump through rain and snow to get to your vehicle on inclement mornings, then an attached garage with direct access to your home is definitely the way to go. If you’re looking to set up that wood or auto shop you’ve always wanted, then a detached version can offer more space, privacy, and limits noise for other people in the house than a garage that’s directly attached. Ultimately, attached models can present safety hazards if you store a lot fuel, paints, oils or other materials that put off harmful fumes. Storing them in a detached model means you won’t have to worry about those chemicals leaking into your home.

What Will Fit Your Home Best?

Another thing to consider when deciding between a detached or an attached model is the style, age, and condition of your current home (and those in your neighborhood). Attached models are relatively new in the world of homebuilding. If you’ve got an older or historical home, an attached garage is going to look forced and out of place. The awkward look may draw hairy eyeballs from your neighbors as well if you live in an area where older homes are the norm. In such cases it’s almost always wiser to opt for a detached model instead. If you live in an older neighborhood, alleys and other access points also makes a detached garage a good choice.

Thoughts on Garage Building

Finally, think about how substantial of a building project you’re ready for. An attached garage is really just a large home addition. You’ll be adding quite a bit to your structure, but your contractor will also be able to utilize pre-existing walls in the construction process and maybe save you a little money. A detached garage is more akin to building a small house from scratch, including digging out and pouring a foundation, and then building your new garage from the ground up. It’s a little bigger project, though you will have a little more leeway as far as designing everything exactly how you want it.

Blue Sky Builders can help you make the best choice, contact us today!