January 26, 2018

How to choose between an attached and detached garage

Houses with attached and detached garage When it is time to build a new garage, you will be confronted with some decisions. These might seem like straightforward choices because the main function of a garage is to house your cars. However, you will use your garage daily, and it may serve as a workshop, storage space and leisure area in addition to acting as a “carport.”

One of the most important decisions is whether to build a detached or attached garage. There are pros and cons to each of these designs. What is the best choice in your specific situation?

What are the factors you should consider?

Questions related to space are important when selecting the layout and location of your garage. First of all, any structure must meet local building ordinances. Furthermore, you will want to check with neighbors to make certain that your garage location will not infringe on their property or their views.

Then, you will want to ask yourself what you will use your garage for. Will you simply keep your cars there? Will you use the space for working on your car or other vehicle? What about as a place to work on hobbies? Would you use the garage as a leisure room or entertain friends there?

Finally, you will need to consider the layout of your property and how much building room you have. This will depend on your property’s location. City lots have less space, while suburban lots have a limited amount of frontage area, but are usually deeper than urban lots. Rural properties usually provide the most flexibility when it comes to choosing a location for your garage.

Benefits of an attached garage

  • You will not be exposed to the elements when you have an attached garage. Consider this: if it is freezing cold or raining, you can go directly into the house without having to go outside at all.
  • The garage may add more “curb appeal.” An attached garage makes a house look bigger, and it can improve the overall design and appearance.
  • You can turn your attached garage into something else easily: a workshop, office for your home business, or even a play area for your children. It could become, essentially, an additional living space for your house.
  • Using a common wall will lower overall construction costs for the project. In other words, with an attached garage you will only have to build three walls instead of four.

House With Attached Garage

Benefits of a detached garage

The most noticeable drawback to a detached garage will be evident when you try to bring in your groceries during a rainstorm. However, let’s take a look at the advantages, which could be significant depending on your needs.

  • Detached garages offer a buffer between the garage and living spaces. This is important because it will protect your living space from exhaust fumes, flammable materials and garage odors. You will have more peace of mind when it comes to storing things like gas, oil and other fire hazards.
  • Detached garages are flexible. You can use the space for a workshop without worrying about materials, fumes or noises bothering people in the house. If you want to create an auto workshop or woodworking area, then a detached garage could be an ideal choice.
  • Security is another reason to get a detached garage. Thieves often enter homes through the garage because they think access is easier, and they will not be detected. With a detached garage, they will not have direct access to the home from the garage.
  • You can easily expand a detached garage because there will be space on all sides. If you think you may want to add room for an additional car or for a work area, then a detached garage will offer a lot more flexibility.

House With Detached Garage

What is best for you?

If you already have a garage, or in the past had the opportunity to use either an attached or detached garage, what are the pros and cons based on your experiences? What about your spouse or any other household members who will use the garage? What advice and experiences can they offer? Are there any pros or cons that we’ve forgotten?

If you would like to learn from other people’s experiences, we suggest you take a look at the discussion forum on HOUZZ.

Weighing the costs

Read these two resources if you would like to learn about the costs associated with each type of garage.

Both detached and attached garages need a quality door

When it is time to install your garage door, contact us at 207-784-0622. You can also view samples at our showroom. We can provide a detailed quotation via email. This will include possible design options and features.

If you need inspiration or want to customize your door, you can use our state-of-the-art design center or look through our image gallery of products and projects.

Add new comment

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.

Copyright Garaga Inc. | Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use | Sitemap