If you are planning to building a garage, you will have to make some important decisions. You will have to match the type and size of garage with your needs and the needs of others in your household. One of the first decisions will be whether to build an attached or a detached garage.
You will need to weigh the different variables to decide which type of garage is best suited to your needs. What questions should you ask yourself? What type of things do you need to consider?
What questions do you need to ask yourself?
What are the local building ordinances? You will need to make certain that your garage will not break any local rules related to constructions on your property. Also, you will want to make sure that your new garage does not bother your neighbors or infringe on their property or their views.
What will you use your garage for? Will you simply keep your car there, or will your garage double as a workspace, leisure area or place for storage? If you are storing items besides your car in your garage, what type of items will you keep there?
How much space do you have? This will be one of the most important factors. Detached garages might require more space behind the home, while attached garages require a wider lot that has room beside the home.
Pros of an attached garage
- You can go directly into your house. This is a major advantage because you will avoid having to cross outside during rain, snow or freezing cold weather.
- An attached garage can make your home seem larger when seen from the street. This is an especially important consideration if you try to sell your home and you want to have a higher asking price.
- You can easily turn your garage into a leisure space, playroom or workshop. It could add to the living area of your home.
- Attached garages could be cheaper to build because one wall is already built.
Pros of a detached garage
Detached garages may seem less convenient because you have to go outside in order to enter your house. However, there are some important pros to consider too.
- With a detached garage, you will not have to worry about fumes entering your home, and you will not have to worry about gas, oil and other flammable materials being stored right next to your living space.
- You can create extra work space or add on to your garage if it is detached. If you want to add room for another car, for example, a detached garage is a better option. Attached garages do not have as much space to expand.
- Security is another reason to get a detached garage. Thieves often enter homes through the garage because access is easier. With a detached garage, this is not an issue.
Other questions to ask yourself
Have you had a garage in the past? What kind was it? What were the drawbacks and positives? Ask the same questions to friends and family and don’t forget to get input from your spouse or from anyone else who will use the garage.
If you would like to hear about other people’s garage experiences, you can visit the discussion forum on HOUZZ.
What will it cost?
These articles can give you an idea about the costs of garages.
- The cost of an attached garage
- The cost of a detached garage
No matter the type of garage, you will need a quality door
You will always need a quality garage door, so feel free to contact us at 519-326-5888. You can also see samples at our showroom and get a detailed price quotation via email.
If you want to peruse door options and get inspiration for your garage project, visit our Design Centre or look through our image gallery.
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