Surprisingly, garages aren’t something builders automatically include with a new construction. The reason a home may not have a garage varies, but the problem is the same. You have a vehicle you want to protect from the elements, and this means you have a safe place to park.
Carports are an option, but you have your heart set on a garage. This means deciding between an attached or detached garage. We’re exploring the differences between attached and detached garages, so you’re in a better position to choose the right one for your needs.
Reasons to Choose an Attached Garage
An attached garage is precisely what its name implies. The garage is attached to the house. Typically, the home and garage share a wall. This is usually true even when the garage is erected after the house. The primary reason homeowners choose attached garages is for convenience.
You can enter the garage directly from your home and vice versa. If it’s raining, snowing, or freezing outside, you don’t have to deal with the weather just to access your vehicle. Carrying groceries and other stuff into the house from your car is also easier in an attached garage. Some other reasons to go with an attached garage can include some or all of the following.
Storage Space
Attached garages typically come with more storage space than detached structures. When a garage is attached to the house, the roof typically comes with an attic truss. If the garage doesn’t have an attic truss in its original design, it’s pretty easy to add one. An attic truss is simply some beams stretching out underneath the roof.
These beams are ideal for holding boxes and other similar-sized items. Just imagine what you can do with the freed-up space inside your home. Since the items are stored off of the floor you don’t need to worry about issues like water damage. Pests may find it a little harder to get to your storage items when they’re up in the attic truss.
Cost-Effective
Erecting a garage isn’t cheap. The average cost for a single-car garage is around $20,000. To cover the cost of a new garage, some homeowners may need to take out a loan. You can significantly cut down on costs by erecting an attached garage. Remember, an attached garage typically shares a wall with the house. This means less materials and labor, which can lower overall construction costs.
Not only can going with an attached garage reduce your costs, but it can also increase your property’s value. When it’s time to sell your home, your attached garage can be the difference between getting your asking price or having to negotiate with potential buyers.
Potential Downsides of Attached Garages
Even though attached garages have plenty of hard-to-beat advantages, there can be potential downsides. Since the garage is attached to your home, it can be a security concern. Thieves usually have an easier time getting inside a garage than a home’s front door.
Once thieves are in the garage, usually, only a thin door separates them from the rest of the house. Installing a robust home security system can help mitigate this potential downside.
Another potential disadvantage is you really can’t make additions to an attached garage. For example, you want to expand your one-car garage to a structure capable of holding multiple vehicles. You’re probably going to need to knock down most of the existing structure, and this can be expensive. Then there’s the cost of erecting a larger attached garage.
The best way of avoiding this potential issue is to plan for any future vehicle additions in the garage’s initial design. Even if you don’t need the extra space right away, it’s there when you add another vehicle.
Reasons to Choose a Detached Garage
Detached garages are structures separate from the house. In other words, a detached garage doesn’t share a wall with the home. Detached garages can be set behind a home or off to the side. Every now and then, you can find a detached garage in front of a home, but it’s rare primarily because a garage sitting in front of a house tends to look a little weird.
Some detached garages are sort of connected to the house via a covered walkway. However, this is usually considered an add-on. This means you pay extra to have the covered walkway installed. Here’s a look at a few reasons why you may want to choose a detached garage over an attached structure.
Limited Security Concerns
Since the garage is a separate structure, home security is slightly improved. If thieves break into the garage, they’re still not any closer to getting inside your home. A home security system is usually enough to deter would-be thieves, like for a security system that uses features like motion sensors to spotlight anyone getting too close to the garage.
You don’t even need to call out the professionals to install the security system. You can go with a less expensive option like the Ring security system or one of their competitors. You only pay for what you need to protect your property. Installation is also a breeze. You can easily tackle the installation in an hour or so.
Flexibility
Since the garage isn’t sharing a wall with your house, you have more flexibility when you want to make modifications. This also means it’s a little cheaper compared to modifying an attached garage. If you need more storage space, you can expand the length, width, or both. You also have more flexibility on where the garage is located. This can be a bonus for homeowners on narrow plots.
Potential Downsides of Detached Garages
Detached garages are usually more expensive since you’re erecting four walls. Convenience can also be a downside. Even with a covered walkway, you’re still braving the elements. On a chilly morning, the short walk to your car can be a nightmare. Carrying stuff inside or out to the garage can also be difficult on windy days.
Hopefully, this comparison makes it a little easier for you to decide if you want to go with an attached or detached garage. Remember, there are both advantages and some downsides, so consider your needs before making a decision.
