Photo by Binyamin MellishOriginally Posted On : https://www.scrapality.com/2021/02/the-common-types-of-garages-for-homes.html
In the U.S., roughly 63% of homes and apartments have a garage of some sort. A home is most likely to have a garage if it’s a new build or it’s located in the Midwest or the West.
A garage protects your vehicle from the elements and gives you extra storage space. It’s no wonder why garages are such a desirable home feature.
The trouble is, a garage can take many different forms. In fact, there are nearly as many different types of garages as there are styles of homes.
Luckily, we can help you learn about your garage options. Whether you want to build a garage or you’re hunting for a new home, read on to learn about the kinds of garages you can choose from.
Detached Garage
A detached garage sits away from your house. You’ll often find detached garages behind the house. They can range in size from one stall to four stalls.
You also have two options for driveway placement. You can add a driveway to the front of your home where you’ll drive past your home to get to the garage. If your home is on an alley, you’ll need to place your driveway off the alley.
If you’re adding a garage to your home, detached garages are often cheaper to build since they won’t affect the structure of your home. Plus, you can build them at any time. They’re also more private which makes them the ideal choice for a workshop, home gym, or office space.
The downside is you’ll need to walk outside to get to your house, which can be annoying during inclement weather.
Attached Garage
Think of an attached garage as an annex to your home. Once you park your car, you just need to walk through the door to enter your home. The attached garages are more convenient than detached ones, which is why they’re so popular among homeowners.
The attached garages can also range from one-car to four-car garages. It just depends on your budget and the size of your lot.
Keep in mind that attached garages can be cold. Since they’re attached to the house, they can affect the temperature of your home. But, an easy solution is to install insulation in the walls and ceiling of the garage.
Compared to a detached garage, attached garages are more difficult to add to an existing home. That’s why they’re typically built at the same time as the house.
Portico Garage
If you’re looking for a happy medium between a detached and an attached garage, consider a portico garage. It’s technically a detached garage, but it connects to your home with a breezeway.
You have the option to enclose the breezeway or leave it a covered walkway. Enclosing it will cost more money, but you’ll be protected from the elements and you’ll have a built-in mudroom.
Workshop Garage
A workshop garage is a great option for the home hobbyist. Keep in mind that you can turn any garage into a workshop. All you need is a workbench, shelving, and a place to store your tools.
But, if you want workshop space, know that you might have to give up a parking space. If that’s the case, look for a garage with an extra stall. For example, if you have two cars, you’d need a three-car garage to accommodate your workshop.
If you want a workshop to do mechanic work, opt for a garage with multiple bays and separate garage doors. You’ll also want to invest in high-quality garage floors, whether you choose garage tiles or an epoxy coating.
If you’re in need of a workshop garage for a home business, it might be wise to use a detached garage instead. Not only will you get more space and privacy, but detached garages are also often cheaper to insure than attached ones.
Apartment Garage
Another garage option is the apartment garage. This structure features a garage on the lower level with an apartment above or next to it. They’re most commonly detached garages.
Since you can rent out the apartment to a tenant, many homeowners use these garage apartments as a way to offset costs. If you’re looking for a way to get garage space while gaining rental property, this is a great option.
You can either hire a professional contractor to build the structure for you or order a kit and have them assemble it. Building a garage from scratch will give you more customization options but it will cost more.
Since it uses vertical space, a garage apartment is a great way to add rental property without losing square footage. You’ll get double duty from the foundation which will also save you money.
Carports
One of the most affordable kinds of garages is the carport. A carport is like a garage but without walls. Think of it as a roof for your car.
If you live in a warmer climate and have a limited budget, a carport can be a great option. You’ll prevent weather damage to your car at a fraction of the price of building a complete garage.
Carports can also be a great solution for larger items you need to store like boats or RVs. Plus, it’s cheaper to build a taller carport than it is a full garage. You can store these large items on your own property without the huge cost of building a custom garage.
You can also use carports as shelter for outdoor parties. Set up a table and chairs and a grill and you have an instant party space. You’ll get a nice breeze while enjoying the shade.
Expand Your Home with One of These Types of Garages
As a homeowner, there are so many different types of garages to choose from. Whether you need a workshop, a convenient attached garage, apartment rental space, or a simple carport, there’s a garage-type for you.
Think of what you need and want from your garage and choose a model that fits your budget.
