Detached vs. attached garages

For the majority of homeowners, their automobiles constitute their second-largest investments and assets. As such, it is very important to protect this asset from the weather elements, as well as keep it securely. One of the best ways to achieve the aforementioned is to construct a garage to house your asset. Whether you are building a new garage or renovating an existing one, it is essential to know the difference between an attached and detached garage. After carefully scrutinising detached vs. attached garages will get a better picture of the right fit for your needs.

Detached vs. attached garages

An attached garage is a carport that is connected or attached to your home. As such, an attached garage shares at least one wall with your property. In addition, an attached garage features direct access into the house. Detached garages, on the other hand, are not connected to your home. As a free-standing structure, a detached garage can be in close proximity to your home or can be situated at a distance from the house.

The benefits of attached garages

Convenience

Possibly the greatest benefit of an attached garage is convenience. To start with an attached garage is an extension of the house and as such, it is relatively easy to access the garage from the house. Moreover, you are safe and protected from harsh weather elements.

Cost

Secondly, the cost is also another factor that requires careful scrutiny. With an attached garage you can save money in the construction and renovation. This is due to the fact that an attached garage shares one or more existing walls with the house. This implies that an attached garage is an extension of the existing structure and not a new build from scratch.

Multi-functional

Another great benefit of an attached garage is that it can also be used for multiple other purposes. An attached garage can be used as extra storage especially where you have space constraints. In addition, an attached garage can also be used as a miniature workshop for various projects.

The setbacks of attached garages

Security

One of the major disadvantages of attached garages is security. Attached garages draw intruders closer to your home than with a free-standing garage. Consider this: intruders might break-in to your detached garage and get away with what is in there. However, if they break into an attached garage then there are literary a door away from entering your home.

Zoning

Another major setback with attached garages Is zoning laws. Sometimes it can be quite difficult and costly to attain the approval and permits to erect an attached garage.

Space

Due to space constraints, particularly in urban areas, the construction of an attached garage might not be possible. The layout of the existing structure is also something that might not permit for the addition of an attached garage.

Health

Having an attached garage exponentially increases our chances of inhaling and breathing in carbon monoxide, fuel, and oil fumes. In addition, if you store pesticides and other dangerous chemicals in your attached garage then these can also be inhaled. Needless to say, all these scenarios could be detrimental to our health and have long-term health implications.

The benefits of detached garages

Storage

A detached garage, just like an attached garage, can also be used as extra storage space. You can use your free-standing garage for the storage of household goods, tools and equipment.

Expansion

When it comes to detached garages, it is much easier to expand and make an alteration to the structure as compared to an attached garage. A detached garage can also be used to maximise the use of yard space in comparison to an attached garage.

Safety

With detached garages, exhaust fumes and other dangerous fumes will not seep into your home. This is probably one of the biggest drawbacks of an attached garage.

Expansion

Space and financial resources permitting, it is much easier to acquire zoning permits and make alterations to a detached garage than to an attached garage.

The setbacks of detached garages

Inconvenience

Depending on the location of your free-standing garage accessing it may be a huge inconvenience especially when the weather is not conducive. If it is raining, windy, or extremely cold then you have to battle the weather elements to access your car.

Utilities

Unlike an attached garage which draws utilities from the main structure, a detached garage will need separate utilities installed. Obviously, this will not be a cheap exercise and will come with a hefty price tag.

Lastly, remember that as you construct a detached garage it will eat away at your valuable landscape and reduce the aesthetics of your yard.

In the end, both an attached and a free-standing garage serve the same purpose. Their role is to provide a covered spot to park your vehicle. In addition, both garage types are essential to add a bit more storage space. However, your choice will primarily depend on your location, space available, property layout, budget, and your needs. As you undertake the construction of either an attached or detached garage remember to build storage into your plan and factor in security.

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