Detached vs. Attached: Which Garage is Best for You?

Detached garage vs. attached garage. It's a building dilemma that any homeowner thinking about adding a new garage has to consider. There are benefits and drawbacks to both designs, so the real question you need to ask yourself is which design is going to be best for your particular needs. Take a look at reasons for and against these two common designs to help you decide which garage style is the one you've been looking for.

Shape of Your Lot
Believe it or not, the shape of the lot you're planning to build on may help make your decision an easy one. A narrow lot that stretches far back towards an alley is a natural fit for a detached garage. On the other hand, a detached garage can swallow up a big chunk of your existing yard. Building an attached garage instead might be the difference between filling up your lot with a detached model, and still having a yard for your kids and pets to enjoy when all the building is done.

What Are You Going To Use Your Detached Garage For?
Beyond the practical considerations of your property, also be honest about what you plan to use your garage for. If your main goal is to avoid having to trump through rain and snow to get to your vehicle on inclement mornings, then an attached garage with direct access to your home is definitely the way to go. If you're wanting to set up that wood or auto shop you've always wanted, then a detached garage can offer more space and privacy than a garage attached directly to the house. Finally, attached models can present safety hazards if you store a lot fuel, paints, stains or other materials that put off harmful fumes. Storing them in a detached garage means you won't have to worry about those chemicals leaking into your home.

What Will Fit Your Home Best?
Another thing to consider when deciding between a detached or an attached model is the style, age, and condition of your current home (and those in your neighborhood). Attached models are relatively new in the world of homebuilding. If you've got an older or historical home, an attached garage is going to look forced and out of place. The awkward look may draw ire from your neighbors as well if you live in an area where older homes are the norm. In such cases it's almost always wiser to build a detached garage instead. The presence of alleys and other access points in older neighborhoods also makes a detached garage a good choice in these areas.

Thoughts on Building
Finally, think about how substantial of a building project you're ready for. An attached garage is really just a large home addition. You'll be adding quite a bit to your structure, but your contractor will also be able to utilize pre-existing walls in the construction process and maybe save you a little money. A detached garage is more akin to building a small house from scratch, including digging out and pouring a foundation, and then building your new garage from the ground up. It's a little bigger project, though you will have a little more leeway as far as designing everything exactly how you want it.