In the past, detached garages were the only type homeowners had. It wasn’t until the 70s and 80s that attached garages started gaining popularity.
Eventually, the detached garage nearly died out. However, it’s been making a comeback during the last couple of years and is now a viable option.
If you’re building a garage on your property, you have an important decision approaching. Should you build an attached or detached garage?
Deciding On the Right Type of Garage
Choosing the right type of garage is important, and more goes into the decision than you think. Use the following list to make the most efficient decision regarding your new garage.
What Will the Space Be Used For?
You need to predict what you’ll use the garage for the most. Will you actually use the garage for parking, or will you use it for something else? Many people build their garages solely for storage, and some use them as an extension of the home as a hosting area or additional living space.
Deciding on what you’ll use the space for allows you to move on with additional details of the project.
Will the Area Require Insulation for Heating/Air Conditioning?
If you’re going to need your garage to have heating and air conditioning available, you’ll probably want to have it attached to your home. You certainly can heat and cool a detached garage, but this means installing a whole new unit if you want central heat and air. Otherwise, you’ll have to use portable air conditioners or window units and space heaters.
If the garage doesn’t need heat or air, a detached version might be a better idea. When your garage gets super hot or cold, these temperatures can seep into the main area of your home and wreak havoc on your utility bills.
Sizing
How big of an area do you need the garage to be? If you need the standard, run-of-the-mill garage for a car and a little storage, an attached garage should be just fine.
However, if you’re planning a massive space for storing multiple vehicles and toys, or a large hosting area, a detached garage is a better idea. You’ll likely run into construction limitations if you build an attached garage.
Answering these questions will lead you to the best decision for your new garage. Basically, it comes down to a few simple elements – usage, energy, and size. When you figure these three out, you’ll have an answer for the best type of garage for you and your family.
