Attached vs. Detached Garage
When building a home, you must decide if your garage will be attached or detached. There are a number of considerations to take into account when making that decision. Design specifications, intended use, code requirements, cost, health considerations of air filtration from the garage into the home, and city bylaws are just some of the major items to think about. We will explore these areas in this short article. If you want more information, the websites listed at the end of this article can provide you with additional detail.
Design Specifications:
Attached garages normally complement the exterior design of your home, but you will need to make decisions,.such as, garage size, single or multiple garage doors, garage door openers, number and location of electrical outlets, central vacuum outlet, telephone outlet, amount of storage space, and lighting -- especially if you incorporate a work area.
Detached garages have the same considerations as above; plus a few more. You must ensure that the exterior design of your detached garage compliment your home. You must locate the detached garage on your lot so as to afford the best access to and from your home and the street. And, you must consider utilities, such as electrical and telephone, which need to be placed in protective conduits.
Intended Use:
Most garages, attached or detached, are used to park the homeowner’s vehicles, for yard storage, and possibly will include a work area. If you plan on automobile maintenance or major hobbies, then these will affect your decison on the type of garage you select.
Code Requirements:
The majority of cities and towns in North America have developed building code requirements covering the construction of attached and detached garages. The reader is strongly encouraged to check with his local officials for code and permit requirements. Also, there may be subdivision deed restrictions that affect your decision. Generally, your builder can assist you with requirements, permits, and restrictions.
Cost of your Garage:
There are many factors which affect the cost of your garage.
If you employ a general contractor, he will manage the construction of your attached garage. However, to save money, you may opt to have the contractor build your home and handle the construction of a detached garage yourself.
If so, you will need quotes for excavation, form setting, concrete, carpentry, roofing, electrical, siding and any masonry, etc. When taking on a project yourself to save money, always consider the value or your time and the aggravation involved. Also, an attached garage can reduce your construction cost, since one or perhaps two of the walls will be common to the interior walls of your home.
Health Considerations:
Attached garages have a health consideration that is not generally found with detached garages. Studies have shown that fumes from various items can infiltrate the home from an attached garage. For example, automobile exhaust, fumes from gasoline for lawn snow equipment, and chemicals for gardens, etc. can find their way into the basement and main living areas of your home. If you are sensitive to pollutants, as most of us are, then this will be a major consideration when deciding on a detached vs. an attached garage.
Useful Resources:
