Garages in general are such a versatile and winning feature of any property. They’re the unsung heroes of homeownership; the MVPs that never quite get the recognition they deserve. Whether used for added storage, custom living space, or keeping our automobiles safe and secure from the elements, they serve a myriad of purposes with style. And because you can choose to attach your garage to your home, or create a free-standing structure, the possibilities for personalization are virtually endless.
When choosing between attached vs detached garages, however, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Attached Garages
- PRO: Access is quick and convenient. With an attached garage, you can finish breakfast, grab a to-go cup, and head directly to your car without needing to worry about the weather conditions outdoors before you do.
- PRO: If you would like to add living space over the garage, you won’t have to jump through hoops for County approval.
- CON: If an intruder happens to breach your attached garage, access to your actual home is made so much more vulnerable.
- CON: If you do add living space above the garage, the floor may be colder and draftier. There may also be disruptive noise should the garage door open and close when someone is trying to sleep.
Detached Garages
- PRO: A detached garage can add a definite separate living structure.
- PRO: The addition of a separate carriage-style garage with dormers and living space above can add a grand statement to your home and your property. (Tip: By adding a breezeway connecting your house to your detached garage, the garage will be considered attached, and permitting will be smooth and less costly.)
- CON: Permitting is more difficult and costly and you will need a sizable piece of property to build within the restriction lines.
- CON: Additional utility lines are required. Without your home’s power to draw from, you will need to supply your detached garage with its own electrical wiring, heating and cooling system, and sewer system.
Be careful. There is a lot of bad information on the Internet surrounding attached vs. detached garages. For example, if you were to Google “How much will it cost to build a detached garage with living space?” you might receive an answer of $30,000 to $40,000. Numbers like these prompt so many people to call contractors for an estimate under the impression that they could add a detached garage with living space for this price. It may be helpful to think about what it’s like to build a house. If you look at the garage area as being the basement space, and the finished area above being the house itself, you can begin to understand the scope. Looking at it this way, you can see that the budgets turning up in a Google search can be very misleading. Make sure you have someone on hand for those garage door repairs, as well.
Cossentino & Sons has collaborated with homeowners on all kinds of additions, and we can help you build the custom garage of your dreams. Get started today. Call 410-442-0000 to speak to a team member.