In this blog we would like to look at some different garage types and their uses. What they are, their benefits and disadvantages, and most of all what it means for YOU, the garage owner. First a few interesting facts from Colorado Sheds.
From a Carriage Barn to the Modern Garage
In the early years of the horseless carriage, many of these contraptions were stored in carriage barns, the precursor to the modern garage. Of course, the original carriage that was stored in these buildings was of the variety WITH a horse, which many times meant the horse was also living within that building. As time went on those who could afford carriages of the horseless variety disliked the smell and dirt that went with animals and opted to build separate buildings for their prized motorized carriages! Thus, the garage was born.
Did You Know That Garages are “French”?
The word “garage” originates from the French word “garer”, which simply means shelter. Early garages were also called “motor houses”. Many garages from before 1914 were prefabricated and were normally styled to match the house and its locale. Most early garages were of timber construction and few have survived. Many musical bands started their careers in a garage, and businesses were started from these humble beginnings as well.
No More Smelly Cars!
Early on the grease and dirt of these motorized monstrosities we now simply know as cars made it very undesirable to have the garage close to the living quarters, so the first garages were generally far removed from the dwelling, though at times they were attached to other outbuildings. As time went on and vehicles became more common (and perhaps less smelly) the building to house them was many times attached to the primary dwelling place.
What is an attached garage?
Many houses built in recent decades have garages “built on” or built at the time the house was constructed. This type of garage is, as the name states, attached to the home with a doorway into the main house from the garage itself. This is the most convenient garage for those living in cold weather areas since it eliminates the need to walk through rain, wind, snow, or other inclement weather. However, some think this type of garage takes away from the character of the house since most times it is somewhat separate from the main roof line. Many times, it will look a bit like an afterthought; a separate building stuck onto the main building. With an attached garage you are limited in style and you’re stuck with what you have!
Attached Garage Distinct Feature(s)
- Attached to a house
- A doorway connects both buildings
Advantages:
Here are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of attached garages:
- Eliminates exposure to harsh weather
- Convenient and direct access from garage to house
Disadvantages:
- May detract from the character of the house
- Limited in style
- Not easily customizable
- Car fumes etc. can easy drift into the house
When to Choose an Attached Garage
Often when we go to purchase a home, the attached garage may already be there. So, you will not have much choice in that situation. However, if you are looking to add a garage to your property, an attached garage might be right for you, if…
- Your homeowner’s association allows for only this type of garage.
- You have a disability where easy access from car to house is ideal.
- The attached garage style suits your personal taste best.
What Is an Integral Garage?
An integral garage is much like an attached garage except for having much more thought put into the aesthetics of the entire house. It is basically an attached garage that is built within the parameters of the main house, using design techniques more pleasing to the eye than simply attaching another building to the existing one.
One of the disadvantages of both an attached garage and an integral garage is also one of its strong points. The doorway into the home adjacent to the garage. This connection can allow unwanted fumes and smells to enter the main house. Preventing this kind of unpleasant experience can be as simple as making sure the doors entering the house are well-sealed and airtight. A little weather stripping goes a long way!
Integral Garage Distinct Feature(s)
- Attached to your home with extra care to detail, aesthetics, and within the same design techniques.
- Permanent Structures
Advantages:
- Eliminates exposure to inclement weather
- Easy and convenient access from garage to home
- Prioritizes aesthetically enhancing and complementing your home.
Disadvantages:
- Car fumes etc. can easily drift into the home
- Not ideal if one desires work on a “loud” hobby due to how integrated the garage is within the house.
When to Choose an Integral Garage
This type of garage is also more commonly built into the home prior to purchase. However, if you are looking to add a garage to your property, an integral garage might be right for you if…
- You want an attached garage to be as aesthetically complementary to your home as possible.
- You desire or need the easy and convenient access provided by the adjacent door.
- Your homeowner’s association allows for only this type of garage.
What is a semi-detached, or breezeway garage?
A semi-detached or breezeway garage in many ways has all the benefits of an attached or integral garage without the downside. With a breezeway connecting the garage to the house proper inclement weather is literally an outside problem. A breezeway garage can easily be added to an existing house and allows you to be creative especially if you get a prefab garage builder to design your garage to your taste. Imagine, a Cape Cod style, with a story on top of the garage itself, where you can build your dream man cave. Best of all the nasty smells and fumes are far enough from the house itself that they pose no problem.
Semi-detached, Breezeway Garages Distinct Feature(s)
- They are connected to the house by a breezeway (connecting walkway, enclosed or semi-enclosed)
- There is no direct connection between garage and your home
- Permanent Structures
Advantages:
- Removes the possibility for fumes or carbon monoxide to drift into the home
- Provides protection from unpleasant or cold weather
- Maintains easy and convenient access from garage to the house
Disadvantages:
- More expensive garage route
- Requires more of your property’s space
- May be difficult to incorporate into your current home’s setup and property
When to Choose a Semi-Attached, or Breezeway Garage
Basically, if you want the best of both worlds, owning an attached garage, without literally being attached! Also choose this type of garage if…
- You want to avoid the potential dangers of car fumes.
- You want or need easy and convenient access from the garage to the house
- The breezeway garage attracts the ideal aesthetics of all your property’s buildings
What is a detached garage?
A detached garage has no connection to the house. This, of course, means carrying groceries through the rain or delightful Colorado snow at times! However, detached garages offer a standalone structure that can not only effectively house your car(s) but offer an additional space for workshops, such as woodworking, etc. Thanks to the fact that detached garages are unattached structures, the noise of cars and woodworking adventures disappears before reaching your house. Detached garages can be built anywhere on one’s property.
Detached Garage Distinct Feature(s)
- Completely unattached from your home
- Permanent structures
Advantages:
- Eliminates ALL potential for car fumes etc. to drift into the home
- Eliminates all car noises and workshop racket from disturbing your home’s peace
- Flexibility in location
- Provides an opportunity for versatile buildings (your garage can add a uniqueness of its own)
- Provides a chance to enjoy the fresh air during transition from car to house
Disadvantages:
- Requires exposure to unpleasant weather conditions
- Less convenient access from garage to the house
- Detracts from the desire for a singular conglomeration of your property’s buildings
When to Choose a Detached Garage
A detached garage may be the best fit for you if…
- You want to avoid all potential for dangerous car fumes creeping into your house.
- The idea of a separate building suits your visual fancy.
- You want to avoid the noise of your favorite hobby or vehicles.
- You enjoy getting the occasional fresh air that comes from your garage to house commute.
What is a prefab detached garage?
When you think prefab garage you may think of a small, cheaply built, and nonpermanent structure. However, if you go with a reputable prefab garage builder, the opposite is true. Prefab detached garages are built with high quality materials and with detailed, skilled craftsmanship. They can also be permanent structures. There are many prefab garages available not only in one car styles, but two, three, and even four! Double-Wide, attic, and even two-story prefab detached garages are readily available from a reputable garage builder right here in the Colorado Springs area. Endless, personal customization opportunities is also available with prefab detached garages.
To learn even more about prefab garages, read our blog on the subject!
Or read up on our portable garage sheds.
Prefab Detached Garage Distinct Feature(s)
- Standalone structures
- Permanent and mobile capabilities
- Pre-built
Advantages:
• One of the most affordable garage types
• Can be transportable if necessary or desired
• Eliminates ALL potential car fumes etc. from drifting into the home
• Eliminates unnecessary or bothersome noises from your vehicles or “loud” hobbies
• Flexibility in property location
• Provides a chance to get fresh air
• Endless Customization available
• Best option for an extra workshop or hobby space
Disadvantages:
• Causes exposure to unpleasant weather conditions
• Less convenient transition from garage to the house
• Some homeowner’s associations may restrict this type of garage
• Can be less durable (this really depends on whether you go with a reputable garage builder or not)
When to Choose a Prefab Detached Garage
A prefab detached garage may be the pick for you if…
- You want a more affordable option for a high-quality garage.
- You want special and unique customization options.
- You want to dedicate a second space for a workshop, home business, or expanding hobby.
What is a carport garage?
Carport garages are the most economically priced metal structures that will protect your vehicle from inclement weather. Although your choices are more limited than with a prefab detached garage, if you want to pinch your pennies this garage may be for you! They are even available in larger sizes for RV’s and similarly sized vehicles. While normally we think of carports as having only a protective roof, carport garages can be customized with open or enclosed sides.
Carport Garage Distinct Feature(s)
- Simple, yet durable structures commonly built with just a protective roof
- Pre-built
Advantages:
- Most affordable vehicle protection
- Customization available for addition of enclosed sides
- Variety of special color and style customization available
- Provides sufficient protection for RVs and large vehicles
Disadvantages:
- Requires exposure to harsh weather during commute to the house
- Less available choices than prefab detached garages
- Can provide less protection from weather (if you choose a carport with only a roof)
When to Choose a Carport Garage
They say money speaks…so it is quite possible that this is best fit for you if…
- You need the most affordable option for a garage.
- All you need is basic protection for your vehicle or RV.
Open the Door to Your Favorite Garage
There you have it, folks! We covered all the main garage types along with their distinctions, pros, cons, and when they might be the best choice.
The “garages are now in your court”!
Which garage is for you? You decide!
Or…Partner with Colorado Shed Company for a prefab detached garage of your dreams!
View our current storage shed styles or all our available sheds for sale:
