What Are The Different Types Of Garages For Residence?

The garage is one of the best things a homeowner can add to a home as far as home additions go. It offers security and shelter to vehicle(s). What’s more? The garage can also serve other purposes, from acting as a storage room for tools and heavy equipment to using it as a workshop or leisure time area.

However, it can be overwhelming to decide which type of garage to build in your home since there are different types of garages. Each type has its own benefits, drawbacks, and distinct characteristics, so it is important to do thorough research first before deciding.

To help out, I will do a rundown on the different types of garages, highlighting the pros and cons of each. I will also answer other essential frequently asked questions related to the topic of interest. So, if this stirs your interest, read on!

Types of garages

1. Detached garage

Just as the name implies, a detached garage is a garage that is built separately from the home. In many instances, a detached garage is positioned very close to the home and still matches the home exterior. A detached garage is a good choice for homes that do not have a good access point for a garage door.

Pros

• Any noise originating from the garage will not reach the house
• It is an affordable option for homeowners on a tight budget
• It is easy to match the exterior design to the look of your home
• You can construct a detached garage even after building your home
• Can be built anywhere on the plot, front, back, side, you name it

Cons

• You have to leave the house to get in your garage, which is an issue to worry about in case of rain
• Not as safe as other types of garages, especially as you may be unable to hear any noise that originates from the garage while you are in the house
• May require an expensive building permit to add another structure to an already-built home
• May take up excessive yard space

2. Attached garage

From the explanation of the detached garage, I believe you can denote what an attached garage is. An attached garage is a garage that is built onto the side of a house. In most cases, it will have an adjoining door ensuring there is easy access to the garage without you having to go outside.

Pros

• Even if it is raining heavily, you do not have to get wet before entering your car
• Security is higher as you will be able to hear if your car alarm goes off
• You can store other working tools or equipment there
• Can raise the property value

Cons

• Greater fire risk
• Any noise originating from the garage might be an issue of worry for people living in the house
• May compromise the exterior appearance of the home
• Has to be secured properly else you give intruders direct access to your home

3. Portico or Breezeway garage

Striking a balance between the two above-mentioned types of garages is the portico or breezeway garage. It is a type of garage built separate from the house (just like a detached garage is) but joined via a walkway or an undercover area (making it look like an attached garage).

Pros

• You can walk between the home and the garage without getting wet
• Can be used as a dry spot to store outdoor items such as bicycles, muddy boots, and umbrellas
• Porticos can beautify your home, adding architectural interest to the home
• Safe space and climate-controlled area for you to utilize

Cons

• Breezeway garages are not the most cost-effective options; building one can cost a fortune
• The walkway and undercover area added to the garage can occupy more space and funnel access or views

4. Workshop Garage

If you are a DIY enthusiast who enjoys working on various projects, from renovating furniture to tweaking cars, then a workshop garage makes perfect sense. It allows you to use your tools and get messy without having to go outside or disturb the neighbors at any point in time.

Pros

• Can be used as a garage and also a workshop
• A lot of extra space that can be used for storing repair tools, heavy types of machinery, and other outdoor equipment

Cons

• Workshop garages are often noisy since they are used as workshops also
• Can be a very expensive addition to the home
• Running a workshop in your home can increase the utility bill

5. Carport or portable garage

A carport or portable garage is not like the traditional garage but they do serve the same primary purpose of storing cars. It is a temporary structure that is mostly constructed by the side of a house. The exterior wall of the home forms one wall of the carport. The other support will be made up of corner posts supporting a roof.

Pros

• Portable and simple
• Very cost-effective
• Since it is a temporary structure, you do not need to commit to a permanent structure for the garage

Cons

• Cannot be used for other activities
• Not really 100% safe
• Doesn’t protect your care from the elements
• Does not add value to the property

Types of garage layouts

A garage can also be categorized by its dimension, otherwise known as layout. Some of the different garage layouts are:

1. Single-bay garage

Single-bay garages are very popular among single-family homes or families with limited space on their properties. Basically, a single-bay garage is built to fit one car comfortably with limited space for storage. It would be very difficult to have a workshop in a single-bay garage unless you end up leaving your car in the driveway.

Pros

• Very space-efficient, suitable for homeowners with limited property space
• Budget-friendly
• The side space and hung shelves could still be used to store other items
• Portable and sleek aesthetics

Cons

• Space limitations if you which to get more out of your garage
• Cannot be used to store heavy outdoor items such as lawnmowers
• Cannot hold more than one car
• Might end up looking too clustered

2. Double-width garage

Double-width garages also go by many names: double-width, double-wide, double garage, and double-wide 2-door garage. This type of garage is designed to carry either one car (small or large, like an SUV) with the remaining space as a workshop or carry two cars with ample space for storage.

Pros

• Can be used to store one vehicle and equipment or 2 vehicles and a few pieces of equipment
• Easier to use regardless of the size of your car
• The double door makes it easier to access

Cons

• Expensive
• Take up more space on the property

3. Double length garage

A double-length garage is very similar to a double-width garage, but instead of being twice as wide, it is twice as long. It is narrow, with enough room in the back to hold another car. But they aren’t too popular because you have to drive the first car out before you can drive the second. For this reason, many families end up using the deep end as storage instead.

Pros

• Can hold up to two cars
• Enough space can be used to store gardening equipment and other outdoor equipment
• A good choice to maximize space if your property has the length but not the width
• Perfect if you wish to have a workshop and a garage together

Cons

• Costly
• Since it’s narrow, you will have to drive the first car out before you can drive the other at the deep end; this is a thing of worry if you are in a hurry

3. 3-car garage

A 3-car garage is exactly what it sounds like – a garage that can hold up to 3 cars. It is built to be 3 bays wide, with different options when it comes to the door of the garage. You can have either 3 single doors, a double door, and a single door, or just one very wide door. It is the right choice if you have multiple cars and adequate space on your property.

Pros

• Very versatile, can hold 3 cars or 2 with enough space for storing equipment or used as a workspace
• It is a great way to utilize property space
• The difference in price between a 3 car garage and a double width garage is very little
• Even if you do not have up to 3 cars, you will still have space to move your car(s) comfortably without the risk of scratch

Cons

• Although the cost is almost similar to the cost of a double-width garage, it is still a costly option

FAQs

What is the most common garage layout?

The double-width or 2-car garage is the most common type of garage.

What is the cheapest type of garage layout to build?

The cheapest type of garage to build is the single-bay garage, although you will not have ample space for storage.

Can you have a garage and workshop together?

Yes, you can. You can simply have a workshop garage built during construction; it carries enough room for a car and a workshop.

Should garages be insulated?

Yes, they should. Having your garage properly insulated bears many benefits, especially if it is an attached garage. For example, it serves as a firewall, stopping the spread of fire from the garage to the main house.

Conclusion – Types of garages

The garage is a very important structure for homeowners, whether they even own a car or not. It serves as a shelter for cars and heavy equipment. It is also used as a workplace to tinker around during the weekends or free days.

If you are a new or potential homeowner, it is important you know all the types of garages available to you. This guide has outlined some of the very best and most common, along with their pros, cons, and distinct characteristics. I believe you should be able to decide which works best with your needs.

I hope you found this article helpful. After having your garage built, you will benefit a lot from having it appropriately insulated. You should also see this article on Home Insulation to know the best type.

Thanks for reading.