Attached or Detached: Which Garage Is Right for You?

If you own a home without a garage, chances are a garage or shed is on your wish list. The convenience of protecting vehicles from the weather, along with extra storage space for lawn equipment, tools and other items that don't belong in the home, cannot be understated. When it's time to make your wish a reality, one of the first decisions will be whether to construct an attached or detached garage. There are many factors to weigh before you decide which option is right for your home.

Benefits of an Attached Garage

An attached garage will add value to your home and may help with resale value. However, building codes for attached garages are generally stricter than those for detached structures, which can equal more cost and more difficulty obtaining a permit.

You should consider an attached garage if:

• Your lot size is large enough to accommodate the addition of an attached garage.
• The zoning codes and building regulations of your town, municipality and/or HOA will permit the addition of an attached garage.
• You want the convenience of being able to access the garage through your home.
• You want to be protected from inclement weather when walking from your home to the garage.
• You don't want to carry groceries and other items the distance from a detached garage to your house.

Benefits of a Detached Garage

LP^® ProStruct^® Floor with SmartFinish^® is not warranted for garage floor applications.

A detached garage can be a smart solution when you don't have room on your lot to add an attached garage, or you cannot obtain a building permit for the addition. Many lots are long and narrow, leaving only space behind the home for outdoor buildings.

You should consider a detached garage if:

• You need garage space but don't have room on your property to add an attached garage.
• You can't obtain a permit to build an attached garage due to zoning or other issues.
• You will be using the space as a workshop and need to keep noises from engines, machinery, tools, etc., away from your home.
• You want to use the garage as a she-shed, a “man cave” or similar escape for creative hobbies and relaxation away from the home.
• You are concerned that carbon monoxide and gas or chemical fumes from an attached garage could seep into your home.

Find the Structure That's Right for You

If you're considering the addition of a garage, take the time to research the pros and cons of attached and detached structures. If you determine that a detached garage is the best option for you, talk to your local LP shed dealer. LP^® Outdoor Building Solutions^® engineered wood products can be combined in virtually endless ways to create outdoor buildings that complement any home. Get inspired, then visit a shed dealer to find the structure that fits your style!