Freestanding Garage vs Attached Garage vs Built In Garage: What’s Right for You?
When choosing between an attached garage vs built in garage vs a detached garage, where do you even start? Each style brings unique benefits and trade-offs regarding convenience, space, and cost.
At Conowingo Builders, we help homeowners navigate these choices every day, ensuring the final structure perfectly complements your lifestyle and property. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between these popular garage styles so you can feel confident making the right choice.
Ready to explore the ideal garage for your home? Let’s dive in!
Comparing Attached and Detached Garages Next to House
The fundamental difference lies in where the garage sits in relation to your main house. Attached garages and built in garages are a part of your main house, while freestanding garages and detached garages next to your house are totally independent structures. See the full comparison below:
Attached Garages (Including Built-In)
An attached garage is connected directly to your home, typically sharing a wall and providing direct access into the house. A built-in garage is a specific type of attached garage, often located underneath living space, making it a seamless part of the home’s footprint. They are typically not added after the home is built, as they would take away livable square footage.
- Convenience: The undisputed champion of convenience, attached garages don’t running through the rain or cold to get into your car or bring in groceries.
- Security: Direct entry often feels more secure, and the garage is integrated into the home’s security system.
- Noise and Fumes: Noise from the garage (like a rumbling engine or power tools) can transfer into the main living areas. Fumes from chemicals or exhaust, though minimized with proper ventilation, are also a risk.
- Limited Design: The garage’s size and placement are often dictated by the home’s existing footprint, which can limit your design options.
- Sacrificed Square Footage: If the garage is built-in, it takes up valuable ground-level space that could otherwise be living area, like a family room or home office.
Detached Garages Next to House (Freestanding Garage)
A detached garage, also known as a freestanding garage, is a completely separate structure, set apart from the main home.
- Noise and Fume Isolation: By separating the structures, you completely isolate noise, car exhaust, and chemical smells from your living space—a major plus for workshops or for sensitive occupants.
- Design Freedom: A freestanding garage offers incredible flexibility in design, size, and style. You can build up (add an apartment or office above) or out (a deep bay for an RV) without altering your main house.
- Ideal for Larger Lots: Detached garages are a great choice for homeowners with more land who don’t want to sacrifice square footage in their home. You can maximize your home’s size and footprint while using your yard space for the garage.
- Safety: Storing flammables (like gasoline or paint) away from the house is inherently safer, protecting your belongings and your family.
- Can Be Less Convenient: You have to walk outside to access it, but a well-designed breezeway can mitigate this.
Attached garages vs built-in garages vs detached garages next to house: When comparing all three, freestanding garages often prove to be the best choice. They can be any size, keep unwanted fumes and chemicals away from your home, and can be utilized for multiple purposes. Click below to learn more:
Learn More about Detached Garages
Find a Freestanding Garage Design for Your Needs
One of the great features of a freestanding garage is the opportunity to design a space that’s truly multi-functional without the worry of disturbing life inside your home. When working with Conowingo Builders, the possibilities are vast.
- Woodshop
- Art Studio
- Home Gym
- Home Office
- “Man Cave” or “She Shed”
- Guest Suite
- Entertainment Center
- Dedicated Storage
With multiple floors and plenty of square footage, the options are limitless. No matter the intended use, a detached garage allows for a completely specialized design that is often impossible with an attached structure.
Let’s Build the Perfect Detached Garage Next to Your House
At Conowingo Builders, we specialize in giving homeowner’s the perfect garage a reality. Our focus is always on quality craftsmanship and making the construction process seamless and stress-free for you.
We’ll design a freestanding garage that matches your style, budget, and timeline. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you design and build the perfect garage for your home!
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