One's connected to the house and one's built-in to it, but both are beneficial
Many homeowners find attached garages are the more convenient option
Built-in garages tend to offer better noise and odor control.
Attached garages cost less to build than built-in garages.
If you’re building a new home from scratch or doing major renovation, you may be debating attached vs. built-in garage styles. Both types of garages are attached to the home, but there are some key differences. The attached style is an extension of your home, while the built-in is literally “built into” the house’s structure. The two designs also come with separate price tags. Most homeowners pay about $30 per square foot for an attached garage. Prices go up to between $40 and $70 per square foot for a detached garage. Read on for more insight into the pros and cons of each garage style.
The primary distinction between an attached and a built-in garage is their physical connection to the house's main structure. An attached garage is directly connected to the home, often sharing one or more walls, providing convenient and direct access to the interior. On the other hand, a built-in garage is an integral part of the original house design, seamlessly blending into the architecture.
While both options offer shelter for vehicles and additional storage, the choice between attached and built-in garages hinges on factors such as your preferred garage size and functionality. If you only need a one-car garage, your needs may look very different than someone who requires a three-car garage.
An attached garage is an extension of the main house structure, directly connected and accessible from the interior.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Costs less to build | Limited design flexibility |
| Seamless integration | Noise and odor transmission |
| Potential for dual purpose | Limited natural light |
Best for:
Homeowners seeking direct and convenient access to their vehicles.
Those who prioritize a cohesive architectural design.
A dual-purpose, like a home gym or workshop.
The primary advantage of an attached garage is how accessible it is. Homeowners can enjoy direct entry into their house, which is especially helpful during messy weather or late-night arrivals.
Another benefit is its ability to seamlessly integrate with a house’s architecture, creating a harmonious design that can boost the home’s curb appeal.
Attached garages also offer homeowners a multi-functional space that could work as a home gym, office, or additional storage. This flexibility allows for efficient use of square footage and adds value to the overall living experience.
As convenient as an attached garage can be, the placement and design can limit the overall architectural flexibility of the house. In some cases, it may influence the layout and limit options for exterior modifications or expansions, constraining the homeowner's design choices.
A second drawback of attached garages is the potential for noise and odor transmission. Unpleasant sounds from engines and power tools and fumes from chemicals stored in the garage can permeate into the house. Depending on the placement of the attached garage, there can also be limitations on the amount of natural light reaching rooms in the house.
Unlike an attached garage, a built-in garage is literally "built into" your house at the ground or basement level. It doesn't have its own roof, but rather, the living space above the garage acts as the garage's roof.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Architectural flexibility | Potential space limitations |
| Reduced noise and odor transmission | Costs more to build |
| Enhanced natural light | Limited convenience |
Best for:
People looking to maximize natural light in both the garage and adjoining rooms.
Homeowners seeking greater architectural flexibility and customization options.
Those who prioritize minimizing noise and odor transfer into the living space.
Built-in garages provide homeowners with greater flexibility in designing the overall layout of their homes. This design freedom allows for varied placements and configurations, enabling a more customized and unique architectural expression. The separation of a built-in garage from the main living space also minimizes the transfer of noise and odors into the home.
Want to keep things light and bright? Careful planning in the design of a built-in garage can increase natural light in both the garage and adjoining rooms. This lets you enjoy a brighter and more naturally illuminated living space.
Depending on the overall house design, a built-in garage may have space limitations compared to attached garages. This could impact the available square footage for vehicle storage or additional usage. The cost to build a garage is also a concern here—the initial construction of a built-in garage can contribute to higher overall building costs. Homeowners should consider their budgets when opting for this garage type.
Unlike attached garages, built-in garages may lack the convenience of direct entry into the living space. Homeowners may need to walk through their basement and climb stairs from their garage to their home.
Whether an attached or built-in garage is right for your home depends on your priorities—and your budget. If you’re really stumped between an attached or built-in garage, you can always consult a professional garage builder near you to look at your property and offer input on the best fit.
Here’s a quick look at how these two garage types stack up.
The appearance of an attached garage often blends seamlessly with the overall design of the house, creating a cohesive and unified exterior. However, its aesthetics heavily depend on the homeowner's preferences and architectural choices. Built-in garages offer architectural freedom and design flexibility, allowing for diverse styles and customization options. The winner in terms of appearance is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
Built-in garages excel in options and customizations, as they offer greater design freedom during the initial construction phase, allowing homeowners to integrate unique architectural elements, choose various materials, and tailor the garage's features to their preferences.
The durability of both attached garages and built-in garages depends on the construction quality and materials used. Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of either garage type and life span can be influenced by exposure to the elements.
Typically, adding an attached garage will have lower initial costs compared to building a house with a built-in garage. That being said, construction costs for attached garages can vary based on size, materials and complexity of the design.
Adding an attached garage can be a more straightforward process, especially if the house was designed with future expansion in mind. With an attached garage, you just build it adjacent to your house, whereas a built-in garage has to be built during a home construction or major renovation project. This makes the attached garage installation process more manageable for DIY enthusiasts.
Repairs to an attached garage may be more straightforward, as access is often easier. DIY repairs, such as addressing minor garage door opener issues, are more manageable for attached garages.
Two hard working guys with large truck moved my 2bdrm apt in 5.5 hrs and placed items in home/garage. My important furnishings were protected and all safe! Thank you gentlemen!
State to State Movers, LLCI would not hire this company again. They dented my garage, but denied it because I had no cameras, blocked the mailbox so we did not receive mail for two days, cut down the wrong tree, almost cut down a trimmed Wisteria, insisted I pay him before the job was completed, and left a four foot...
I received a very courteous call from Jason. He came out the next morning as we had agreed to. He was very polite and he showed me exactly what was wrong with my garage door. He completed the job and gave me information on how to do a little maintenance to keep it working in tip top shape. I...
Hasti Garage Door RepairWe called TGS based on Angies List after calling the company that installed our garage door. After a bunch of call to the original vendor to find out that they no longer this and no longer that and would try to do their best and let us know, blah blah blah, ... we then called TGS. TGS sent...
TGS Garages & DoorsI don’t know what other good words to use to describe how well this garage door service long island company does their job. I’ve read great feedback for them, which is why I hired them to repair garage door repair. They deserve all the praises because they are truly incredible. Professional,...
New York Garage DoorsThe sales pitch for the contract was slick and convincing. Once I signed on the dotted lines the problems were unbelievable. 1. The promised completion time turned from 2 days to over a month, start to finish. 2. The subcontractor used my neighbors garage supposedly temporarily to store...
Doug did an outstanding job. We contacted him back in July (based on his reviews on Angie's List)-- because we needed some carpentry work done at our home in Westhampton Beach. He was on time (actually arrived early for our first meeting), reliable, a pleasure to deal with and most of all his...
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A garage extension is a great way to add space for work, hobbies, and storage. Learn how much a garage extension costs so you can budget accordingly.
The cost to drywall a garage depends on the size, materials, labor, and more. This guide will help you budget for installing drywall in your garage.
The cost to build a shed depends on factors like size, material, type, and more. Learn how much it’ll cost to hire someone to build your new shed.
Does your garage need insulation? Weigh the pros and cons of insulating a garage to make the right choice for the comfort of your home.
Building a garage can increase your home’s value, add space, and protect your belongings. Follow this guide on how to build a garage.
If you’re considering buying or building a home with a one-car garage size, it’s helpful to learn everything you need to know about this garage setup.
