Types Of Home Styles To Consider

When choosing a home that’s right for your family, several factors must be taken into consideration. This includes things like the size of your family, your budget, and if you even need a garage.

Depending on the style of home you choose, you may have a bigger yard or a smaller yard. A bigger yard might be a benefit for a young family, but not so great for an older couple looking to downsize. A young family that is always on the go may prefer to have a smaller yard to maintain, while a gardener might want plenty of space for growing vegetables.

While garages are great for people who want to store tools, gardening supplies, sports equipment, or vehicles, not everyone has those items. If you don’t have any of those items that will need storing, it might not make sense to get a garage.

Another thing to consider if you’re going to buy a house with a garage is whether you want it to be an attached garage or a detached garage. Typically, detached garage homes usually have a back alley and attached garage homes do not. This is something to bear in mind when picking out your home.

There are pros and cons for all the choices, so we’ve come up with a list to help you make an informed decision.

Detached Garage

This type of garage is a freestanding structure, usually located at the back of a lot. They have no connection points to the house. There are many benefits to having one. It can be a great place for someone who has hobbies like fixing a car or woodworking. However, it does have some drawbacks that should be considered before jumping in.

Pros:

• You can build it to the size of your choice;

• It can be designed with specific storage areas of your choice;

• The sound of any tools would not be heard in the house;

• Add-ons are possible if you need more space;

• If you’re stretched financially, you can build the garage at a later date;

• No access to the home; and

• Increased curb appeal.

Cons:

• There is a farther distance to pack items;

• If you want utilities like heat in the garage, you’ll have to have lines installed;

• It might be less accessible during inclement weather;

• Depending on the size of the yard, the garage may take up a lot of green space;

• Not all homeowner’s associations allow detached garages; and

• Because it’s not attached to your home, it may be a target for burglars.

One of the things to consider is whether you’ll be parking in the garage or using it for storage. If you’re parking in a detached garage, you have to keep in mind that it might not always be convenient with pets and children.

Attached (Front) Garage

An attached or front garage is a space that is connected to the main house by at least one wall and is typically located in front of the house. They can offer many things a detached garage cannot offer. For some people, it is the best choice for their needs.

We’ve come up with a list of pros and cons for buying a house with an attached garage.

Pros:

• Hauling groceries or supplies from the beach trip will be more convenient;

• Utilities are easier to hook up;

• Less costly to build;

• Vehicles and other stored items are more secure;

• There is no worry about accessing the garage in bad weather; and

• Homeowner’s associations tend to be in favour of attached garages.

Cons:

• Easy home access point for burglars;

• Limited on size of garage and ability to expand;

• There are more safety concerns, such as fires or carbon monoxide poisoning;

• You may have to pay more for a building permit;

• The sounds of tools being used can be heard in the house; and

• Can detract from curb appeal.

While many things make an attached garage appealing, you also need to keep in mind that it may be taking up living space you would like to have in your home.

Duplex

A duplex is a home that shares at least one wall with a second home. They are similar to a regular house but may be a bit smaller. If you own both units in the duplex, you can earn passive income by living in one and renting the other one out. There are still many things you will need to consider if you are looking at this type of home.

Pros:

• There is less yard maintenance than with a standard home;

• You can own the house you are in;

• If you purchase the entire duplex, you can have loved ones living next door;

• It is less expensive to own a duplex;

• Some house maintenance costs can be split with your neighbour;

• There is someone nearby to watch your house if you go on vacation; and

• If you buy the entire duplex and rent one side out, there are tax and passive income benefits.

Cons:

• Depending on the connecting walls, there may be noise disturbance;

• You may not necessarily get along with your new neighbour;

• If you choose to rent out the second home, you have to take on landlord responsibilities;

• There may be shared gas lines, water lines, or other utilities;

• You are limited in the aesthetic changes you can make to the exterior of the building; and

• The yard will be smaller than in a standard-sized home.

As you can see, there are many things to think about when deciding what type of house you would like. All three of these options are great for homeowners, the choice just depends on the needs of the buyer.

Active Homes offers many different styles of homes in different neighbourhoods. Contact us to discover what we have to offer.