A Homeowner’s Guide to Attached Garages

A Homeowner’s Guide to Attached GaragesSince the first house owners started owning cars, garages have been part of residential buildings. Because of their convenience and other advantages, attached garages are one of the most common and popular choices for protecting your automobile and adding auxiliary functions to an annexe space of your house.

The Difference between Attached and Detached Garages

When building a garage for your home, you will typically have a choice between an attached or detached garage. Your choice between the two will depend on various factors, including how much space you have around the house, the type of lot your home is built on, and what building permits you can get. The style of your home will also be a factor.

Attached Garages

Attached garages share a wall with the main home and typically have an entrance directly inside the house. Such a design allows you to go inside your house after parking your car without stepping outside again. This is convenient when caring for children, facing harsh weather, unloading groceries, and in many other situations.

Attached garages also make great laundry rooms, connecting your washer and dryer directly to your home’s water and power source.

Detached Garages

In comparison, detached garages are stand-alone structures separate from the house, typically placed by the driveway and close to the residential building. Detached garages can easily double as storage spaces but might make it challenging to function as a laundry room. However, they offer the advantage of keeping the noise, pollutants, and scents away from the house.

Are Attached Garages Structurally Safe?

Attached garages require careful planning. When adding a structure attached to your home, you can affect the load-bearing exterior walls. This can only be done under the supervision of expert contractors, inspectors, and engineers.

For this type of garage, you will need to obtain a building permit and, in some cases, a planning permit. Adding plumbing or other utilities to the attached structure also demands working with a certified plumber and electrician. Your new attached garage must follow all fire safety regulations in your municipality and must not impact the structural standards of your home. While this option is expensive, building an attached garage adds value and functionality to your home.

Galvanised Steel and Garages

Steel is a fantastic choice for garages, sheds, and verandas because of the durability of the material, its affordability, and its flexibility. Galvanised steel is typically used for building annexe structures as it is lightweight, durable, fire and weather-resistant, and can be customised to match the style of any house. Galvanised steel posts and beams will support an attached garage to provide structural safety, as long as you work with an experienced, certified contractor.

Get Your Garage Supplies from RW Steel

If you plan to build an attached garage or other structure on your property, go for galvanised steel. RW Steel is Melbourne’s number one steel supplier and will provide high-quality, custom-cut steel posts, beams, and retaining walls for your project. Contact us to discuss your steel needs today!