Finding the perfect home plan often involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and practicality. For many homeowners, a side entry garage is a crucial element, offering advantages like increased curb appeal, enhanced privacy, and better flow for everyday living. This guide delves into the world of home plans featuring side entry garages, exploring their benefits, design considerations, and various styles.
Why Choose a Home Plan with a Side Entry Garage?
The decision to incorporate a side entry garage into your home plan is often driven by a combination of factors. A side-entry garage can dramatically improve the overall functionality and aesthetics of your home. Here's a look at some key benefits:
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Enhanced Curb Appeal: A side entry garage can create a more visually appealing and balanced facade, particularly for homes with limited frontage. It can help break up the monotony of a long, straight house front.
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Increased Privacy: By positioning the garage to the side, you create a more private entrance to your home, shielding the main door from direct street view. This is especially beneficial for those who value seclusion.
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Improved Traffic Flow: A side entry garage can streamline traffic patterns, separating vehicular access from pedestrian walkways. This design feature is particularly useful for families and households with multiple vehicles.
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Better Landscaping Opportunities: Side entry garages often offer more flexibility for landscaping and the creation of welcoming front yards, as the garage doesn't dominate the street-facing view.
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Flexibility in Design: Side entry garages can be incorporated into various architectural styles, from traditional to modern. They can even enhance the design of smaller lots, maximising space.
What are the Different Types of Side Entry Garage Homes?
The design possibilities for homes with side entry garages are extensive. The style of your garage can complement your overall home design, reflecting your personality and preferences. Some common styles include:
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Traditional: Often featuring symmetrical facades, these homes embrace classic architectural elements and pair well with side entry garages situated subtly to one side.
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Modern: Clean lines and minimalist aesthetics define modern homes. Side entry garages in this style are usually integrated seamlessly into the design, often with similar materials and color palettes.
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Farmhouse: Rustic charm takes center stage with farmhouse-style homes. Side entry garages enhance their character, perhaps incorporating exposed beams or reclaimed wood.
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Ranch: Single-story ranch homes frequently incorporate side entry garages for practical reasons, often improving functionality on smaller plots.
What are the potential drawbacks of a side-entry garage?
While offering many advantages, side entry garages also present some potential drawbacks to consider:
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Increased Construction Costs: The unique placement and often-required modifications might slightly increase construction costs compared to a front-entry garage.
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Potential for Longer Driveways: Depending on the lot and positioning, the driveway might need to be longer to reach the garage, potentially impacting landscaping and increasing costs.
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Limited Space in Some Designs: The placement of the garage might reduce available space for other features in the house plan.
What are the common sizes of side entry garages?
The size of your side entry garage will heavily depend on your individual needs and available space. Common sizes range from a single car garage (around 12' x 20') to a larger two-car garage (typically 20' x 24' or larger), with variations existing based on local building codes and the specific design. Extra space can be included for workshop areas or storage.
How much does it cost to build a house with a side entry garage?
The cost of building a house with a side entry garage varies significantly based on location, size, materials, and finishes. It’s best to consult with local builders for accurate estimates in your specific area. The garage itself might add a certain percentage to the overall project cost, depending on its size and features.
What are some things to consider when designing a home with a side entry garage?
Careful planning is crucial when incorporating a side entry garage into your home design. Key considerations include:
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Accessibility: Ensure the driveway and garage access are convenient and safe, considering traffic flow and potential snow removal issues.
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Local Regulations: Check local building codes and zoning regulations before finalizing your plans.
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Budget: Factor in potential additional costs associated with the unique placement of the garage.
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Aesthetics: Choose a design that complements your overall home style and enhances curb appeal.
By carefully weighing the pros and cons and considering these design elements, you can create a home plan with a side entry garage that perfectly fits your lifestyle and preferences. Remember, consulting with an architect or home builder is essential for a successful project.
