Side Entry Garage: Pros & Cons, Space Needed, And House Plans

By: ROS Team

Did you know that according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Housing Survey, a whopping two-thirds of homes in the U.S. had a garage in 2021?

But not all garages are created equal. If you’re considering a garage for your future home, or looking to maximize the functionality of your existing one, then a side entry garage might be the perfect fit.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about side entry garages, from their curb appeal to their surprising hidden benefits!

What is a Side Entry Garage?

A side entry garage or side load garage, as the name suggests, is a garage that is positioned on the side of the house, as opposed to a front-facing or attached garage. The entry point to the garage is usually located on one of the sides of the building. This design choice can have several advantages, making it a popular option for homeowners.

Pros and Cons of Side Garage

Before going with house with side garage, here are a few pros and cons that you should consider:

Pros:

Enhanced Curb Appeal: The side garages can add visual beauty to homes, making them more attractive.
Ample Space: They offer more parking space and storage compared with front-entry garages; they are hence good for families that own multiple vehicles or need extra space to store their belongings in.
Increased Privacy: Side-entry garages can offer more privacy since they typically face the side of the property rather than the street, providing a sense of seclusion.
Property Value Boost: House with garage on side have higher prices due to unique appearances and enhanced functionality.
Courtyard Entry: It creates a delightful effect of the driveway entrance on the side garaged building thus giving distinction to the external outlook of the house.
Cleaner Facade: Making use of a sideways garage makes it easy to get clean and appealing elevations at the front of a residential building, providing better opportunities for showcasing architectural features.

Cons:

Lot Considerations and Expenses: More space for a side-entry garage is needed as compared to a front-entry garage which leads to higher construction costs.
Parking Challenges for Larger Vehicles: A narrower entryway in the side-entry garage makes it difficult for bigger cars like SUVs or trucks to be parked.
Greater Expanse and Upkeep: Side-entry garages are usually found on expansive pieces of land and may need more upkeep in terms of landscaping around driveways leading to the garage among others.

How Much Space Is Needed for a Side Entry Garage?

The key space consideration for a side-entry garage is the driveway length. Experts recommend a minimum of 30 feet from the garage door to the street for comfortable maneuvering, with 35 feet or more being ideal.

House with Garage on Side

Side-entry garage house plans offer a unique aesthetic and functional advantage over traditional front-entry garages. Here are some house plan options to consider:

Modern Farmhouse

The modern farmhouse plan offers a charming blend of rustic and contemporary elements. The side-entry garage allows for a clean, symmetrical facade with plenty of space for the home’s architectural details to take center stage.

Read Also: What is a Farmhouse

Craftsman Style

The craftsman style translates beautifully to a side-entry garage design. The emphasis on natural materials and inviting porches complements the focus on curb appeal that a side-entry garage provides.

Read Also: What Is a Craftsman House

Ranch House

Ranch houses are a classic choice for families and side-entry garages pair perfectly with this style. The long, low profile of a ranch house benefits from the break-up that a side-entry garage offers, while still providing ample space for cars and storage.

Two-Story Colonial

Even a traditional style like a two-story colonial can benefit from a side-entry garage. It maintains the grandeur of the entryway while providing a functional solution for parking and storage.