Value of front load vs. side load garage?

[rmjohnsson]

In a neighborhood that has houses with both front and side load garages, does a side load increase the value of a house? If so, is this because it is generally costs more to construct?

 

[Thomas Fiehler]

It does cost more to build since there is more driveway, sidewalk, etc. There is no one answer to your question an all neighborhoods are different. Around here, generally speaking, the side entry garage will cost and sell for more.

 

[Greg Bell]

Don't know your area , however , a value adjustment for front or side probably would not be made..

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I suspect that more sophisticated buyers prefer the look of the side garage and that it might bring a small premium. It makes the house look larger, and the "snout first" look for a front garage is architecturally ugly.

I doubt the cost difference is significant

 

[Lee Lansford]

Why would a side-entry attached garage cost more to construct than an attached front-entry garage?

Assuming that the driveway is from the street fronting the house, I suppose that a side-entry garage would require a bit more of paved driveway surface vs. the front-entry garage, but, what else?

And, IF there is any difference between the two in terms of market value, it would be most interesting to see the data and analysis that proves that there is a difference.

 

[Wayne Tomlinson]

I am asssuming that by side load, you are describing a garage entry which is accessed from the side of the house instead of the garage being a part of the curb appeal of the house.

Based on that I suggest that you take a look at the appearance of the property from the street.

It is pretty difficult to make a garage door ad a lot of beauty to a home view
and if the garage has similar appearance to the rest of the house it typically is more appealing.

The statement that one view costs more than the other, I don't understand that statement.

Typically if the wall with which the garage is in is a wall supporting a side of the roof, that would require more support, but gable ends can be on any side.

Wayne Tomlinson

 

[rmjohnsson]

The question about cost was because we were told that side load was more expensive, perhaps because most of the houses that are side load in the neighborhood have long, windy driveways (ie, more concrete), while the front loads have short ones. I just wondered if in fact anyone knew if this was true or not -- and if it generally added any value. Thanks.

 

[Thomas Fiehler]

Lee-Usually requires more side yard space and will likely have more sidewalk to the front door. Then, there are windows on the front, etc that also add to the cost.

 

[Charles Witt]

I have seen a number of side-entry garages with insufficient room to allow one to drive the car into the garage without three or four forwards and backups. Definitely not a plus in my area when one can't drive straight in. More often the size of the garage is a factor on saleability. A 20 x 20 is hardly a two car garage.....however some builders think so!

 

[Riick]

Lee-Usually requires more side yard space and will likely have more sidewalk to the front door. Then, there are windows on the front, etc that also add to the cost.

Different lot configuration and/or overall wider lot for "side-load"
(1) Lots size may be generally larger - adds value generally
(2) Looks nicer - adds value
That's my 3 cents.
But.. the market should whisper it's secret in your ear; listen up!