When considering adding a garage to your home, it’s important to balance both functionality and aesthetics. One option that’s gaining popularity with homeowners is attaching the garage to the main house with a breezeway. This thoughtful addition not only enhances your home’s curb appeal, but also brings a host of practical benefits to your everyday life. However, like any home improvement project, building a garage with a breezeway comes with its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks. Before making your decision, it’s helpful to weigh the pros and cons of this unique setup.
What is a Breezeway?
A breezeway is a covered, open-air passageway that connects a house to another structure, such as a garage. These structures can take on various designs, from simple covered walkways to enclosed spaces with walls and windows. Breezeways are often used to create a seamless transition between the home and garage while preserving separation between the two structures.
Types of Breezeways
One of the first decisions you’ll face is deciding on the type of breezeway. Here are the most common styles:
1. Open Breezeway
An open breezeway typically consists of a roof overhead but does not have walls, allowing for complete airflow. It provides coverage from rain and snow but maintains a more outdoor aesthetic.
2. Partially Enclosed Breezeway
Partially enclosed breezeways may include low walls, lattice panels or screens, offering more protection from the elements while still feeling open.
3. Fully Enclosed Breezeway
This option features walls, windows and sometimes even doors, effectively creating a hallway between the home and garage. Fully enclosed breezeways make the transition feel like an interior space and provide extra insulation.
Each style has its pros and cons, depending on your climate, preferences and how the space will be used.
Pros of Building a Garage with a Breezeway
1. Weather Protection
One of the main practical benefits of a breezeway is its ability to shield you from the elements. Whether it’s rainy, snowy or scorching hot, a breezeway provides a protected path between your home and garage. This feature becomes particularly convenient when carrying groceries, unloading luggage or wheeling in a stroller.
2. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
A well-designed breezeway can elevate your property’s overall look, creating a cohesive and polished appearance that links the garage and house seamlessly. It adds a sense of architectural sophistication to the exterior, blending two structures into one harmonious design.
3. Extra Utility Space
Breezeways can double as a functional space rather than just a walkway. With some thoughtful design, this area could become a sitting nook, garden space or even a shaded outdoor lounge. Enclosed breezeways, in particular, offer added functionality, such as extra storage for boots, jackets or tools.
4. Better Ventilation
If you opt for an open or partially enclosed breezeway, you’ll benefit from enhanced airflow between the house and garage. For homeowners in warmer climates, this keeps the area cool while still offering shelter.
5. Enhanced Privacy and Separation
By maintaining some separation between your home and garage, a breezeway offers privacy while still providing convenience. This can be useful if you plan to use the garage as a workshop or studio, as noises and odors are less likely to carry into your house.
6. Energy Efficiency
When enclosed properly, breezeways can act as a form of insulation, creating a buffer zone that limits the transfer of heat or cold between the house, garage and outdoor elements. This can contribute to improved energy efficiency for your home.
7. Added Resale Value
A breezeway not only serves practical purposes but also adds character that can increase your home’s resale value. Potential buyers are often drawn to unique features, especially those that add functionality and curb appeal.
Cons of Building a Garage with a Breezeway
1. Higher Construction Costs
While a breezeway can add value, it also comes with added costs upfront. The materials, design and labor required to build a breezeway can significantly increase your budget compared to building a standalone garage. Fully enclosed breezeways, in particular, are more expensive due to the need for insulation, windows and finishing touches.
2. Space Requirements
Breezeways require sufficient space to connect the two structures, which may not always be feasible on smaller lots. If your property is limited in size, adding a breezeway could make your yard feel cramped or cut into other valuable outdoor areas.
3. Potential Maintenance
Even though breezeways provide protection, they still require maintenance. Open designs are exposed to debris and weather damage, while enclosed breezeways may need regular upkeep for flooring, windows or insulation. Over time, this could add unexpected costs.
4. Insurance Cost
Check with your insurance agent as attached garages can add to insurance cost, more likely for a fire to start in a garage, thus more likely to spread to a house when it is attached!!
Consult With The Experts at Coach House Garages
Before deciding on a final design, contact the experts at Coach House Garages. We can help you evaluate your property and design a setup that suits your needs. With the right planning, we can help you decide whether you want to build an attached garage, detached garage or garage that is attached by a breezeway!
