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jms215

Is a garage possible

2 days ago

We are under contract on this lovely cottage overlooking the water. My husband is hell bent on adding some sort of garage. I do not see how this could be possible on this lot without blocking the whole front of the house and looking really stupid in the process! The only thing I can wrap my mind around is maybe a small carriage type garage in front right of the house with a courtyard in between.
Zoning requires a 25 foot setback from the street, but an exception may be possible as several neighbors have them.

I’ve always appreciated all of the thoughtful ideas from this group- please send them my way!

Comments (14)

  • yesterday

    Such a charming house! If it were me, I’d try to get thru a season on the water without making any plans and see how you use the house, lot etc - you may find you need more storage than thought


    FWIW we’re building at a lake and find folks up there take garages VERY seriously and are def more about practicality of storage than aesthetics, especially street side (I mentioned wanting a smaller garage to our doll of a builder and he about fell over in shock & horror) - we ended up with a detached carriage style garage that sits perpendicular to the main home so the doors don’t face the street etc.. honestly more obtrusive than I wanted but it is what it is

  • PRO
    yesterday

    Is this an actual garage he wants or just storage? Storage can be smaller than a garage but all depends on what needs storing.. I would need more info but needs have to be met for sure .I see a shed in the plot map looks really tiny any chance that could be bigger ?

  • PRO
    yesterday

    Is there any way to access the property from the rear? Could you possibly get an easement?

  • yesterday

    Will this be your primary residence or a vacation house?

  • yesterday

    Garage or just storage? I would prefer it in the back yard but your idea of a carriage house running along the right side of the property line would also work so it leaves your back yard for enjoyment.

  • yesterday

    What is the small building just on the left side of the photo almost out for frame? Is that a shes? Can it be made a bit bigger to store what you want? The cottage is adorable.

  • yesterday

    Thank you for your input. To answer everyone’s questions- primary residence, and he wants to put a car in it (among other things). The tiny spot on the left is a shed and my plan was to make it larger and match the house. He doesn’t like my plan 😂 Unfortunately because of the septic and slope of the rear yard there aren’t any viable options for the back yard and the property boundaries wouldn’t be conducive to an easement any where.

  • PRO
    yesterday
    last modified: yesterday

    He will need to work on this with an easement and if not possible a bigger shed is all he will have unless he does not care that the house will disappear on the left

  • PRO
    yesterday

    Maybe a car port with a shed out back.

  • yesterday

    It really seems like you bought a property that doesnt work for your family.

  • 21 hours ago

    Check with your local township/city etc about a possible garage add-on as it may not even be possible. You said some of the neighbours have put in a garage. IF yes this is a good indication of where it was allowed. Since you are on contract to buy I would do this in a hurry because if you are not able to you should try to get out of the contract as soon as possible.

  • PRO
    18 hours ago

    I have to agree if not bought run away if this is a huge need . I will say we just loved to a place in Alberta where winters are nasty we have space for a garage but we never have had one and I don't want to add a huge thing that I need for 3 months out of the year . We have 2 sheds that hold all the stuff we need stored they take up little space nice and close to the house and my car just has to brave for the winter a little scraping maybe .I want more yard space than garage

  • 11 hours ago
    last modified: 11 hours ago

    With the buildings up to the easements and the only place for a garage is the front yard; the Question becomes, is there room for any size building in front of the house? Will City regulations permit a large building in the front yard? Regardless of how strongly the city enforces their regulations, a violation will make it hard to get a clear title when you sell if there are zoning violations. What about the HOA rules?

  • PRO
    7 hours ago

    Agree with those who say that, if a garage is a neccesity, this is probably the wrong property for you. There may not be enough time, but maybe you can find a local architect who could quickly put together a plan and sketch of what it might look like.