Champion Overhead Door’s Guide to Side Load vs. Front Load Garages

Introduction

Are you in the process of designing or buying a new home? One of the crucial decisions you’ll encounter is the placement of your garage. Garages can be positioned either at the front or side of your house, each offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll delve into the distinctions between side load and front load garages to help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.

Front Load Garages

Front load garages are the more traditional option, where the garage door faces the street and is typically integrated into the frontal facade of the house. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:

Benefits of Front Load Garages:

Convenience: Front load garages provide direct access to the street, making it easier to enter and exit your home, especially in old New England neighborhoods with narrow streets or limited space for maneuvering vehicles.

Aesthetics: For those concerned about curb appeal, a well-designed front load garage can enhance the visual appeal of your home’s exterior, contributing to its overall attractiveness and resale value.

Accessibility: When the garage is situated at the front, guests and visitors can easily locate your home, simplifying navigation and ensuring a welcoming entrance.

Drawbacks of Front Load Garages:

Dominance of Garage: A prominent front load garage may overshadow the house’s architectural features, detracting from its aesthetic appeal and giving the impression of prioritizing vehicle storage over living space.

Limited Privacy: With the garage facing the street, there might be concerns regarding privacy, noise pollution, and visual intrusion, particularly if you spend time in the front yard or have large windows facing the street.

Driveway Space: Front load garages typically require a longer driveway, which can occupy valuable outdoor space and limit landscaping options in the front yard.

Side Load Garages

Side load garages, on the other hand, are positioned perpendicular to the street, with the garage doors facing the sides of the property. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages:

Benefits of Side Load Garages:

Architectural Flexibility: Side load garages offer more design flexibility, allowing for a wider range of architectural styles and facilitating the creation of a visually appealing front elevation with fewer constraints imposed by the garage.

Enhanced Privacy: By orienting the garage towards the side of the property, side load configurations provide increased privacy for outdoor activities and living spaces, shielding them from the street and passing traffic.

Landscaping Opportunities: With less driveway space required, side load garages enable homeowners to maximize landscaping opportunities in the front yard, creating lush green spaces and enhancing the property’s overall curb appeal.

Drawbacks of Side Load Garages:

Maneuverability: Depending on the lot’s layout, maneuvering vehicles into a side load garage may be more challenging, especially if the driveway is narrow or obstructed by landscaping features.

Limited Street Visibility: Locating the garage on the side of the house might make it less visible from the street, potentially posing navigation challenges for guests and service providers trying to locate your home.

Cost Considerations: Building a side load garage may involve additional construction costs compared to a front load configuration, particularly if site preparation and landscaping modifications are required to accommodate the new layout.

Conclusion

When choosing between a side load and front load garage, you must consider your priorities, lifestyle preferences, and the architectural character of your home. While front load garages offer convenience and direct street access, side load configurations provide enhanced privacy and design flexibility. Ultimately, the decision should align with your aesthetic preferences, functional requirements, and long-term goals for your property. Whether you opt for the classic charm of a front load garage or the versatility of a side load design, both options can enhance the functionality and appeal of your home.

Regardless of whether you opt for a side load or front load garage, ensuring your garage door is of the highest quality is paramount. For top-notch garage door solutions and expert service, consider partnering with Champion Overhead Door, serving the communities of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont. With our extensive experience and commitment to excellence, Champion Overhead Door can help you find the perfect garage door to complement your home’s design and functionality – Contact us today!