For many home buyers, a garage is at the top of their must-have features list. There are a wide variety of reasons to want your home to have a garage, including:

• It protects your car from heat, cold and bad weather. No worrying about hail damage or scraping ice off your windshield in the winter.
• It can also reduce the potential for car vandalism or theft because your car is less visible.
• In addition, you’ll have more room for guests or visitors to park in your driveway.
• You’ll also have better curb appeal and can increase your home’s value because a garage is such a desirable feature.
• And you can use your garage to store everything from lawn care equipment to holiday decor. It can even be a workspace or home gym if you’re not using it primarily for parking.

With these benefits in mind, we’re looking at the details about including a garage with your manufactured home.

Attached vs. Detached Garages

First, let’s talk about the different types of garages you may want to consider. An attached garage is just what its name suggests, a garage that’s fully attached to your home. But, there are actually two styles. The first is an integrated or built-in garage, which shares multiple walls and a foundation with the home. They are usually incorporated into the home’s design for a more seamless look, but this means they may also reduce the amount of living space you have.

The second type of attached garage is adjacent. An adjacent garage is typically added on to the home and shares a wall with it. It can also usually be built later after the home is constructed.

In comparison, a detached garage is a free-standing structure that’s completely separate from your home. It may be a slightly more affordable option than an attached garage, because it’s usually easier to build. And because it’s separate, it can also be easier to add if your home is already built. If you do choose to add a detached garage to your home later on, you will also need to be sure to obtain any permits or approvals required by your local zoning or building authorities.

The pros and cons of each type of garage depend on factors like your budget, space needs, the layout of your home and the size of your lot. Overall, an attached garage is a good choice if you want convenient access to your car without going outside. And a detached garage might be a better option if you’re concerned about noise or smells entering your home, for example if you plan to use it as a work area.

Clayton Homes with Garages

At Clayton, we offer several home models that have garages already incorporated into their floor plan. This includes CrossMod® homes, which are a type of manufactured home that combine some of the features of off-site built and traditional on-site built homes. If you’re interested in adding a garage to your home, the best time to do so is prior to the selection and purchase of your new manufactured so the garage can be worked into the design of your home before it is built.

Your home consultant at the home center you’re working with can help you check with the local building department or permitting office before you choose your home to make sure you feel confident about the steps for adding a garage. You’ll want to make sure you understand all of the local codes and building regulations that will need to be followed. It’s also important to understand any additional costs or financing you may need to plan for when building a garage with your home. Your lender can discuss the specifics of those costs and answer your financial questions.

Adding a Garage to Your Manufactured Home

After your home has been completely set up on your land, and all preliminary planning and code compliance verifications are made, a garage can then be built by a contractor.

Once you’ve decided to add a garage to your home, it’s important that you find a reputable professional to properly complete construction of your garage. Ask your local home center if they have suggestions for contractors who offer the service in your area. And when choosing a contractor, we recommend you consider their licensing and insurance, experience, the types of materials they have available and testimonials from other customers.

A garage can be both a beautiful and practical complement to your new manufactured home. At Clayton, our team is here to help you find the features that are most important to you, from garages and porches to kitchen islands, standalone bathtubs, built-in storage and more. And to explore more of these stylish, functional options, you can head to the Home Features section of our Studio blog.

CrossMod® is a registered trademark of the Manufactured Housing Institute.