Should Buyers Care More About Driveway Layout or Garage Size?
A two-car garage sounds impressive, but it may not solve parking needs if the driveway causes people to shuffle vehicles each morning. Meanwhile, a broad driveway cannot replace a garage that is too small for the buyer’s vehicle or lacks sufficient storage space for the buyer’s belongings. For Bergen County home buyers, the choice between a well-designed driveway vs. a capacious garage depends on the household size, vehicle dimensions, storage requirements, street-parking regulations, and the frequency with which the garage will be used.
Continue to read to find out if those who are considering relocating to Bergen County should invest more in a decent driveway layout or if the garage size is what truly matters.
Which Option Has More Impact on Day-to-Day Life?
A driveway that allows independent entry and exit for each vehicle may be more important than the size of the garage. Having adequate width, turning radius, and slope also contributes to the ease of parking. New Jersey site improvement standards typically treat a one-car garage and driveway combination as two off-street parking spaces, but that doesn’t mean the combination will always be convenient for a household with two vehicles.
Start With the Number of Drivers in the Household
A household with one vehicle to park may find that a large garage is more of a luxury than a necessity. Families with more than one driver, teenagers who host friends, and businesses that must accommodate guests or commercial vehicles may value the convenience of driveway parking and private access more. Buyers should consider future needs alongside current requirements when weighing the convenience of a garage against a wide driveway. A home with the flexibility to support changing needs can be more comfortable to live in and more desirable to a potential buyer.
When Does Garage Size Take Priority Over Driveway Size?
Garage size becomes more important than driveway size when buyers want to park inside, install a Level 2 EV charging station, build a workshop, or store bicycles, tools, snowmobiles, motorcycles, kayaks, canoes, ATVs, and patio sets. The number of bays does not indicate whether today’s large vehicles can fit inside the garage without crowding.
Buyers should measure the garage to determine whether the size and shape of the vehicles they drive most often will fit comfortably inside the space. Obstructions such as steps, shelves, support posts, HVAC equipment, and home storage can also impact garage usability. Buyers should inspect the garage doors to ensure that they open fully and do not restrict rearward visibility when vehicles are parked inside the garage.
“Buyers often focus on the number of garage bays, but the entire parking setup matters. A garage needs to fit the vehicles and storage, while the driveway should let household members come and go without constantly rearranging cars.”–Michael Akkus, Broker Associate/Team Leader
Driveway Limitations That Home Buyers May Overlook
A long driveway can be a disadvantage if it creates the need for tandem parking. A narrow driveway can make it difficult for passengers to get in or out of vehicles, or for larger vehicles to navigate the driveway. The driveway slope may become an issue on icy days. Buyers also want to examine the drainage patterns, pavement condition, retaining walls, visibility when backing out of the driveway, and the placement of sidewalks. Local governments sometimes have ordinances that limit or regulate overnight street parking and snowplowing activities.
How Can Buyers Evaluate the Convenience of a Parking Configuration?
When possible, buyers should bring the vehicle they intend to use at the residence and park it during the tour, with the homeowner’s permission. They should open all the garage doors and walk around the vehicle to see if there will be enough turning radius to pull the vehicle back out of the garage. Buyers should also test the driveway by backing the vehicle out slowly and looking for potential conflicts with pedestrians, bicyclists, and passing vehicles.
Before finalizing a purchase, buyers should visualize where the trash cans, snowplows, deliveries, and guests’ vehicles will be placed in relation to the driveway, garage, and house. A few minutes spent examining the driveway and garage can prevent disappointments later.
Other Garage Considerations for Home Buyers
An attached garage must have a properly sealed garage door to prevent the spread of pollutants from the driveway or garage into the home. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that buyers check for gaps or improper sealing where the attached garage meets the house, since vehicle emissions can seep through the seams and pollute the house.
Buyers should also consider the condition of the garage door and opener, the electrical service, the lights inside the garage, the floor covering, and any signs of water intrusion. If the buyer intends to charge electric vehicles, a qualified electrician can evaluate the service and garage to determine whether the current electrical panel and garage wiring will support a Level 2 charging station.
Which Advantage Takes Priority in Bergen County?
For families with more than one driver, a well-designed driveway is often more valuable than a large garage. Independent parking spaces can make it easier for everyone to get to work on time, especially when street parking is a challenge.
Meanwhile, buyers who have one primary vehicle or who require substantial garage storage – or who want to keep their vehicles inside the house – may find that the overall size of the garage is more important than the driveway size. The best home purchase for most buyers combines a desirable garage size with a practical driveway configuration.
Considering the Value of a Home’s Parking Options
Buyers should assess garage and driveway sizes and configurations based on their needs and circumstances, not just the seller’s claims. They should measure the garage or storage space and review local regulations before making an offer. The Akkus Group can help Bergen County buyers weigh the pros and cons of different garage and driveway options at a specific property. We can also advise them on balancing garage and driveway needs with other home purchase considerations. Reach out to the professionals at The Akkus Group if you want a solid driveway layout or garage size when house hunting in Bergen County.
Common Questions About Home Garages and Driveways
Q: Does a Two-Car Garage Always Accommodate Two Vehicles?
A: No, an older home may have a narrow garage with restricted depth or a ceiling height that prevents the use of larger vehicles. Many two-car garages have pillars or storage systems in the center of the garage, plus mechanical equipment on one side. Larger vehicles may not fit in a two-car garage, even when the garage appears to have ample space.
Q: Is Tandem Parking in a Driveway Inconvenient or Disadvantageous?
A: Tandem parking can be a problem if the driveway is long enough to accommodate two vehicles, but it may not always be a disadvantage. Buyers who have two vehicles but only need one parking space – for example, empty nesters or entrepreneurs who operate a business from their home – may find it practical to park both vehicles in the same driveway.
Q: Can I Widen or Upgrade a Driveway After I Buy the Home?
A: Depending on the local regulations, a driveway widening project may be possible, but it may require special permission. Municipal regulations and restrictions may apply to lot coverage, curb cuts, and drainage. Trees, power lines, telephone lines, and water lines may limit the driveway expansion options. Before making any assumptions about the possibility or cost-effectiveness of a driveway expansion, buyers should consult with local authorities and obtain contractor estimates.
Q: Does the Presence of a Garage Add More Value to a Home Than a Driveway?
A: It depends on the buyer. Some people want a garage to keep their car protected from the weather, but others appreciate the convenience of a driveway that provides extra parking space. A home with both a large garage and a convenient driveway may have a greater resale value, but it is not guaranteed.