In addition to giving your home a high-end appearance, adding a breezeway to connect your detached garage to your house can serve a number of practical purposes. If, for example, you reside in a part of the Carolinas where it rains frequently, having a breezeway will keep you and your belongings dry while you’re walking to your car. It can also serve as a place for extra storage if you add closets or shelving units along the walls.
As you read the remainder of this article, you will discover some common questions you should consider before starting construction on a breezeway. Thinking about these topics will help you prepare for your breezeway project properly, resulting in a smoother job for everyone involved, whether you opt to do it yourself or hire a professional team.
How is my house currently set up?
The first thing you need to evaluate is the current structure of your home and property. If, for instance, you already have a walkway that connects your main living space to your garage, building walls and a roof around it shouldn’t be too challenging. If, however, your yard is hilly and uneven, a landscape architect and a general contractor will probably have to work together to determine the best way to build your new breezeway.
What sort of breezeway is best for my family?
There are three main breezeway styles known as contained, funneled, and offset. Contained breezeways typically have traditional gabled roofs and match the architectural style shared by the homeowner’s residence and garage. Funneled breezeways are generally used more like pergolas, with open-air ceilings and room for patio furniture to be arranged. Finally, offset breezeways are designed to be placed between homes and garages that aren’t right across from each other. They typically have a turn or jog in the middle.
How will my family use the space?
Different Carolina families use breezeways in different ways. It’s important for you to consider how your family will use your new space before construction gets underway. If, for instance, you lack storage space in your house, a breezeway is a great place to add cabinets, closets, or shelves. Or, if you have hobbies, such as canoeing or skiing, that require a lot of equipment, you can hang them in your breezeway as decor.
What should I expect to spend?
The price of a garage-to-house breezeway addition largely depends upon the design you ultimately choose. Breezeways are not inexpensive in any case. They usually start around $40,000 and top out around $150,000, depending upon how many details and features they have. If, for instance, you decide to add multiple interior storage closets, costly flooring, and exterior adornments to your new breezeway, you can expect to spend quite a bit of money.
Although skilled do-it-yourselfers can construct breezeways on their own, it is usually best to hire professionals for projects of this magnitude. If you’re thinking about having a breezeway built, make sure you call the team at Hatch Homes first. Our skilled crew handles exterior renovations all over North Carolina and South Carolina. We look forward to learning more about what you have in mind for your property!