Is a garage worthwhile?

[Anonymous]

We bought a place in upper NW. It has street parking. There's a neighboring public alley, so we could add a garage in the backyard, at the expense of a chunk of backyard. We'd still have a nicely sized backyard. Here's the question we're facing: what would adding the garage do to the home's value? Do buyers generally prefer a garage to a little more backyard in this area? Our sense is that it's a desirable feature for family cars, though perhaps not so valuable that we'd entirely recoup the construction cost. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I never park cars in garages.

Do you have other unfinished space like a basement? You need a certain amount of unfinished space for storing outdoor tools and the like. If you don't have that space you'll end up using finished space for it.

[Anonymous]

My thinking is, do it if you want it for YOU
Why think about what some future person may or may not value?

You just bought the place so presumably you won’t be selling it anytime soon

To answer your garage question, I love having a garage, pre kids we parked both our cars in it, post kids our garage is full of bikes and strollers and scooters and wagons etc

[Anonymous]

If it’s difficult to get close parking certain times of day an off street parking pad would be almost as valuable as a garage. Maybe also add a shed for tool/bike storage.

[Anonymous]

I, personally, LOVE having a garage. Especially after years and years of not having one.

[Anonymous]

Love our double car garage

[Anonymous]

Guaranteed, dedicated parking is always worthwhile in a city. It could be a parking pad.

[Anonymous]

OP here. We have plenty of space in the basement for tools etc. Street parking also isn't an issue. This would be for convenience, keeping the car cleaner/safer, adding an EV charger, and outdoor storage for bikes and strollers etc. It's definitely not *necessary*, which is why we'd like to better understand how it might affect home value.

[Anonymous]

We wouldn’t buy a house without a garage. For us, and many of our neighbors, a garage is essential.

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on your neighborhood and what buyer expectations are. I'd personally love a house with a garage (not for parking, but more for outdoor storage, easy access for kids bikes etc) and thought I would never buy a house without one.....until I found a neighborhood I loved where garages are uncommon.

It will probably be an attractive selling point when you eventually sell your home and keep the people who dead set on a house with a garage. As with most things, don't invest in a big change expecting to recoup the money. Add a garage if it contributes to a better QoL for you as the current homeowner.

[Anonymous]

Biggest plus point for me - not having to clean snow off car.

[Anonymous]

Hugely important for people who have ever had one. It’s one of those things people won’t go back from.

[Anonymous]

100% yes. Could be a place to park cars, charge an electric car, store camping gear, tools, serve as a gym, etc. I would really think hard about a house without a garage.

[Anonymous]

OP, its a nice thing to have, but not essential. And sounds like you don't need it right now, so why not wait and see how you feel?

[Anonymous]

I looooooovvvveeee my garbage, esp. after not having one when my kids were little. But mine is attached and goes right into the kitchen, which makes a huge difference.

A detached one isn’t as appealing, but yes, no snow to remove, keeps it cool in the summer and free of pollen.