Home Building FAQs: How Much Side Yard Do I Need For A Side Load Garage?

I recently started a new blog series answering common home building questions. My goal is to provide you with a quick answer (300 words or less!) to a common question and when I can, give you resources to find more information on the topic. 

Today I’m answering the question – How Much Side Yard Do I Need For A Side Load Garage?

Do you prefer a side load garage vs. front load garage? A side load garage definitely streamlines the front elevation design but it isn’t always possible because of the width of the lot.

Let’s look at our Clarendon Model, which has a side load garage.

Unfortunately, some of the lots we build on don’t have enough side yard to provide adequate turning radius for cars going in and out of the garage. We recommend at least 25′ of side yard for turnaround. We built this pretty Chesterbrook Craftsman Model in Clifton earlier this year.

It had plenty of turnaround (30′ to be exact!) to get in and out of the garage.

But when we built this Chesterbrook Craftsman Model in Falls Church recently, the lot was too narrow to retain the side load garage. So we moved the garage door to the front.

What if the home you want to build doesn’t have a side load but your lot can accommodate one? No problem! We can easily modify the design! Our Langley Model is designed with a front load garage.

But when we built this Langley Model in Falls Church last year, the corner lot allowed for a side load garage.

We simply moved the garage door to the side and added windows to the front elevation.

Still have questions about what will work on your lot? Give us a call!

Dream Big. Build Smart.

298 Words = Getting Good At This