Homes that just look like a garage (houses, subdivisions)

[verybadgnome]

Does this bother anyone else? If 90% of the horizontal space you see from the curb is just a garage door is that inviting, attractive or homey?

5018082-1.jpg

I understand that this is a car-centric culture and I have 2 myself (1 garaged) but why do people assume that there isn't an alternative to these designs? Things like a detached garage with alley access or even a one car garage (how many new cars do you have that need to be protected anyway?)

[HappyTexan]

Side facing and detached would require larger lots. Lots these days are much smaller than they used to be in order for people to afford the homes.

The older subdivisions do have what you're looking for and out in the country you have even more freedom to design your home/garage layout.

[america_dude]

I agree, that house looks fugly. I think the problem is that so many people just don't care. Aesthetic value is kicked the curb in favor of square footage.

[lndigo]

Practicality isn't generally pretty.

[centralaustinite]

I have been looking at houses with garages, currently I only have a carport. I greatly prefer side entrance garages. But the early poster is right, that requires a larger lot.

Houses like that are what give suburbs a bad name!

[Eastender67]

Originally Posted by lndigo

Practicality isn't generally pretty.

Although, I can't believe some people need an $$ explanation $$.

[mandib]

look at the size of the lot! they tried to cram a decent size house onto a tiny little lot, so that's what happens.

Something that fits but isn't pretty.

It's like lycra/spandex shorts size 6 with a size 14 body in it. Just doesn't really work.

[texdav]

That loks to be a very small house to styar with unless the lot is vert deep which I doubt. Looking at the cookie cutter housing being built now compared to just a year ago ;builders have started downsizing alot.

[america_dude]

Originally Posted by lndigo

Practicality isn't generally pretty.

Unfortunately, it's true. But it can also depend on your perspective. Aesthetics affect the mind and the soul; in that sense they can be practical too. Ask any teenager stuck in a bland suburb. I think houses like these are the result of lazy design more than anything else. It's a product of what we Americans have been trained to want.

[justanothercalifornian]

yikes