How Important is having a Garage in Seattle area? (Kenmore: rentals, how much)

[DisRunR]

Humor me please....here in Chicago 'burbs extremely important, we found a great rental home in Kenmore, with a great price compared to everything else. However, no garage or carport. We have 2 vehicles, newer ones, I know, every one has their own opinion and perspective, but I'm leaning towards pricey rental in Woodinville with attached 2 car garage.
Still sight unseen, viewings next week, both owners appear friendly and pet friendly
Thanks for any input ......I attempt to search these forums before I post a new thread

[Kayela]

It's not as important since the weather is much less severe. You rarely have to scrape your windows here, and it's never too cold to get it started in the morning. The worst problem here is sap from all the evergreens we have, and if you don't keep it clean, that can ruin a paint job real quick. If there's no trees over the driveway though, this may not be a problem for you.

So environmental reasons for a garage are much fewer. However, I am a picky car owner, and I like my paint job protected. The areas you note are both pretty safe, so that wouldn't be as much of a concern, but I still like the added bit of security. Plus it's nice to stay dry while you're carrying your things inside. I've had rentals with and without, and I strongly prefer a garage. How much extra you'd be willing to pay for it varies for each person.

[Ira500]

Garages are nice, but it strikes me that 90% of the people with garages just store their crap in them, and don't actually park in them.

[DisRunR]

Originally Posted by Ira500

Garages are nice, but it strikes me that 90% of the people with garages just store their crap in them, and don't actually park in them.

So true! I took that into consideration and realized after 8 years here with a 2.5 car garage, just 2 cars and shelving, now if you looked in our basement......!

Kayela, thanks for the post

[poopskooper]

I don't think it's as important as it would be in Chicago where you have much more extreme temperatures but I'm sure most people would prefer a garage. As you know, the older homes in the city itself some may not have garages and even when they do, I know a lot of people only use them for storage.

To me, garages represent two things, 1) protection for the vehicles, and 2) convenience to be out of the elements going to and from the vehicles which would also include the convenience of working on the vehicles by not having to be out in the elements. Both mean a lot to most folks.

I grew up in the 50s in the Green Lake area and on my street, not many had garages and those who did didn't seem to use them for putting the car inside mostly because they were so small and cramped as they were better used for storage. Everybody parked their car on the narrow street and back then. It was usually only one car per family in those times. I remember my dad doing mechanical work on the family's 1949 Chevy out on the street when it needed it. Many times he'd come inside cold and wet to get warmed up before going out again and finishing whatever he had to do. Years later when they retired and moved to the eastside, I remember him telling me how he couldn't believe he put up with not having a garage now that he had a spacious two-car garage to do oil changes, etc. out of the rain and not having to get wet going to and from the cars.

Personally, I can survive without a garage as Seattle's weather isn't severe to a point where it is really hard on a vehicle to be kept outside. I don't mind terribly to walk in the elements to get to the car. The inconvenient condition is when it is freezing and you have to defrost windows/windshield or get into an icy cold interior from the nice warm house. However, when it gets right down to it, sure, I'd prefer a garage ...definitely.

JMO and my opinion doesn't mean much here.

[PNWGuy]

also depends on what area you live in, some are more prone to car theft/breakins than others. As long as you keep your car door locked and valuables out of plain sight you should be ok.

[DisRunR]

Originally Posted by poopskooper

I don't think it's as important as it would be in Chicago where you have much more extreme temperatures but I'm sure most people would prefer a garage. As you know, the older homes in the city itself some may not have garages and even when they do, I know a lot of people only use them for storage.

To me, garages represent two things, 1) protection for the vehicles, and 2) convenience to be out of the elements going to and from the vehicles which would also include the convenience of working on the vehicles by not having to be out in the elements. Both mean a lot to most folks.

I grew up in the 50s in the Green Lake area and on my street, not many had garages and those who did didn't seem to use them for putting the car inside mostly because they were so small and cramped as they were better used for storage. Everybody parked their car on the narrow street and back then. It was usually only one car per family in those times. I remember my dad doing mechanical work on the family's 1949 Chevy out on the street when it needed it. Many times he'd come inside cold and wet to get warmed up before going out again and finishing whatever he had to do. Years later when they retired and moved to the eastside, I remember him telling me how he couldn't believe he put up with not having a garage now that he had a spacious two-car garage to do oil changes, etc. out of the rain and not having to get wet going to and from the cars.

Personally, I can survive without a garage as Seattle's weather isn't severe to a point where it is really hard on a vehicle to be kept outside. I don't mind terribly to walk in the elements to get to the car. The inconvenient condition is when it is freezing and you have to defrost windows/windshield or get into an icy cold interior from the nice warm house. However, when it gets right down to it, sure, I'd prefer a garage ...definitely.

JMO and my opinion doesn't mean much here.

Thanks for the post, I'm asking for opinions I'm appreciating all feedback I've received so far since I've registered here. I know it's the end all, but the renatal$$ in Kenmore is far lower.

Originally Posted by PNWGuy

also depends on what area you live in, some are more prone to car theft/breakins than others. As long as you keep your car door locked and valuables out of plain sight you should be ok.

Thanks for the post also, so....septic....yay or nay?! Lol that is totally new to me!

[Ira500]

Septic, for a rental house?
Sure! Remember not to drive over the drainfield , and not to plant deep rooted plants over the drain field. But it means no sewer bill.

[DisRunR]

Yep, the rental with no garage has septic, so does that mean I can't procrastinate laundry and try to get it all done in one day?!

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Ira500

Garages are nice, but it strikes me that 90% of the people with garages just store their crap in them, and don't actually park in them.

Yes, that's true. And the older homes in Seattle have garages too small to fit a car anyway. I'm on a plateau at about 600' elevation and this winter have only had to scrape frost/ice maybe 10 times. Normally it can be 2-3 times that but even running the car 10 minutes with the defroster on will do the trick most days. The bigger problem is moss. If you look at any of our cars right now, the bottom rubber window seals are all green. Of course, I only wash them a few times a year, and rarely in winter, but in a few weeks I'll have a lot of toothbrush work to do.