What do you use your garage for?

[no_vaseline_IHB]

I actually wouldn't mind having the garage in back of the house... as long as it had a driveway too.

The thing about having the garage in front is that's where we do most of our grunge work and being able to do that while the kids are out front playing is a bonus. Also if you work on stuff on the front of your house (like putting up decorations or even light landscaping... having to go through or around the house to the garage is an inconvenience.

Maybe on the side of the house is better?

The house was on the center (front, back and center) of the lot. The driveway was on the south side and went the length of the property line from the street to the garage. The garage was all the way in the back of the lot against the alley.

 

[bkshopr_IHB]

I actually wouldn't mind having the garage in back of the house... as long as it had a driveway too.

The thing about having the garage in front is that's where we do most of our grunge work and being able to do that while the kids are out front playing is a bonus. Also if you work on stuff on the front of your house (like putting up decorations or even light landscaping... having to go through or around the house to the garage is an inconvenience.

Maybe on the side of the house is better?

Stop working in the garage and enjoy the inside of your beautiful home. problem solved. What do you have to do in the garage that occupied so much of your time? I have owned houses similar to the ones you like and I did not spend a single moment in the garage. Are you obsess with tools and workbench? I just don't get it!

I do know dysfunctional families where the garage is the husband's haven to get away from his wife. If you need to do so much in the garage may be you really need to reconsider a larger home with a multi purpose room to do all your projects and chores.

 

[anela_IHB]

my old place in l.a. (built in 1920) had the garage in the back with a driveway on the side. my sisters place in palo alto (1915) also has a detached garage in back. give me an older home with detached garage in the back with a porch in the front and i'll think i've gone to heaven

i actually have my car in my IAC garage - one thing to remember with IAC garages - they're not all the same size.

 

[bkshopr_IHB]

my old place in l.a. (built in 1920) had the garage in the back with a driveway on the side. my sisters place in palo alto (1915) also has a detached garage in back. give me an older home with detached garage in the back with a porch in the front and i'll think i've gone to heaven

i actually have my car in my IAC garage - one thing to remember with IAC garages - they're not all the same size.

I am definitely in heaven on earth.

 

[fumbling_IHB]

I had a neighbor who moved in directly across the street from me, who left their garage door open day and night, literally from 8am to 11pm. I moved a few years ago, and occasionally I go back to the old neighborhood, and everytime, the garage door is open, with the usual messy stuff inside a two car garage that has room for only one car. No HOA, so the neighbor is within her rights to leave it open all the time, I guess. It's just so annoying though, I feel sorry for the other neighbors who see that day in and day out.

 

[Daedalus_IHB]

Stop working in the garage and enjoy the inside of your beautiful home. problem solved. What do you have to do in the garage that occupied so much of your time? I have owned houses similar to the ones you like and I did not spend a single moment in the garage. Are you obsess with tools and workbench? I just don't get it!

I do know dysfunctional families where the garage is the husband's haven to get away from his wife. If you need to do so much in the garage may be you really need to reconsider a larger home with a multi purpose room to do all your projects and chores.

I think I resemble that remark. The first part anyway. I happen to be passionate about garage-centric hobbies. :red: Years back I remember we were renting a tiny apartment, and I scored a smoking deal on a brand new engine for my car. But of course I had nowhere to put it, so it sat on the coffee table for 6 months. Beautiful though it was, *THAT* was dysfunctional. Kind of funny in hindsight.

If my spouse wants to spend time in the garage with me on weekends turning wrenches and discussing tradeoffs between centrifugal and positive displacement superchargers, she would be more than welcome. A woman who knows her way around cars is damn sexy IMO.

 

[irvine_home_owner_IHB]

I actually wouldn't mind having the garage in back of the house... as long as it had a driveway too.

The thing about having the garage in front is that's where we do most of our grunge work and being able to do that while the kids are out front playing is a bonus. Also if you work on stuff on the front of your house (like putting up decorations or even light landscaping... having to go through or around the house to the garage is an inconvenience.

Maybe on the side of the house is better?

Stop working in the garage and enjoy the inside of your beautiful home. problem solved. What do you have to do in the garage that occupied so much of your time? I have owned houses similar to the ones you like and I did not spend a single moment in the garage. Are you obsess with tools and workbench? I just don't get it!

I do know dysfunctional families where the garage is the husband's haven to get away from his wife. If you need to do so much in the garage may be you really need to reconsider a larger home with a multi purpose room to do all your projects and chores.

You must not have chores in your household. Anything that requires cleaning usually ends up in the garage. Building a bike or a large toy for your kid? Garage. Cleaning out your vehicle from junk accumulated (most of it paperwork from all your kids art projects)... garage. Last Thanksgiving, when it was a bit rainy, we fried a turkey... in the garage... can't do that in a multi-purpose room. And I'm not the only one who is in there. I think you have it backwards... the garage is an extension of your living space... builders need to recognize that and think more about that when planning new construction.

You have already stated that current building standards (ie land density) don't allow room for a 3-car wide... so what more for a rear garage that has an entry path leading to the front of the house? And who wants to go outside the house to get back into the house after they park in the garage anyways? Luckily the weather is milder in SoCal... but I would never buy a house that didn't have direct access from the garage.

 

[bkshopr_IHB]

I actually wouldn't mind having the garage in back of the house... as long as it had a driveway too.

The thing about having the garage in front is that's where we do most of our grunge work and being able to do that while the kids are out front playing is a bonus. Also if you work on stuff on the front of your house (like putting up decorations or even light landscaping... having to go through or around the house to the garage is an inconvenience.

Maybe on the side of the house is better?

Stop working in the garage and enjoy the inside of your beautiful home. problem solved. What do you have to do in the garage that occupied so much of your time? I have owned houses similar to the ones you like and I did not spend a single moment in the garage. Are you obsess with tools and workbench? I just don't get it!

I do know dysfunctional families where the garage is the husband's haven to get away from his wife. If you need to do so much in the garage may be you really need to reconsider a larger home with a multi purpose room to do all your projects and chores.

You must not have chores in your household. Anything that requires cleaning usually ends up in the garage. Building a bike or a large toy for your kid? Garage. Cleaning out your vehicle from junk accumulated (most of it paperwork from all your kids art projects)... garage. Last Thanksgiving, when it was a bit rainy, we fried a turkey... in the garage... can't do that in a multi-purpose room. And I'm not the only one who is in there. I think you have it backwards... the garage is an extension of your living space... builders need to recognize that and think more about that when planning new construction.

You have already stated that current building standards (ie land density) don't allow room for a 3-car wide... so what more for a rear garage that has an entry path leading to the front of the house? And who wants to go outside the house to get back into the house after they park in the garage anyways? Luckily the weather is milder in SoCal... but I would never buy a house that didn't have direct access from the garage.

I guess I chose to live my life without having to do much household chores. I bought several bikes for my daughters during the various stages of her life and all 3 bikes came assembled and so was mine. I take my car to the car wash and I clean while the crew vacuum but I keep my car tidy all the time and I never allow it to become a mess. We served ham instead of turkey to make our chores manageable during Thanksgivings.

I prioritized my daughters art works and saved the ones that she likes the most and we selected them together and tossed out the rest. I keep a neat scrap book of the most important art projects but never let my hoarding gene from my mother takes over my mind. My wife is a minimalist and she manages to keep her lifetime of memories into a suitcase.

I spent my lifetime of having a hoarding disorder and I am conscientious about keeping chores manageable. Rather than buying a bunch of household and garden tools I hire a gardener and keep my home handy projects simple that I can accomplish by using a screwdriver.

Most chores, hobbies, and hoarding are self imposed. I read books on organization and how to simplify my life. I lived in homes with much more footage and a 3 car attached garage. My hoarding and excessive dependency on the garage became out of control. I then downsize my house to 60% to change the way I lived. I fought my garage addiction and now I live much happily without my dependency.

We limit our purchase from Costco of 8 items or less. We shop at Trader Joes for smaller portions. It is all about living simpler and get more out of life. I believe in less is more. I have a small house on a huge lot where I could enjoy more nature and less house.

Sarah Susanka wrote a book about "A not so Big House". Her book inspired me to live a life without a big baggage.

 

[irvine_home_owner_IHB]

Yes... but even though I believe you have a great amount of research on how families live... I think what I described is more in sync with reality than yours. Sure... we all want to minimize clutter, reduce junk and simplify our lives... but life is life. In hard economic times, not all of us can afford to go to a car wash, to have our bikes pre-assembled or choose what to eat for Thanksgiving. If I wanted more nature and less house... I wouldn't be living in Irvine... I would move to Big Bear or Arizona. But I'm a suburbian... big house... big storage... big space to deal with life... that's how I roll.

And I'm not saying your way of life or opinion is bad... I'm not AZDave... I'm just saying that most of the people I talk to and interact with... who are mainly families (and even people in this thread)... find the garage as a useful space. Why do you think my 3-car wide garage sold so quickly over my neighbor's 2-car garage house? It's why builders offer that tandem... to give people a notion of more storage/flex space. As much as you think it's ruined the architecture of modern family homes... many of us have excepted the garage-in-front design. I didn't like sagging pants showing their boxers on kids... but they'll swear by the comfort (which have now weirdly switched to skin tight pants but still showing boxers).

Don't hate the garage... hate the game.

 

[skek_IHB]

.

 

[caycifish_IHB]

I guess I chose to live my life without having to do much household chores. I bought several bikes for my daughters during the various stages of her life and all 3 bikes came assembled and so was mine. I take my car to the car wash and I clean while the crew vacuum but I keep my car tidy all the time and I never allow it to become a mess. We served ham instead of turkey to make our chores manageable during Thanksgivings.

I prioritized my daughters art works and saved the ones that she likes the most and we selected them together and tossed out the rest. I keep a neat scrap book of the most important art projects but never let my hoarding gene from my mother takes over my mind. My wife is a minimalist and she manages to keep her lifetime of memories into a suitcase.

I spent my lifetime of having a hoarding disorder and I am conscientious about keeping chores manageable. Rather than buying a bunch of household and garden tools I hire a gardener and keep my home handy projects simple that I can accomplish by using a screwdriver.

Most chores, hobbies, and hoarding are self imposed. I read books on organization and how to simplify my life. I lived in homes with much more footage and a 3 car attached garage. My hoarding and excessive dependency on the garage became out of control. I then downsize my house to 60% to change the way I lived. I fought my garage addiction and now I live much happily without my dependency.

We limit our purchase from Costco of 8 items or less. We shop at Trader Joes for smaller portions. It is all about living simpler and get more out of life. I believe in less is more. I have a small house on a huge lot where I could enjoy more nature and less house.

Sarah Susanka wrote a book about "A not so Big House". Her book inspired me to live a life without a big baggage.

Bk, with all due respect, I think you are grouping activities that require space and hoarding with activities that are just "dirty" and should never be done inside an area of the house that should remain clean. The garage is often the area of the house that is allowed to be dirty, usually because the flooring is going to be driven upon and the contents can become dusty. I personally see the garage as the home for cars and other "dirty" items that are not appropriate for the house itself. Saying that you don't need such items because you pay someone else to do the work for you is striking me as frivolous today. And it is also your personal financial choice.

I hope you aren't trying to tell people that their hobbies or choice to do the chores themselves are somehow unwise or an "addiction". Of course a hobby is "self-imposed." For many the choice to save money and do the manual labor themselves is also "self-imposed." I read a lot of judgement against those who make those personal choices in your post, but I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and hope that you meant to just share about yourself without judgement of others.

I have been sanding and repainting a dresser lately. That is a "dirty" activity. I did it in the garage or at the edge of the garage. I realize you are just going to tell me to buy a new dresser to simplify my life or something along those lines, but that would not have been an appropriate choice in this case for several reasons.

Also, anyone who wants a detached garage had better be volunteering to always carry the groceries (8 items from Costco can still be a PITA) in from the car, as well as hold the unbrella over the heads of every person who must travel from the car to the house in the case of rain, as well as be the one to carry the opener around.

Okay, I have said my peace.

 

[socalhousingbubble_IHB]

Also, anyone who wants a detached garage had better be volunteering to always carry the groceries (8 items from Costco can still be a PITA) in from the car, as well as hold the unbrella over the heads of every person who must travel from the car to the house in the case of rain, as well as be the one to carry the opener around.

Okay, I have said my peace.

After carrying groceries (including Costco) up two flights of stairs for several years, the haul from a detached garage would be a refreshing change. Having said all that, I'm a big proponent of the 3-car tandem garage!

SCHB

 

[SoCal78_IHB]

I think I understand where BK is coming from. He has said in previous posts that the Chinese are not handy with fixing things. They are not DIY-ers. If they are not fixing their own cars, doing their own yardwork, repairs, etc then they don't have as much need for any workshop space. Since that demographic is the one he is primarily concerned with as potential Irvine buyers, I think what he's saying makes a lot of sense from that perspective. He is right, we Americans do hoard too much. When we buy things at Costco, we buy stuff just because it's a good deal, not necessarily because we need it. Our culture's tendencies lean towards over-consumption.

 

[biscuitninja_IHB]

I like garage... I just have a few too many projects.

I use my garage for the normal storage and cars.... Is there any other?

OK, except for the swinger's house down the street... but i'm afraid of that place!

-bix

 

[irvine_home_owner_IHB]

I think I understand where BK is coming from. He has said in previous posts that the Chinese are not handy with fixing things. They are not DIY-ers. If they are not fixing their own cars, doing their own yardwork, repairs, etc then they don't have as much need for any workshop space. Since that demographic is the one he is primarily concerned with as potential Irvine buyers, I think what he's saying makes a lot of sense from that perspective. He is right, we Americans do hoard too much. When we buy things at Costco, we buy stuff just because it's a good deal, not necessarily because we need it. Our culture's tendencies lean towards over-consumption.

That's understandable... but garages aren't just for workshop/DIY/HGTV stuff. Kiddie bikes are stored there... fake Christmas trees... gigantic plastic tubs that hold sports equipment... and the infamous asian take off your shoes area.

I have friends who park their cars in the garage but keep them immaculate because when they have parties, they back the cars into the driveway and the garage becomes another dining area... or poker room.

The garage isn't just the man-cave anymore.

 

[bkshopr_IHB]

I am not trying to degrade people who chose to do self imposed projects or chores but to share with you my personal journey that I realize that have been my burden. My entire family suffered from hoarding disorder and that included me for many years. I am so much happier now living with less clutter, having less belonging, and not worrying about unfinished projects.

I have just shared my particular experience in simplifying my life. Being Asian handyman work is not my blood. In truth those who chooses to built or finish a cabinet by themselves are not really saving money after the expense of buying all the tools and accessories. However, the satisfaction of creating or making something is priceless regardless of cost. I have been down that route before and I spent more money upfront for tools that I will only use once and could not recuperate my investments. I actually saved much more money when I do not have the need to buy things to store.

Places like Walmart, Target, and all professional bike store all bikes come assembled to minimize their product liability. I do not even know where I can buy a bike that comes in parts inside a box. Although I must say the idea of secretly assembling a bike in the garage for the kids before Christmas Day is a very Norman Rockwell sentiment and I see why so many parents labor themselves or self imposed extra work for the sentimental value and satisfaction.

Here is another good example: I bought a pair of jean from Nordstrom Rack for $15 on Sunday but if I had to make it myself I would spend on fabric alone from Joann fabric at least $10, pattern for $6, sewing machine for $100, sewing supplies $5 and the time I spent in shopping, cutting fabric and sewing 8 hours at my rate of $225/hr. My cost for the personal gratification of sewing a pair of jean would have cost me $1,921. This scenario applied to everything else in my life. When I go to a car wash costs me $12 and 45 minutes of my time in waiting but I actually formulate my proposals or talk to clients while I wait there. I made $168.75 while I waited to have my car cleaned. If I had to clean and vacuum my car I will take 2 hours and that is a loss of $450 for me. I like my work because I get paid for my idea regardless of where I performed my task.

The same also applies for frying a turkey because it cost me less to buy from Honey Bake because the time I save in the Kitchen I worked instead and billed my clients for ideas that I dreamed up on the dining room table. 4hr x$225=$1,000 is a lot more fun than frying a turkey. I also learned to realize the more clutter that I have to take longer time to find things as a result there is a huge loss of time.

John and his wife Robin McMonigle both have personal assistants to pick up dry cleanings and shop at South Coast Plaza for them because time is valuable and the little that is left for them they spent with their children rather than running errands.

Yes, 40% of homebuyers are Asians and I do know how they live. Homes in Irvine are tailored for Asians and their lifestyle. Asians are ideal home consumers their lifestyle don’t really require more land for those extraneous hobbies and home projects in the garages. They are the perfect target for high density planning. Large acreage communities such as Orange Park Acre, San Juan Capistrano, Nellie Gail, and Lemon Heights are not Asian neighborhoods. Success of Irvine is certainly not by accident. It is been calculatedly orchestrated.

For those who really need the extra room like in the garage for those dirty chores I will have to wish you good luck because in todays land equation developers would rather target other easier to please demographics with less demands on land consumption. Unless consumers are willing to pay $375/sf for the extra garages and the $20,000 for the extra land for road and longer utilities and storm drain line under the asphalt the 3 car garage will be revived.

Speaking of family I have to get home to see my wife with so little time that I have left.

 

[no_vaseline_IHB]

I don't have any idea what BK is babbling about, but I can attest a detached garage at the back of your property is awesome. Particularly if you are trying to "hide" your project from your neighbors.

Not that I care that my neighbors know what I'm working on.......if I could hide it they would leave me alone and I could get something done.

 

[zovall_IHB]

Yes, 40% of homebuyers are Asians and I do know how they live. Homes in Irvine are tailored for Asians and their lifestyle. Asians are ideal home consumers their lifestyle don’t really require more land for those extraneous hobbies and home projects in the garages. They are the perfect target for high density planning. Large acreage communities such as Orange Park Acre, San Juan Capistrano, Nellie Gail, and Lemon Heights are not Asian neighborhoods. Success of Irvine is certainly not by accident. It is been calculatedly orchestrated.

For those who really need the extra room like in the garage for those dirty chores I will have to wish you good luck because in todays land equation developers would rather target other easier to please demographics with less demands on land consumption. Unless consumers are willing to pay $375/sf for the extra garages and the $20,000 for the extra land for road and longer utilities and storm drain line under the asphalt the 3 car garage will be revived.

Just wanted to highlight the sad truth in this part of bk's post...

 

[irvine_home_owner_IHB]

By your posts, it appears your contention is that Asians don't require spacious garages.

I disagree... I think Asians like big garages and large driveways just as much as the next person. Westpark II has a very large Asian population and that neighborhood happens to be one of the newer areas that have 3-car garages. West Irvine, Harvard Square and Oak Creek also have a number of 3-car garage plans... and those neighborhoods have high Asian density.

It's just the newer plans like Woodbury, Portola, VoC and Quail that subscribe to your land consumption woes. The reason why builders are building homes with bigger garages isn't because they are catering to a certain demographic... it's just because they are trying to maximize land... which has nothing to do with being Asian or not.

Sorry bk... I don't subscribe to the "Asians need less land and smaller garages which is why Irvine is building new homes that way"... it's just cost savings... plain and simple. Because if Asians were the main target... every house would have double-door entries, large foyers, a built-in buddha statue, a dirty kitchen in the back yard and a free Toyota in the driveway (man... I hope AZDave doesn't jump on me for stereotyping).

 

[bkshopr_IHB]

By your posts, it appears your contention is that Asians don't require spacious garages.

I disagree... I think Asians like big garages and large driveways just as much as the next person. Westpark II has a very large Asian population and that neighborhood happens to be one of the newer areas that have 3-car garages. West Irvine, Harvard Square and Oak Creek also have a number of 3-car garage plans... and those neighborhoods have high Asian density.

It's just the newer plans like Woodbury, Portola, VoC and Quail that subscribe to your land consumption woes. The reason why builders are building homes with bigger garages isn't because they are catering to a certain demographic... it's just because they are trying to maximize land... which has nothing to do with being Asian or not.

Sorry bk... I don't subscribe to the "Asians need less land and smaller garages which is why Irvine is building new homes that way"... it's just cost savings... plain and simple. Because if Asians were the main target... every house would have double-door entries, large foyers, a built-in buddha statue, a dirty kitchen in the back yard and a free Toyota in the driveway (man... I hope AZDave doesn't jump on me for stereotyping).

I agree everyone needs their garages for many reasons as related to lifestyle. Most Asian home shoppers will tolerate not having a 3rd car garage and in the grand scheme of demands the 3rd stall is not a "must" for them as long the inside of the home has greater attributes. In your scenario it is a no way situation. Asians are among the toughest critics but they are willing to make compromises because their lifestyle is not totally dependent to the utilization of garages.

I agree that you do utilize your garages and driveway a lot and the list of things you do on your driveway. If I were your neighbor across the street I don't want to see your garage doors opened and seeing all your storage and among other things that you do. I certainly don't want to hear your table saw, sander, and other power tools. If you are handy with cars then that is even worse when I have to see the open hood of your cars and grease on your driveway. I certainly do not want to hear that ball bouncing on the driveway or bang shots on that beautiful basket hoop sitting on your driveway. When I have to back out from my house and I have to be careful not to run over your kids playing on your driveway paradise while chasing after a ball on the street.

Yes you have the right to do what ever you want but for the sake of your neighbors keep your activities in the backyard and not displaying everything for the entire neighborhood to witness. This is the biggest reason I promote garages at the rear of the house with direct access so you can keep your household activities private.

If I had to sell my house across the street from you my potential buyers certainly would not be interested in my house after seeing the activities on your driveway.

I am telling you most homeowners will feel the same way. It is selfish and sad but true.

In good neighborhood design the placement of garages is important for aethetics, function and most importantly minimizes potential problem for some homeowners interrupting peace in neighborhood. The concept of a detached condo cluster is a good example of promoting peace by confining the turn-in garages to a motorcourt. The activities in the garages are shield from the street in an oblique view rather than totally fronting on the street.