Not all garages are created equal. While many homebuyers solely focus on details like kitchens or primary suites, subtle exterior elements, like garage placement, can significantly impact both daily function and long-term value. At Schaeffer Homes, side entry garages are offered as an upgrade option in several of our floor plans, and for good reason: they’re a popular choice among homeowners who value both curb appeal and practicality. A side entry garage is a feature that quietly elevates a home’s design and livability.
A side entry garage, also known as a side-load garage, is accessed from the side of the home rather than the front. This design choice shifts the garage doors away from the main facade, allowing architectural features like porches and windows to take center stage. The result is a cleaner, more polished appearance that enhances the home's overall aesthetic.
Unlike front-facing garages that dominate the front view of a house, side entry garages reposition driveway traffic to the side, freeing up the front facade for a more refined design. This layout often increases the perceived size and grandeur of a home from the street, making it appear more spacious and inviting.
Side entry garages typically connect to quieter side streets or driveways, providing drivers with better visibility and less stress when pulling out. This is especially beneficial for families with younger or older drivers, as it reduces the risk of accidents and enhances overall safety.
Front-facing garages can overpower a home's appearance, making the garage doors the focal point. In contrast, a side entry design allows architectural features like front porches, windows or stonework to shine, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing facade.
Side entry garages offer greater flexibility in terms of layout and design. They can be adapted to fit various architectural styles, from modern to traditional, and can accommodate additional features such as workspaces, storage or a mudroom entry. This design choice allows the garage to become an extension of the home, rather than an afterthought.
By hiding the garage entrance from the street, side entry garages create a more private and peaceful front yard or porch area. This setup is perfect for relaxing without being right next to a car’s path, enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of your outdoor spaces.
Side-entry garages naturally limit direct visibility into your garage and home from the street, offering an added layer of privacy and protection. With fewer passersby seeing inside, your belongings and daily routines stay more secure. Additionally, the repositioned access point can make it easier to install lighting or security systems where they’re most needed.
At Schaeffer Homes, we offer several popular floor plans with side-entry garage options, which provide both functionality and enhanced curb appeal.
The Brighton boasts a spacious footprint and dual owner’s suites, with a layout that perfectly complements a side entry garage. This design enhances curb appeal and provides added privacy, making it an ideal choice for families seeking both style and comfort.
The Weatherby offers ranch-style appeal with a large layout and the option to extend the front porch. When paired with a tucked-away garage, this combination creates an especially attractive and welcoming facade.
The Avalon features a compact, stylish design with vaulted ceilings. Its front profile truly benefits from the clean lines and symmetry a side entry garage provides, making it a standout choice for those seeking modern elegance.
Thoughtful home design goes beyond floor plans; it’s also about how your home interacts with the world around it. A side-entry garage offers safety, beauty and flexibility that many homeowners don’t expect but soon can’t imagine living without.
We invite you to reach out to Schaeffer Homes to schedule a visit to one of our design centers in Middletown, DE, or Cherry Hill, NJ, to see firsthand how details like garage placement can transform a home’s design and livability.
