It’s the Norm
When it comes to residential driveways layouts, having the driveway appear on the side of the house is the most common method seen in residential areas. This layout is typically seen in houses that are on a busy street or houses with large front yards. Houses on busy streets benefit from this layout because it allows entry to your home and storage of your vehicles to be as far away from on coming traffic as possible. In the same way, having a driveway on the side of your house will allow for your front yard to be more open and appealing.
Whatever the reason may be, having a driveway on the side of your house can be extremely versatile and serve many purposes. It can be an access into your back yard, the landing spot for a garage, as well as all other reasons previously mentioned. Your driveway can be made with any surface material you choose, allowing this layout to be one of the best customizable options to suit your needs.
Property Line
One of the biggest challenges with a driveway on the side of your house is where exactly your property line ends, and where your neighbors property begins. Every town and city has different rules regarding property lines and how close you can build to them. Typically the most common practice is to leave a 5 foot buffer before your property line when building a driveway on side of house.
Land Survey
If you are ever confused on where your property ends, getting a land survey by your local officials is a great first step. This is especially important when installing a driveway on side of house. By doing so, you will make sure everything you do for your driveway project is 100% up to the standard of your local government. This will avoid any fines, breaking codes, or neighborhood disputes over who has the rights to be where.
Be a Good Neighbor
Before any major project near a property line, it should always be advised to run the project by your immediate neighbors in the surrounding area. Building a driveway on side of house should be no different. Typically houses in residential areas have a neighboring house to the immediate side of their property. If this applies to you, you should be extra cautious about property lines and making sure your driveway is up to standard and will not encroach on anyone’s space. By simply checking in on your neighbor before a project, you can save lots of potential future issues.
Driveway on Side of House: Coverage
Having a covering over your driveway and cars is a sure fire way to ensure long term protection from the weather and other deteriorating factors. Most driveways that are on the sides of a house come with a cover option of some sort, whether it be a garage or a covering. Both serve unique purposes and each can be utilized differently.
Garage
A garage is the top standard for convenience when it comes to parking in your driveway. Typically located at the end of your driveway, a garage offers both protection and easy access in your house. Garages offer protection for weather elements unlike all other driveway options. A garage allows a home owner to walk out into their car, and completely avoid all weather. This also applies to cars parked in the garage. They avoid all weather elements. When it comes to easy access to and from your home, and overall protection, a garage cannot be beat. However, garages can be extremely expensive to install and maintain, so this option is not great for everyone.
Covered Driveway
A covered driveway on the side of your house is a great alternative to having a garage installed. The most obvious benefit to this alternative is the reduction in price. A covering can typically cost a fraction of what a fully functioning garage will be. As far as overall protection of vehicles and driveway surface, a covered driveway does just as good as one would hope. Yes, wind is allows to pass through, allowing debris to trickle under the covering, but it is nothing compared to an uncovered driveway.
