Your guide to the Tandem Garage, pros and cons, and how to organize

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Written By Stephane

If you’re looking to add an addition to your home with a two-car tandem garage or if you’re renting townhomes with a tandem garage, this guide is for you. We’ll explore what a tandem garage is, the pros and cons of having one, how to make a tandem garage more functional, and how to organize a tandem garage. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the tandem garage.

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What makes a garage a tandem garage?

Not your traditional garage, but a tandem garage is simply a single-door two-car garage that fits 2 vehicles behind one another. They can also be a double garage with two garage doors with 2 rows of cars. This type of arrangement is common in townhomes and other multifamily dwellings. While each garage may be smaller than a traditional standalone garage, the overall space is greater. This can be beneficial if you have two cars or need extra storage space.

Types of tandem garages, layout, configurations

Two-car tandem garages

tandem 2 car garage
2-car garage tandem layout

Three-car tandem garages

tandem 3 car garage
3-car garage tandem layout

Four-car tandem garages

4 car tandem garage
4-car garage tandem layout

Use cases for two or three-car tandem garage

If you live in a busy city, parking can be challenging to find and expensive. A tandem garage can be a great solution to this problem. By parking your cars in tandem, you can maximize the space you have in your garage. This is especially beneficial if you don’t have a lot of room to spare. Additionally, tandem parking can help you avoid getting tickets for parking illegally on the street.

A two or three-car tandem garage will make sense for a family with more than one car. A tandem garage can be a great solution if you have a large family or if you like to entertain. It will allow you to store two or three cars in the garage while leaving room for other items.

If you have a single-car garage but own two cars, you may want to consider turning your garage into a tandem garage. A tandem garage will give you more storage space and will allow you to park two cars in the garage. Constantly finding yourself parking your car on the street if you live in a city is a good case for a tandem garage. 

If you’re building a detached garage and don’t have enough space width-wise to build a double garage, you can instead build a tandem garage. To get around the access challenges, install a garage door at each garage end.

Consider the tandem garage dimensions and your car’s dimensions

Consider a few things before deciding if a tandem garage suits you. The first is the size of your cars. If you have large vehicles, they may not fit in a tandem garage. You will also need to consider the height of your garage door. You will need a taller garage door if you have a tall car.

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How will you use the extra space?

Another thing to consider is how you will use the extra space in a tandem garage. Some people use it for storage, while others use it as a workshop. If you plan on using the area for storage, you will want to ensure that the items you store are safe and secure. You don’t want anything falling on your car or getting stolen.

If you plan on using the tandem garage as a workshop, you will need to ensure that the area is well-lit and ventilated. You don’t want to be working in a dark and cramped space. You will also want to provide enough room to move around.

The last thing to consider is the cost of a tandem garage.

They can be more expensive than a single-car garage. However, the extra cost may be worth it if you plan to use the space for storage or as a workshop.

Once you have considered all these factors, you can decide if a tandem garage is suitable. It may be the perfect solution for your needs if you have a large family who owns cars and are short on space. If you only have one or two cars, you may want to stick with a single-car garage. Either way, you can build a suitable garage that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Pros and Cons of a Tandem Garage

There are both pros and cons to having a tandem garage. On the plus side, a tandem garage can provide extra parking and storage space without taking up too much additional land.

Additionally, tandem garages can be more affordable than two side-by-side garages.

On the downside, Wisely plan because it can be challenging to park larger vehicles in a tandem unit. Also, because each individual space is smaller, keeping the area, well-organized may be more challenging.

Making a Tandem Garage More Functional

You can do several things to make your tandem garage more functional. First, invest in some good shelving units to take full advantage of the vertical space. 

Second, consider hanging bicycles from the ceiling or walls to free up floor space. 

Third, consider adding a pegboard to one or both sides of the garage so you can easily organize tools and other small items. These steps allow you to maximize the available space and make your tandem garage more functional.

Organizing Your Tandem Garage

If you want to keep your tandem garage organized, there are several things you can do:

Following these tips, your tandem garage will stay tidy and organized all year long!

Conclusion:

Now that we’ve answered some common questions about tandem garages, we hope this guide has been helpful! 

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