What Is A House On Top Of Garage Called

What Is a House on Top of Garage Called?

A house built above a garage is known by various names, depending on its architectural style, location, and purpose. Here are some common terms used to describe such structures:

1. Carriage House

A carriage house is a historic type of building commonly found in urban areas. It originally served as a storage space for horse-drawn carriages and stables for horses. Over time, many carriage houses have been converted into residential units, with the ground floor housing the garage and the upper floors converted into living space.

2. Coach House

Similar to a carriage house, a coach house was initially used to accommodate stagecoaches and their accompanying horses. Today, many coach houses have been transformed into dwellings, combining garage space on the lower level and living quarters on the upper levels.

3. Garage Apartment

A garage apartment, also known as a granny flat or accessory dwelling unit (ADU), is a self-contained residential unit built above or within a garage. It typically includes a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Garage apartments are often used as rental units, guest accommodations, or home offices.

4. Loft Apartment

A loft apartment is a converted industrial or commercial space that has been transformed into a residential unit. These apartments often feature open floor plans, high ceilings, and exposed beams. Some loft apartments may be situated above garages or other non-residential spaces.

5. Duplex

A duplex is a two-family house where each unit occupies one floor. In some cases, one of the units may be located above the garage, creating a house-on-garage configuration. Duplexes are popular residential options as they offer separate living spaces for multiple occupants.

6. Townhouse

A townhouse is a multi-story dwelling unit that shares common walls with adjacent units. Townhouses often feature a garage on the ground floor and living space on the upper floors. They are typically found in urban areas and offer a convenient and low-maintenance lifestyle.

Factors Influencing Nomenclature

The specific term used to describe a house on top of garage may vary depending on factors such as:

Architectural Style: The architectural style of the building can influence its name, e.g., carriage house, coach house.
Location: Regional variations in terminology can exist, e.g., granny flat in Australia.
Purpose: The intended use of the space, such as residential or commercial, can affect its designation.