The House Plan Shop Blog

As tough economic times continue, many families are being forced to combine households due to job loss and/or foreclosure. Children are moving back home to mom’s place with the grandkids in tow. The jobless market means college graduates are moving back home too. Grandparents are moving in with grandchildren. And the list goes on.

Recently, The GaragePlanShop, LLC, a subsidiary of The HousePlanShop, LLC, was featured in the news. With so many changes in living situations for a wide variety of people and uncertain economic conditions, both of these ecommerce companies have witnessed a growing interest in garage apartment plans and carriage house plans respectively. These modest, yet comfortable living quarters are proving to be a positive solution for those who are running out of room in their homes for relatives who need a place to live.

Carriage houses and garage apartments are very accommodating offering comfortable living quarters in an affordable package. Furthermore they are a great addition to any home adding value to the property. Not only will you be providing temporary housing for family members now, but you’ll reap the benefits of having extra garage space to use any way you wish. Consider extra car storage, boat storage or a workshop. When the economy moves in a positive direction and everyone is able to have a place of their own again, you’ll be left with a wonderful finished space with can easily serve as a guest suite, studio, office for a home based business, rental property or whatever you desire. One thing is certain, these popular carriage houses and garage apartments deliver a win-win situation for everyone.

Tags: Carriage House Plans, carriage houses, economy, garage apartment plans, living quarters

Are you looking for a weekend getaway that is as cozy as a cabin and as accommodating as a vacation home and has plenty of storage for all of your recreational vehicles and water toys? A carriage house is the answer. Perfect for your wooded lot or near your favorite lake, a carriage house can accommodate all of your needs. Generally two levels, the first floor offers a garage with lots of room for storage. Park the car or truck, ATVs and dirt bikes inside. You will also find it is easy to store a canoe, a couple of kayaks or the kids’ bikes. Garages with deep bays easily accommodate a boat. There are plenty of designs to choose from offering storage for one or more cars and providing more than enough room for all of the things you love. Some carriage houses even provide storage areas ideal for fishing poles, tackle boxes, life jackets and hunting gear, pleasing the outdoorsman in your family.  

Just right for long weekends with the kids or your neighbors, fishing with your pals or just getting away from it all, the living quarters of a carriage house offer all comforts of home in a compact floor plan. Typically, the living areas are situated on the second floor and are easily accessed from interior or exterior stairs. In most cases, the floor plan is open combining an efficient kitchen with the dining and gathering areas. Accommodations provide one or more bedrooms and baths. Some floor plans even provide a pantry, walk-in closets in the bedrooms and room for a washer/dryer unit. Occasionally, special extras are included like a private master bath, raised or vaulted ceilings and a fireplace.

Though modest in size and design, a carriage house is just right for your home away from home.

Tags: cabins, Carriage House Plans, vacation homes