What Is A Tuck Under Garage And Is It Efficient?

Emily Carr
by Emily Carr

A tuck under garage adds extra storage space for your car in the most inconspicuous way. So, what exactly is a tuck under garage, and is it an efficient addition to your home?

A tuck under garage is located below the second or first story of a home, depending on the design. It’s considered an efficient investment because it allows for a smaller footprint on your property. Be sure to have it constructed appropriately, or you risk facing health concerns related to carbon monoxide poisoning.

This article will cover what a tuck under garage is and whether or not it’s efficient. Furthermore, we’ll discuss some of the problems associated with having a tuck under garage.

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What Is a Tuck Under Garage?

Even if you’ve never heard of them, they’re a lot more common than you think.

A tuck under garage is defined as a structure that is either partly or completely underneath the upper level of a house. They can also be concealed behind the front of the house and installed beneath the ground level.

These garages often come with added insulation to keep them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. They also usually have full walkout access, so you can easily get to your car out without having to go up or down a level of stairs.

People from colder climates tend to love tuck under garages since they’re heated and allow for a more comfortable experience.

Cost to Install a Tuck Under Garage

The cost to install any type of garage will inevitably vary based on your location and the scope of the project itself.

The average cost to install a tuck under garage during the initial construction phase is around $10,000 for a one-car, $25,000 for a two-car, and upwards of $35,000 for a three-car garage.

If your house is situated on a hill and you want to put in a tuck under garage beneath your existing property, the cost to execute this will be higher. Additionally, if you want to put a tuck under garage beneath the second floor of your home, some major remodeling is required.

Is a Tuck Under Garage Efficient?

Generally, yes.

Aside from the privacy and aesthetic benefits, tuck under garages also give you additional storage space for your car and other household belongings. However, many homeowners choose not to install these garages because of construction concerns, uneven ground conditions, or lack of space in their yard.

Some people say these types of garages are more efficient because they allow for a smaller footprint on your property. But there’s really no one right answer as both attached, and detached styles have their pros and cons.

If your home lacks adequate driveway space, a tuck under garage could be the answer to your prayers!

Common Problems Associated with Tuck Under Garages

Tuck under garages can be tricky to work with if your home is built on a hilly area or if the ground you’re working with is uneven. If your garage isn’t properly vented, it could pose problems for fumes and other hazardous gases, too.

The 3 most common problems associated with tuck under garages include:

  • Construction requirements
  • Extra installation fees
  • Problems with fumes

Construction Requirements

When you attempt to build a tuck under garage underneath your home, it can be difficult to obtain a perfectly level ground surface or enough square footage to install the structure.

If you have a hill in your backyard or under your house, this can pose added problems. For instance, the garage could slope up towards your house or have an incline behind it.

An uneven installation can cause water collection in the driveway and walkway leading to your front door, which may result in mold growth in between periods of rainfall. In worst-case scenarios, your home may even be designated as a flood zone as a result.

Extra Insulation Fees

There may be more fees associated with installing a tuck under garage than just putting in the addition itself.

Usually, you need to pave a driveway that leads to the garage if you don’t already have one there. Without pavement, the garage will be difficult to find and access, and you could damage the grass in your yard. This sloppy look won’t be approved by most HOAs.

However, you can avoid this fee by putting in a tuck under garage that connects with your existing driveway.

Problems with Fumes

Venting is crucial for proper air circulation.

When this airflow doesn’t happen, carbon monoxide can build up inside the garage and cause breathing problems and long-term health-related issues for the home’s inhabitants.

There are many different opinions surrounding how to vent a tuck under garage. Some experts recommend that vents should be installed near the back corners of the structure, while others believe the best location for them is at the end of the ceiling, directly above your vehicle.

It’s best to consult a professional in this situation, as they will be able to advise you on the safest method.


Related Questions

Can you install a basement under a garage?

It’s possible to install a basement beneath a garage, although it’s difficult to execute.Garages are responsible for holding an immense amount of weight, like your car and the entire rest of the house if it’s a tuck under type.If you want both your basement and your garage to be sturdy, it’s best to opt for an attached version. It can hold as many cars and people as needed and still allow for a safe and roomy basement beneath.


What to do if my garage door isn’t opening?

If your garage door doesn’t open, so many factors could be to blame.For example, you could have an issue with the door itself that’s blocking it from opening. The sensors might need to be adjusted or re-calibrated so they can track movement properly.Otherwise, the battery on your remote control could be dead, or the power could be out.


How long do garage door openers last?

Garage door openers last a long time. They have a lifespan of around 10 years!If your garage door opener stops working, swap out the battery for a 2032 lithium coin replacement.

Do You Need to Hire an Architect?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.

Final Thoughts

A tuck under garage is like an above-ground basement in that it goes below the surface of your home. It can be both visible and invisible from the front view of your house.

Construction of these structures can be difficult, so find a qualified professional that can make a safe tuck under garage of your dreams!

Emily Carr
Emily Carr

Emily is a copywriter with over five years of experience in crafting content for the home renovation and remodeling industry. She loves house projects, whether it be painting a room or tweaking small design elements to transform a space. Her favorite aesthetic is french modern because of its clean lines and airy feeling! When not writing, Emily loves to travel and check out architectural details all over the world.

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