Dear PoP – Backyard Question

“Garage vs. Outdoor Space

Dear PoP:

I have a question for your fellow readers. I am contemplating a serious renovation of the backyard. Currently, there is a giant, steep driveway that leads into a garage under the house. The lot is not very long so the driveway essentially takes up most of the yard space. And, since, it is so steep I have not even attempted to park my car in the narrow garage. For my purposes, the garage is essentially useless. The space next to the driveway is basically what is used for the parking space.

I am trying to assess whether having the garage is more valuable for resale or if having at least a bit of a backyard with a parking space would be better.

I have had a couple of suggestions. 1) Make a parallel parking space across the back (the lot is pretty wide 23-24 feet. 2) Don’t completely fill in the driveway but instead make the garage door into french doors and have a walkout basement that would bring in light.

I have attached pics (they don’t quite show the width of the space) for your readers to get a better understanding of the situation.

Any ideas, thoughts, comments, suggestions are welcomed!”

Folks had lots of good suggestions for this couple. What do you guys think about this situation? Personally, I think I’d rather have a bit more of a backyard.