What's Better? An Attached or Unattached House?
Understanding the Differences;
A common question, "what's an attached house?" They aren't common in a lot of places around the U.S., so it's reasonable to wonder if you haven't seen or heard of the term.
A lot of folks think of attached homes in Vancouver and in Clark County as apartment-like buildings, row-houses, duplex rentals, condos or walk-ups in New York and the like. But attached homes look like that...two (or more) separate homes that have a zero property line set back. Their is one inch between the two homes, the only material allowed in this type of construction to cross the property line is weather protecting material, like the roof and siding. This can only be seen during construction and the inspection process prior to siding and roofing. No wood or structural membranes cross the property line. Totally different than a “Common wall” construction, common walls share the same wall and wood/structural membranes. To keep it simple a Zero lot line properties exterior wall is one inch away from no neighbors, same insulation, same codes as exterior the only difference is the exterior sheeting in 5/8 fire drywall at the property line instead if 7/16 OSB sheeting. The properties are each individually owned, with their own mortgages, no shared property.
Why would anyone want an attached home? When most buyers that are looking for homes for sale think of owning a home, they are thinking of a place with a yard or buffer on all sides, not connected to anyone else. But an attached home is a great concept. You get a full-size house, typically with outdoor space on at least three sides, for less than a traditional, stand-alone version. These homes for sale in Clark County are often built on parcels of land that are too small for a single home, but are perfect for attached homes, and are usually oriented so that garages, entrances and windows never face your attached neighbor.
Newer construction is usually well-made, so noise isn't an issue and privacy, except for shared backyard space, is not often a problem.
Attached homes can often be less expensive to build since they share a smaller lot and are designed to share some economies of scale when it comes to building. There are lots of well-made attached homes in Vancouver Washington and the surrounding Clark County areas that are very expensive, too, so this is not always a place to seek a bargain, however ownership and lifestyle may be right for you.
Why would anyone NOT want an attached home? For some people, the idea of sharing anything with anyone when it comes to housing, is a real turn-off and feels too much like renting. Often your past experience living in an apartment, Condo or renting a Vacation place you shared a single wall, and in poorly constructed homes, you most likely heard your neighbors.
Likewise, outdoor space can be private on some sides of the house, not on others, so someone will likely always be able to know what you're up to.
In terms of resale, if they are not popular in your area, you may find buyer-resistance when it comes time to sell.
And finally, since a wall is one inch from the property line, one entire side of a home is often windowless. Depending on how a home is oriented on a property, this can mean a very dark home in certain times of year. Sometimes skylights are added to increase natural light, but if you crave windows, keep this in mind.
When you're inside an attached home, you usually can't tell. The construction, orientation and finish are like any construction. So unless you're specifically against the concept, check one out Attached Homes for sale in your area has them as a purchasing option. They can be a lower-cost alternative to a stand-alone home.
If your considering an attached home, don’t just hire an agent, hire an expert in the field!
