Arizona Custom Home Builder Recommends Discreet RV Storage

by Arizona Custom Home Builder on January 13, 2010

Incorporating RV Storage Space in an Arizona Custom Home

For those who own recreational vehicles, also known as RVs, storage is of the utmost concern. As an Arizona custom home builder, we understand that the majority of United States homes aren’t equipped with adequate space or room for RV storage. Lots of Homeowners’ Associations established today don’t allow storage of RVs on a homeowner’s property except when enclosed in a garage and this becomes a major problem because most garages aren’t built to store RVs. Storing an RV off-site becomes mandatory without property that’s built for enclosed storage, or an area approved by the HOA. Storing an RV somewhere other than on personal property is usually a problem when gearing up for a trip. Most owners of RVs are in consensus that the convenience of loading and unloading for a getaway, camping trip or other adventurous activity is a lot easier being done from home. Then there’s the cost, which could run anywhere from $30-$90 a month for storing an RV.

As an Arizona custom home builder we specialize in custom home building and occasionally we come across customers that experience various RV storage complications when having a custom home built. Whenever possible, RV storage will be constructed within their custom home depending upon the size of the lot and what’s allowable by their HOA. Besides the difficulties involved with providing space for RVs upon a lot, incorporating a garage that meets the requirements of their HOA can be extremely challenging. A large percentage of custom home subdivisions are required to have garages with side-entries further complicating storage because the lot has to be extremely large to allow for any sort of side-entry. RV garages must be constructed higher than the standard car garage as well; once again creating an architectural concern. Many HOAs won’t approve custom home designs and floor plans for any RV garage that alters the appearance of the community and from their perspective; this is exactly what an out-of-place ugly box may do.

As an Arizona custom home builder, our homeowners that are interested in adding RV storage into their construction plans should have a well-thought out design and floor plan that meets the requirements of their HOA as well as city code ordinances. An RV garage should never be planned spontaneously or sporadically, or after the completion of the home. In most municipalities, homes built on residential lots are allowed to cover a select percentage of space. Failing to inform the architect that RV storage is desired may lead to the architect to design a standard car garage because it’s customary to do so. Adding an RV garage later may be difficult if lot coverage has been exceeded, and may require a variance by the municipality as well as approval from neighbors before construction. As an Arizona custom home builder, we believe it’s best to design the RV storage within the plans of the home and incorporate such a large box discreetly into the home’s design. Doing so will get better acceptance from the neighbors and the HOA.