Semi-detached - what does it mean?

[Cafemad]

If a semi-detached house has a two storey garage conversion with no gate to the side (in other words it is now stuck to the other house) would you still consider it to be semi-detached? Or is it now a terrace house?

Is it attached on both sides? Ie sharing a wall? If so, then I’d call it a terrace. If it’s got its own wall or there’s a 10cm gap etc then still a semi regardless of access.

I think the ones with garages attached to the other house (but no other rooms attached) are called link-detached?

The latter, there is a small gap.

What are your views on having access to the side? My husband has a strong preference for having (gated) access to the side as he feels it’s easier to get garbage out through the sides, cycles, and garden maintenance stuff.

I’ve never heard of linked-detached but I know what you mean. I get the desire for access but also think it is less safe. He thinks no access means you lose the benefit of the semi-detached.

Has the garage been converted to a room? If it’s still a garage, presuming it has a door at the back leading into the garden then that’s one way of getting stuff to and from the garden. Is there no rear access to the garden? Ie a gate?

It’s inconvenient not having a side access so I totally agree with your husband .

If it’s important to your husband, then I’d see if you can find a property with access.
I know mine is a bit obsessed with it and had side access even in his first flat.

I think it should be ok for security as long as the fence is quite tall and difficult to climb over and the gate locked.

There’s still some benefit to being a semi as you’re only sharing one wall and won’t be hearing much from the house that isn’t actually attached.

Hi Lonelycrab, no back gate access. The garage has been converted into utility and office and above are a couple of rooms. It is a double storey conversion. I think people do it to get maximum space in the conversion. There is a wall no more than 5-6 inches between the two houses.

It's semi detached in name only, with none of the actual benefits. So, essentially a terrace. A tiny gap which doesn't allow access is of no practical value, except possibly noise reduction.

Side access is the big benefit. Remind him that humumgous mansions which are clearly fully detached with access from all sides are superior to a terraced house with no side access.

Yes, a side gate does mean peoole can climb over it if they want to. You can make it high and difficult to to climb overand/or installation side light.

Side access is very useful for lot so fr things, other us to rubbish. Or may kften wish to access the back door without

Thanks Jo and Floral. I think he is right too. I can see his point. Oh well ...

It’s clear then, he is right he will be pleased to hear it.

Sorry, got cut off.

Yes, it hasn't got the benefit of being a proper semi without having side access. Often you might wish to get to the back door without going through the house....muddy walk, kids bikes, dog, garden purchase like plants or Christmas tree.

Side access a big benefit of detached and semi detached over terraced houses. Unless you have rear access some other way to garden I wouldn't like it.

Thanks All

My neighbour has extended his detached house sideways over the garage and built another garage on that side, and on my side he has put a sloping roof over the passageway and attached shelves for storage to his wall. Consequently, his only access to his garden is through the house. Goodness knows what would happen if a fire broke out at the back.

Could prove difficult if any maintenance is required down the side. How the hell would anyone get in a six inch gap to do a repair. I don’t know if dampness may subsequently be an issue if the gap is too small also. It wouldn’t be my first choice.

My idea was creating a sort of walk way inside the conversion that used to be the garage but that only got a raised eyebrow. It’s such a shame. Many semi-detached houses on that street seem to have done the same thing. Leave little to no gap between them. It does seem to defeat the semi detached purpose.

We live in a semi detached with no side access. It's fine. Actually feels more secure. We're on good terms with our neighbours on the non attached side. They've said we can use their side access if we ever need to. Been here 20 years, and haven't taken them up on that yet.

Side access a must for me!
Even most terraces have some way of getting into the property, like a shared access lane or similar.