1. Yes, it's a whole new look! Have questions or need help? Please post your question in the New Forum Questions thread Click the X to the right to dismiss this notice
    Dismiss Notice
  2. Seeing tons of unread posts after the upgrade? See this thread for help. Click the X to the right to dismiss this notice
    Dismiss Notice

Driveway/Garage - Insufficient turn radius

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by Carol Al-Ajroush, Nov 30, 2003.

  1. Carol Al-Ajroush

    Carol Al-Ajroush New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2003
    Messages:
    819
    Likes Received:
    0
    We closed and moved into our home in Southern Walk last December. Unfortunately it did not occur to us at the time to check whether or not we could put both of our cars into the drive. We discovered that due to the narrowness of the driveway and the sharp turning radius we can only get one car (barely) into the garage. We have brought this issue to the attention of VM and are told that it is under review by VM management. Our one year inspection is coming up next week and we will again bring this to VM's attention. We have noticed during our walks through the neighborhood that many homes with the same driveway angle as ours are not using the garage either. We would be interested in hearing if anyone else is experiencing this same problem as us?
     
  2. Cooper

    Cooper New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2002
    Messages:
    53
    Likes Received:
    0
    I am living in a spruce. I don't have any problems with parking, but I have to admit that first experiences were hard. Which model do you have?
     
  3. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2003
    Messages:
    5,236
    Likes Received:
    249
    We also live in a Spruce and find it easier to back in to the garage after pulling into the drive (straight).
     
  4. Carol Al-Ajroush

    Carol Al-Ajroush New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2003
    Messages:
    819
    Likes Received:
    0
    Yes, we have the Spruce. I did get our Jeep into the garage on Friday after that snow and yes, backing in! But you're right - it was not easy at all and took a few tries before getting it in straight. However both my husband and myself have not been successful getting a car into the garage which is closest to our front door.

    When we had our 11 month inspection and again brought up the driveway issue, the representative advised us that this was a common complaint but Van Metre would not even address it because if one request were honored then Van Metre would be deluged with others. The representative informed us that the specs called for all driveways to be 13 feet across and that all the homes were built to the specs.

    I've since learned that one homeowner did take on Van Metre (through their attorney) over the narrowness of the driveway and did reach an amicable agreement that both parties were satisfied with but this sounds like the exception rather than the rule.

    I guess in retrospect I've learned that we will also have to "test out" the garage prior to purchashing of any future homes if they are built at an angle such as this one. And sadly with this one, we are investigating having the driveway widened ourselves as we have some ugly tire tracks on both sides of the grass due to how narrow it is.
     
  5. chattycat

    chattycat Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2003
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    9
    Uh, the first thing I said while touring the Broadlands area for a home (we have a town home)when passing those homes was, "Why would anyone want to have to deal with the logistics of getting a car into those garages with those driveways?" Seems to me that's the first thing you would have seen. Even though it was a questionable design flaw on their part, I'm not sure why Van Metre would be at fault...it was sort of hard to miss!
     
  6. Carol Al-Ajroush

    Carol Al-Ajroush New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2003
    Messages:
    819
    Likes Received:
    0
    Well, we saw the house when there was snow on the ground and also closed when there was snow on the ground so unfortunately the narrowness of the driveway was not obvious at the time.
    Live & Learn...


     
  7. Carol Al-Ajroush

    Carol Al-Ajroush New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2003
    Messages:
    819
    Likes Received:
    0
    I just wanted to comment if anyone else has noticed the wonderful width of the driveway on the model home located at the corner of Milford and Clairborne? If all the driveways of Spruce, Holly and similar models were made like that none of us would have any problems or complaints! :D
     
  8. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2003
    Messages:
    5,236
    Likes Received:
    249
    Carol - we have a Spruce and our driveway is sufficient. Now, we cannot pull directly in, but with one small backup, restraighten, then pull in. If Van Metre will not do anything perhaps you can widen it on your own next spring/summer?
     
  9. Carol Al-Ajroush

    Carol Al-Ajroush New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2003
    Messages:
    819
    Likes Received:
    0
    Yes, we are planning to do our own widening. Have you walked around the neighborhood though specifically looking at the driveways? It is interesting how there is such a variance.

    Yes, we can get a vehicle in the garage furthest from the house backing in as you have suggested. However, multiple attempts to do the same with the garage nearest to the house have been fruitless.

    Is your garage configured with a double door or two separate doors? Our Spruce has the two separate doors.

    Don't get me wrong; I'm not trying to be a whiner or complainer about this issue. What's done is done but I started this forum just to find out others views and perspectives. This is the 2nd Van Metre property that I've owned.

    Regards,
    Carol



     
  10. Dutchml

    Dutchml Member

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2002
    Messages:
    715
    Likes Received:
    15
    Carol...If you received a copy of your site plan (not the house location plat given to you at settlement) check to see that it conforms with your actual driveway. Most turnarounds for side entry garages should be 30 feet from garage straight out to edge of driveway. If it does not conform to the site plan, VM should be responsible for widening it.
     
  11. Carol Al-Ajroush

    Carol Al-Ajroush New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2003
    Messages:
    819
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thank you for your comments. This is quite interesting as VM advised that the specs call for the driveway to be 13 feet wide. I will most certainly be looking into this.


     

Share This Page