I have my first inspection with a detached garage approaching. Do the same firewall and door standards of an attached garage apply to the detached garage, or are they different? Is there anything else different between an attached garage and detached garage? Thanks!
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When you know the reason for the fire separation, you will have your answer. 
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James, fire wall separation and common ductwork are not a issue with a detached garage. However, if the detached garage has a sub-panel, there are certain electrical requirements. See this most recent thread…
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Some of the more common issues I find with detached garages are grading, siding/cladding clearance issues, such as contact with soil, and a substandard electrical system. The basic ones are relatively easy and should not take up much time.
Finally, I will increase the price of detached structures. If you use the NACHI SoP, they are omitted from a home inspection. It is essential to manage the customer’s expectations with detached structures. Be sure to ask about finished areas, apartments, or additional systems, such as plumbing, which will affect your price.
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Detached garages (with one exception) do not have the same fire barrier requirements as an attached garage. The one exception is when the detached garage is 3’ or less from the home. Then you treat it as attached for the purpose of fire protection.
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I know it’s for fire prevention in livable areas. I wasn’t sure if there were some standards for fire containment in detached garages.
Thanks for the confirmation Ryan
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Thanks for the details, Brian. I’ll look for these defects.
What @ruecker said, and the door to enter the garage will not need to be a fire barrier/self closing hinges (depending on your area requirements)
Other random thoughts about garages (all of which could vary by jurisdiction):
When on a lot line or closer than 3’ there can be fire spread requirements (often a masonry wall on the lot line side)
Garage vs. Shop is the size of the door - man door = shop, overhead door = garage. This is an important distinction because the main reason for fire separation is because pulling a vehicle with 20+ gallons of fuel is the potential for a HUGE fire. People can only carry so much flammable material through a man door. The same goes for open flame heat sources (woodstoves, etc.). Shop is usually okay, garage is not.
Garages are often not taken into account by appraisers (good or bad) for value.
Regardless of SOPs, it’s good to be VERY clear with clients about what exactly you are inspecting. What @bcawhern1 says is gold… manage your buyers’ expectations. As in be sure they are aware (verbally, contract and report) what you are inspecting and what you are NOT.
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As far as fire is concerned, it would depend on the distance between the two structures. Typically though that’s not a problem. Other than the separate electric (sub panel) and possibly plumbing, the biggest difference is
I see detached garages as out buildings and charge an additional fee based on the size.
I have the same basic Policy…
BUT…
In my area of Minnesota, many detached garages are much simpler to inspect than our often expansive attached garages, and I will simple do them at N/C if it is the only garage serving the home.
All additional detached garages, (some properties have multiple), will pay a fee… if the client wants them inspected also.
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