You may be wondering if a garage or a carport would work better for you if you own a few cars. It all depends on your lifestyle, location, and budget. Carports are outdoor structures that house your vehicle and provide protection from the weather. Carports are usually smaller and more cost-effective than garages. They also offer greater storage and security.
You have two valuable assets: your home and your vehicle. Therefore, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of garages and carports. Each of these storage options has its own advantages. Consider your preferences and needs to choose the best one.
A Garage has many benefits
Garages are usually larger than carports and more secure. You can also match your garage design to your home. Let’s look at some of the benefits that garages offer for your vehicle.
1. Get More Protection
A secure parking space is essential for cars that spend 95% of their lives parked. A fully enclosed and locked garage is better than a carport. A fully enclosed, locked garage protects your car from the elements better than a carport. Although you might think that an overhead cover provides enough protection from rain, snow, hail and lightning, vehicles can also be damaged by pollen, dust and extreme temperatures. If protecting your vehicle is your main concern, a garage is a better choice.
2. More convenience
Although it may seem small, the distance between your driveway to your front door can be quite significant. However, if you need to lug groceries around or load your car up for a long trip, it can feel like a long way. An attached garage can be a great way to make your life easier. Garages are more convenient than carports because they eliminate the need to travel between your car’s front door and your garage. This is where you can slip in inclement weather, or be robbed.
3. More Space
Garages are a better option than carports which can be open to thieves. They offer additional storage space for items that you don’t need or want in your home. Garages are used by many people to store lawnmowers and other maintenance equipment, as well as emergency supplies. A garage can also be used for additional living or work spaces such as a gym or woodshop. Garages have so much potential, and the extra space is definitely a plus in the debate about garages versus carports.
4. A Better Appearance
Garages can be a great option for homeowners who are concerned about curb appeal and overall appearance. Garages can be designed to match the colour and style of your home.
You can choose either a detached or freestanding garage if you feel a garage would overwhelm your home’s exterior. A detached garage can be placed at an angle or behind your home and offers the same storage space and protection as an attached garage. It also gives you greater control over your home’s appearance. A well-designed garage is a great solution for homeowners who don’t like the look of cars outside their homes.
Carport Benefits
Garages offer many benefits for homeowners. Carports might be more suitable for you, depending on your preferences, time and budget. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of storing your vehicle in a garage:
1. It’s easier to build
Garages are more expensive than carports. Although they can be as simple as a roof and a frame, even a complex carport with walls will not take more than days to put up . An enclosed carport is also an option for extra protection.
Carports are not living spaces, and they do not have windows, doors, air-conditioning, or electrical wiring. Carports are therefore not required to comply with building codes, and they can be made of smaller materials and sizes. Carports don’t always require a concrete slab or floor, which helps reduce construction costs and time. Carports can be made from dirt or grass.
2. Fewer things to clutter
Garages can become a place where you dump unwanted items and forget all about them. Sometimes, after a while, clutter builds up enough to make homeowners park their cars outside. Carports are small and economical, so you don’t have to clutter your garage.
3. Value Added
Many homeowners are curious about the value of carports over garages. A carport can be a great option if you are looking to sell your house and don’t own a garage. A carport is a convenient way to increase your home’s value and make your property more appealing to potential buyers.
You are thinking about turning a carport into a garage?
You can convert your carport to a garage if you already have one. The cost and time it takes to build a garage will depend on how big your carport is and the type of garage you want. These are some things to consider before you convert your carport to a garage.
- Review local building codes and HOA rules: A garage is not always required to follow building codes. If you intend to add a garage door or install wiring for lights, you’ll need to notify your HOA and obtain a building permit. If you are unsure, it is important to follow the protocol and hire an experienced contractor. Violations of building codes can lead to more inspections, additional fines, and possibly the destruction of your new structure.
- Check your existing structure. To be a good base for your garage, your carport must be strong and free from damage. Inspect the structure for termites, weather damage, and wobbling. You may need to replace or upgrade certain components of your carport.
- Wall materials to consider: Garage walls are an important feature of your new space. So, think about what material would be best for you. There are many options for metal siding, concrete blocks, faux stone and brick. You can match your garage’s exterior as closely as you like when choosing an exterior finish. It is also important to consider the cost of insulation, window installations, and wiring for automatic doors and lighting.
Contact your garage door experts after you have made your decision.