Carports vs. Garages: Comparing the Differences
If you have a vehicle in your driveway, you’re probably worried about potential damage. Even the sun can fade your vehicle’s paint, and damage from storms can be another concern.
The best way to protect your vehicle is to park it in a sheltered area, which means you need either a carport or a garage, but what’s the difference between the two types of structures? If you’re deciding between a carport and a garage, it helps to know what sets each one apart.
Comparing Carports vs. Garages
Both carports and garages serve a similar function; both types of structures are designed to protect your belongings, like vehicles and related accessories. The two structures can also give you some extra storage. Now, you have a place to keep your lawn mower, tools, and other random items that typically don’t belong inside a home.
Even though they have a similar function, there are differences between a carport and a garage. Primarily, the structure itself. Carports have a relatively simple design. You get a roof and support posts. You can add walls and doors to a carport, but this still doesn’t make it a garage. Carports are freestanding structures that can be erected almost anywhere.
Garages have a sturdier build and can be attached to homes or free-standing. These structures are also always completely enclosed.
Benefits of Carports
Carports have a few advantages compared to garages. These benefits may make a carport the right option for your home storage needs.
Easy and Less Expensive to Install
You can often start using a carport the same day you start erecting the structure. Garages can take several days to complete.
Even if you need to wait for a poured concrete foundation to dry, a carport will still go up faster than a garage. Carports are also significantly less expensive compared to garages. If you’re working with a tight budget, carports can be an affordable option.
Carports are prefabricated structures. The roof is pretty much ready to be attached to the supporting poles. From there, all that’s left is anchoring the support poles to the foundation. If you decide to add walls and doors to the carport, this only adds a couple of hours to the building time instead of days.
Don’t forget about building codes and other regulations. You’re probably going to need a building permit to build a garage. Most municipalities don’t require any permits for carports, which means you should be able to purchase and install a carport without running into any building restrictions.
Less Clutter
Have you ever noticed that whenever there’s a little storage space it quickly becomes crowded with random stuff? This can be a common problem with garages. Some garages are so fully packed, that the homeowner can’t even fit their vehicle inside.
While carports can become cluttered, it’s not as common as with garages. The reason carports tend to collect less clutter is fairly simple. Storing random items in an open carport is rarely a good idea. The roof provides some protection for your vehicle, but that’s about it. Storing cardboard boxes in a carport tends to turn into a mess every time it rains.
Add Value to Your Home
Your home is an investment, and you want to get the most out of it. Homes with garages tend to have a higher market value than properties without vehicle storage.
Adding a carport may increase the value of your home. If nothing else, the carport can make your property more attractive to potential buyers.
Benefits of Garages
Garages have some advantages over carports. Since all garages are fully enclosed, your vehicle is protected from damage. Whether it’s raining, hailing, or you’re simply tired of cleaning debris off your vehicle every day, a garage can help keep your vehicle safe. Garages can also help prevent issues with theft and vandalism.
If plenty of storage space is a priority, a garage is probably the better option. Garages tend to be larger and it’s easier to add features like shelving units.
While carports are available in a range of styles, garages still tend to come out ahead in appearance. You can construct a garage that matches your home, and this can help increase the property’s resale value and add curb appeal.
Which Structure Is Right for You?
Carports and garages both have advantages over the other, and this can make it tough to decide which one is right for you. Carports are less expensive, and you have plenty of design options.
However, garages are a little sturdier but this also comes at an increased cost. A good starting point is to consider your budget, and from there, compare the benefits of both types of structures.