Often, carports and garages are mistakenly confused for one another. First and foremost, what is the difference between garages and carports? Garages and carports are designed to safeguard your vehicle from outdoor weather conditions. They fend off rain, snow, and hail from doing damage or dirtying your car. Since the vehicle is attached to your home, you won’t have to step outside to get to your car. Although they have a similar function, they both use unique structures. You may be wondering, is a garage better than a carport? We’ll highlight the differences between the two types of structures to choose the one that is right for you.
Design
When comparing a carport vs garage, there are many types of styles and designs to choose from. So what is a carport? A carport is a type of shelter supported by posts that are attached or built beside the home and includes a roof. A carport parking will vary in structure. They can be a sturdy, permanent structure attached to a house, or metal frame with a roof, or a frame that has a fabric draped over it. When adding a carport to a house, there can be up to three walls or no walls. The material is usually made of either stone or brick. Every house with carport has an opening on one side. These carports can be used as both a car cover, and outdoor patio spot.
In contrast, garages can be either a freestanding structure or attached to your house. These structures are always enclosed, have a roof and four-sided walls. Although garages are more likely to match the style of your home, a carport can be used in a more versatile way since it can also be an outdoor patio area.
Storage Space
One of the biggest advantages of a carport is that it is built to handle the worst weather conditions to help shield your vehicle. Although carports aren’t typically used as a living area or used for storage, this can also be advantageous. Adding a carport to a house means that you won’t need to follow building codes, and it's much cheaper and easier to build.
On the other hand, garages are typically used as extra storage space. This structure can be locked to prevent theft of items. Many households contain outdoor equipment, bikes, lawnmowers, house tools, and other items in their garage. They can also be used for extra living space or used for businesses. You can also get garage cabinets to add extra storage space. However, building a garage is typically much more complex and costly.
Installation Process
So when settling the debate of “is a garage better than a carport,” it’s important to note the ease of installation for each structure. Carports have a major advantage when it comes to installation since they are easier and faster to install. This is because they don’t have a door, windows and have fewer walls, meaningless installation time. You can use carport kits to build one yourself easily. If you’d like a more detailed design, you can always hire a contractor to help.
Garages take more time and effort to build since they have a door and four walls. It also needs to match your home and use durable material such as cinder block. The process can take days or weeks to build, spending on the interior finish and the size of the garage. Once your garage is built, you’ll need to occasionally check the garage door springs.
Expenses
Both structures vary in costs; however, carports are much more flexible in prices. Garage costs will depend on the materials and size. But since it needs to match the home, having an expensive exterior and interior can raise the cost of garages. Carport costs vary on the materials of the walls and whether it is an open carport. Simple carports can cost as little as a couple of hundred dollars.
A garage can cost anywhere between $13,000 to $33,000 on average, depending on the finishing costs, materials, and the doors. In comparison, a permanent carport that is attached to your house will range between $6,000 to $7,000.
Regulations and Permits
Carports have more flexibility because they don’t have to meet the normal standards of a home. This means there aren’t regulations or permits involved with building a carport.
Since garages are defined as part of a living area, they must be insulated and flame retardant. They also must have electricity. Additionally, garages require an inspection and permit.
Safeguard and Security
Carport parking is an excellent way to safeguard your vehicle from elements such as snow, rain, hail, and sun. Garages are useful since they can protect the vehicle and offer security. Getting the right garage door also aids security. Since there are four walls, it is useful to have four walls. However, in doing so, you don’t have the same flexibility that carports do.
Resale Value
Permanent carports can be an excellent way to increase the property or home value because it makes it more attractive and appealing.
So is a garage better than a carport? Based on all the factors listed, we believe that a carport has more advantages and flexibility than a garage, making it the better option.