If you’re a homeowner with one or more cars, you may be wondering which would better serve you — a carport or a garage? The answer depends on a number of factors, including your lifestyle, budget and location.
Your home and vehicle are both valuable assets, so you’ll want to carefully consider the pros and cons of garages and carports. Both of these vehicle storage options have unique advantages, so think about your needs and preferences to make the right choice.
The Difference Between a Carport and Garage
A carport is an outdoor structure that houses your vehicle, mainly providing overhead protection from the elements. Carports are typically smaller, more economical and quicker to build than garages, which are completely enclosed and offer more storage space and overall security.
The primary difference between a carport and a garage is their structure. Carports are made with a simple structure and a roof or overhead cover, while garages are enclosed with solid walls, a roof, and at least one door. Since carports are not enclosed with walls and doors, a carport is not considered a garage. While carports are not garages, they still provide value by allowing you to protect your assets from the elements. Both carports and garages have their own benefits to consider if you are deciding between a carport and a garage for your own home!
Benefits of a Garage
Compared to carports, garages are typically larger, more secure and easier on the eyes, as you can match the design of your garage to the design of your home. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of housing your vehicle in a garage space:
1. More Protection
Most cars spend 95% of their lives parked, so a secure parking space is a must. Unlike carports, a fully enclosed, locked garage provides better protection from theft. It also does a better job of shielding your car against the elements. Though you may think an overhead cover is enough protection against rain, snow and hail, vehicles are also susceptible to damage from pollen, dust, sunlight and extreme temperatures. A garage is the better option if protecting your vehicle is your top concern.
2. More Convenience
The distance between your driveway and your front door may seem trivial — but when you’re lugging in groceries or need to load up your car for a road trip, it can feel like a mile. You can make life more convenient by having an attached garage with an interior access door into your home. Compared to carports, garages eliminate the trip between your car and front door where you could slip in inclement weather or fall victim to criminals.
3. More Space
Unlike carports, which are not closed off to potential thieves, garages offer extra storage space for items you don’t want or need inside your home. Many people use garages to store items like lawnmowers, power tools, maintenance equipment and emergency supplies. You can also use a garage for extra living or working spaces, such as a home gym or a woodshop. The extra garage space has so much potential and is definitely a pro for garages in the carport vs garage debate.
4. Better Appearance
For homeowners invested in overall appearance and curb appeal, garages may offer better design options. You can easily design your garage to match your home’s color, style and architecture.
If you think a garage will overwhelm your home’s facade, you can opt for a detached or freestanding garage. Set at an angle or placed behind your home, a detached garage offers all the storage space and protection of an attached garage while giving you more control over your home’s appearance. Many homeowners dislike the “cluttered” look of cars parked outside their homes, and a well-designed garage can be the best solution.
Benefits of a Carport
Garages have many great advantages for homeowners. However, carports may be better suited to you depending on your time, budget and preferences. Let’s look at a few advantages of housing your vehicle in a carport:
1. Easier to Build
Carports cost significantly less to construct than garages. They can be as straightforward as a simple roof with a frame, but even an elaborate carport with walls may not take longer than a few days to install. For more protection, you can also consider an enclosed carport.
Unlike garages, carports are not living spaces and do not have doors, windows, air-conditioning or electrical wiring. As a result, they are not always required to conform to building codes and are less limited in material and size. Additionally, carports do not always need a floor or concrete slab, which reduces construction time and cost. Dirt or grass are perfectly suitable for carports.
2. Less Clutter
Often, garages become a place to dump unneeded items and forget about them. After a few years, clutter can build up — sometimes enough that homeowners start parking their cars outside. The economical size and structure of carports prevent you from creating unnecessary clutter, ensuring you always have a secure place to park your vehicle.
3. Increased Value
Many homeowners wonder about the home value of carports vs. garages. If you want to sell your home and don’t have a garage, installing a carport may offer an advantage. A convenient carport can boost your home’s property value and make it more attractive to potential buyers, who may not like the prospect of parking on the street.
Thinking About Turning a Carport Into a Garage?
If you already own a carport and are interested in reaping the benefits of a garage, you can consider converting your carport into a garage. The time and cost of the construction process will depend on the structure of your current carport and what kind of garage you have in mind. Before converting your carport into a garage, consider these factors:
Check local building codes and HOA (Homeowner Association) rules: One of the differences between a garage and a carport is that carports aren’t always subject to building codes. If you plan to add a garage door to a carport or install electrical wiring for lights, you will likely need to inform your HOA and get a building permit. It’s important to follow protocol and hire an experienced contractor if you’re uncertain. Violating building codes could risk more inspections, extra fines and potentially the teardown of your new structure.
Inspect your existing structure: The carport’s structure needs to be sturdy and damage-free to serve as a viable base for your new garage. Check for damage from weather, termites and rotting, and make sure the structure isn’t leaning or wobbling. Some components of your carport may need to be upgraded or replaced.
Consider wall materials: The garage walls are one of the most important features you’ll be adding to your new space, so consider what materials would best suit your needs. Metal siding, concrete blocks and faux stone or brick are all potential options. When choosing an exterior finish for the new garage, you can try to match the exterior of your home as much as possible. You may also need to factor in the cost of insulation, window installation, and electrical wiring for lighting and automatic doors.
Trust Cornwell Door Service for Your Garage and Carport Needs
Carports and garages both have advantages for homeowners. If you’re considering building a carport or garage or wondering how to turn a carport into a garage, Cornwell Door Service is here to help. With over four decades of experience, we are committed to serving our customers’ needs with unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. For top-notch carport or garage construction and door installation, contact us at Cornwell Door today or call us at 717-273-9841!
