When planning a structure to store vehicles, you may wonder whether a garage or carport will serve you better. The answer to that will depend on your needs, lifestyle and budget. Both have their own set of advantages and can be designed to match the style of your home.
Garage
The best element of a garage compared to a carport is its protection and security. Having four walls will keep the contents safe from the weather and theft. Anything you put in it can be secured behind a locked door. Because of this, a garage offers safe storage for the lawnmower, snowblower, garden gear, tools and maintenance equipment. It is also a great place to store outdoor furniture over the winter. A garage does a better job at shielding the car from the elements than a carport. Cars will warm up faster in winter and the interior will stay cooler in summer. You can also use a garage for extra living space or as a workspace like a gym or woodshop. Because a carport is open to the street, any kind of mess will be on display. With a garage, you can just close the door to hide the mess. Many people prefer the look of a garage over a carport when they purchase a house. A well-built garage will increase the value of your property.
Carport
The biggest advantage of a carport is the cost to build. Carports are cheaper since they require significantly less construction than a garage. They can be as simple as a frame with a roof. A carport may not always need a concrete slab as a base depending on the building codes in your area. If you want storage for your carport, you will have to factor that into your design by adding lockable storage areas. Carports can be a drawback for any potential home buyers so they may not increase your property value.
Carport conversion into a garage
To convert an existing carport into a garage, the structure needs to be sturdy and has to conform to local building codes so it can be used as a viable base. You will need a building permit before you start construction. Violating building codes could result in fines or even an order to demolish your new structure.
