When it comes to protecting your vehicle and adding value to your home, you may be thinking about either a garage or a carport. While both offer shelter for your car, they differ in cost, construction, and functionality. This guide explores these differences so you can make the best choice for your budget and property. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an existing one, knowing the pros and cons of each option helps you make the right decision.
What Is a Carport?
A carport is a covered structure that shields your vehicle from the weather. It has a roof supported by posts, with open sides for easy access. You can attach a carport to a house or have it be freestanding.
Despite their simplicity, carports are a practical solution to protect your vehicle. They offer an economical way to shield from direct exposure to sun, rain, and snow without the complexities of building an enclosed structure.
Types of Carports
There are three main types of carports:
- Metal carport: Durable and low-maintenance, ideal for long-term use
- Wood carport: Customizable to match your home’s design
- Fabric carport: Portable and affordable, ideal for temporary use
What Is a Garage?
A garage is a fully enclosed structure with walls, a roof, and doors, providing complete protection for your vehicles and any stored items. Garages are either attached to a home or detached, offering more versatility than carports.
Garages are a traditional and secure way to protect your vehicle, providing much more than basic shelter. With extra space for storage, garages accommodate tools, equipment, and various household items that need a safe, weatherproof spot. This makes a garage a practical choice for security and convenience.Â
Types of Garages
You can tailor garages to suit different needs and property layouts. Attached garages give you direct access to your home, making them convenient for everyday use. Detached garages offer greater flexibility in placement and design. This flexibility allows you to customize and plan for future expansion or additional structures. Garages also come in various sizes, from single to double or even multi-car designs, meeting a variety of vehicle storage needs.
The best garage type depends on your preferences and the space available for the structure. Many homeowners prefer attached garages for their practicality, though some favor detached garages for their versatility and potential to grow with future needs.
Differences Between Garages and Carports
Understanding the main distinctions between garages and carports helps you make the best choice for your personal preferences and practical needs.
Structure and Design
A garage’s structure offers unbeatable protection and security—making it an appealing choice if you prioritize safety. Many garages come with climate control options, and you can convert your garage into additional living space if desired. However, your home’s architectural style may constrain the design.
Carports have a simple and flexible design, allowing for various placements, often with minimal building regulations to navigate. The open design makes carports versatile—they easily double as a space for outdoor gatherings.
Cost Considerations
Cost is one of the most significant factors in deciding between a garage or carport. Carports tend to cost less to construct than garages. According to Angi, a basic carport ranges from $3,158 to $9,668, while building a garage ranges from $16,796 to $42,176.
Carports are a budget-friendly alternative, saving on construction expenses without compromising functionality. In contrast, you can justify the higher cost of a garage by the added security, storage options, and added property value.Â
Construction Time and Complexity
The construction time for carports and garages varies. Carports are quick to put up, often taking just a day, especially using prefabricated kits. Garages take much longer— weeks or even months—because of the more complicated building process and permit requirements.
Choosing between the two depends on how soon you need something in place. Carports are a fast solution if you need coverage immediately, while garages take longer but offer a sturdy, long-lasting option.
Protection and Security
Carports offer basic shelter from the sun, rain, and snow but provide limited protection against severe weather, falling debris, or theft. In contrast, garages deliver comprehensive protection from all weather conditions and falling objects, offering better security for vehicles and stored items.
Storage Capabilities
Think about how much storage you need. Carports offer little to no built-in storage, while garages provide plenty of space for storing tools, seasonal items, and other belongings.
Impact on Property Value
Carports add minimal value to a property, while garages significantly increase a home’s resale value. Garages are a better investment for homeowners thinking about selling in the future—they provide tangible value that appeals to prospective buyers.
Considerations When Choosing Between a Garage and Carport
When deciding between a garage and a carport, there are a few things to consider.
Budget
Your available budget often plays a role in the decision-making process. Don’t just think about the initial construction—there are long-term maintenance costs as well.
Carports offer a more budget-friendly option, while garages cost more initially but offer long-term benefits that make the extra spend worth it.
Space Availability
The available space on your property dictates whether a garage or carport is more feasible. Carports require less space and offer flexibility in their placement. They’re great if your property has limited or odd-shaped areas. On the other hand, garages take up more space and need more planning to fit in smoothly with the layout of your property.
Local Climate
The weather in your area will impact your choice. ​In mild climates, carports provide enough protection. However, garages offer more reliable shelter in harsher climates from extreme weather conditions.
Homeowners Association Rules
Some neighborhoods have specific regulations regarding exterior structures. HOA guidelines will affect your choice—make sure whatever you build meets their standards. A little up-front research helps make sure your new structure fits in with community rules and saves you from any headaches down the line.
DIY Vs. Professional Installation
Assess your skills and the project’s complexity to determine whether to take on the project yourself or hire professionals.
Carport Installation
Many experienced DIYers feel comfortable installing a carport, especially a prefabricated kit. If you install the structure yourself, anchor it properly and follow local building codes.
DIY installation allows you to customize your project and save on labor costs. However, stay within legal guidelines to avoid future structural issues or disputes.
Garage Construction
Building a garage is more involved and requires a professional for the foundation, framing, electrical work, and code compliance. Having a professional take care of all the details means your garage will be solid, secure, and built to last.
Maintenance Considerations
Both garages and carports require maintenance, but the extent varies. Routine upkeep protects and prolongs the structures so they continue to meet their intended purpose.
Carport maintenance involves basic tasks like regularly cleaning the roof, checking and tightening support posts, and repainting or treating wooden components. Staying on top of simple upkeep helps prevent deterioration and boosts the carport’s durability— minimizing the need for costly repairs in the future. With consistent care, carports stay in good shape, protecting your vehicles and stored items.
Garages require more upkeep than a carport to keep them functioning properly and looking good. This includes lubricating and adjusting the door mechanism, replacing weather stripping as needed, and occasionally repairing the foundation. Regular inspections and timely repairs prevent more significant issues and maintain your garage’s long-term value.Â
Customization Options
Both structures offer customization to match your tastes and requirements.
Carport Customization
Customize your carport by incorporating different roofing materials such as metal, polycarbonate, or fabric. Decorative support posts and partial wall additions are popular choices, providing design and protection. These customizations allow you to tailor the carport to your needs to be functional and visually appealing.
Garage Customization
You can customize your garage in many ways. Choose between various door styles, such as roll-up, swing-out, or sliding. Adding windows lets in natural light, and finishing touches like drywall, insulation, and flooring make the garage more comfortable and functional. Create a space that suits your needs and style.
