Carport vs Garage? How to Choose Which Is the Right Option for You

If your car is being left out in the elements all the time it is likely that it is looking old before its time, not to mention that you might be subjecting it to theft.

You should seriously consider getting a permanent cover for your vehicle and if you decide this is the right thing to do, there are two primary options you should consider; a garage or a custom carport. Each serves a different specific purpose and has pros and cons that we will list in this article. 

Should You Build a Carport or a Garage?

Both garages and carports are handy for keeping your car clean and safe from the elements and they both tend to ward off intruders looking to break into your vehicle. Here are some things to consider when trying to determine which one you should build on your property. 

The Expense

Building a carport is much less of a financial undertaking than Building a garage. in fact, depending on the type of garage you want to build and if you want to connect it to your home or not, a carport can be much less than half the cost. For this reason, if finances are an issue when you are trying to decide which one to build, you will definitely save a lot of money by building a carport. In fact, estimates put savings at more than 60%.

Storage Space 

It is true that a garage offers additional space where you can put your gardening and lawn accessories, and-store the things that you don’t want to keep in the house. If you need that extra storage space, a garage might make more sense. However many people that purchase custom carports also purchase or build garden sheds. They find that building the combination of these two is still cheaper than building a garage.

Is Appearance Important?

When you’re choosing whether to build a garage or carport, you should consider the look of your home and how each will either enhance or detract from that look. Perhaps you have a smaller yard, and building a large garage will overwhelm your yard. A carport might be the perfect solution for this because it does not take up as much space.

 However, the look of a custom carport in your yard might not be aesthetically pleasing. It might make the most sense to just build a garage that has the exact same look as your home. Be honest about what works best, and get a few other opinions to help you decide which look will work best for you.

Build Time

If you select to purchase a custom carport, it can be set up in less than a day. If you have to pour a concrete slab for your carport, then that will add two additional days. This might meet your needs if you need a place quickly to put your vehicle.

They are also easy to set up and can be done as a DIY project.

Building a garage requires that you hire a contractor, and you can expect that it will take more than a week to build.

Do You Need Permits?

Like custom sheds, depending on the size of the carport you want to build, you may not be required to get permits. And even if you do need a permit, since carports are not enclosed, permitting is minimal. If you select to build a garage, you must meet all the proper building codes, walls must be fire-rated, and materials will be closely scrutinized. Check the website of your local city council to determine what permits you might need, and which regulations you have to follow. This process will add additional time to your build.

 Depending on your specific needs, a garage or carport is the right way to go. Do your research to determine what you need specifically.

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