If you’re considering whether to add a garage or carport to your home, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this same dilemma. There are pros and cons to each option, so it’s important to weigh all the factors before making a decision.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of garages and carports so you can decide which one is right for your home.
What You'll Learn Today
Garage vs Carport – What is the Difference?
When it comes to home improvement, there are a lot of choices to make. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to build a garage or a carport. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the difference before making a decision
Appearance
A garage is typically a standalone structure with walls and a roof, while a carport is a more basic structure with only two or three walls and an open roof. This means that a garage takes up more space and is more expensive to build, but it also provides better protection for your car.
Materials
Material is one of the main differentiators between a garage and a carport. A garage is typically made of sturdier materials like concrete, brick, or stone, while a carport is more likely to be made of lighter materials like aluminum or steel.
This difference in materials affects not only the look of the two structures, but also their durability and strength. For example, a brick garage is more likely to withstand severe weather conditions than an aluminum carport. In addition, the material used will also affect the cost of construction.
A brick garage will typically be more expensive to build than a carport, but it will also last longer and require less maintenance over time.
Location
A garage is typically attached to the house, while a carport is not. This can give the garage some additional advantages. For example, it can be more convenient to access, and it can provide extra security. If the garage is attached to the house, it can also be used for storage or as an extra room.
However, this convenience comes at a cost. Attached garages are usually more expensive to build than carports, and they require more maintenance. Carports, on the other hand, are less expensive and easier to construct.
Storage Space
A garage typically offers more space for storing belongings, as well as space for working on projects. Carports, on the other hand, are typically smaller and offer less storage space. However, carports can be a more economical option and may be more convenient for some homeowners.
Ability to Resist Storm Damages
Garages are typically made of sturdier materials, such as concrete or metal, and have a solid roof that helps to protect against high winds and flying debris.
Carports, on the other hand, are usually made of lighter materials, such as aluminum or polycarbonate, and often lack a solid roof. As a result, they are more vulnerable to damage during severe weather events.
Plans for Future Use
A detached garage provides the most flexibility when it comes to future uses. For example, if you want to convert it into an in-law suite or a rental unit, it’s much easier to do that with a detached garage.
An attached garage is more convenient, but it can be difficult to convert into another use down the road. A carport is the least expensive option, but it offers the least amount of protection for your vehicles. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your budget and your plans for the future.
Garage vs. Carport – Which One is Right For You?
A garage and a carport are both great choices to protect your car from the element. But, which one is right for you? To decide, consider your intended uses, protection and durability, property lines and space available, installation capabilities.
Are you looking for a place to store your car at night? Or are you wanting a shelter to protect your car from severe weather conditions? If you just need a place to keep your car out of the elements overnight or while you’re at work during the day, then a carport might be a sufficient solution.
However, if you live in an area with severe weather conditions or want additional storage space for tools and other supplies, then a garage would likely better suit your needs.
Carports offer less protection than garages because they’re typically made of lighter materials like aluminum or steel. This makes them more susceptible to damage from wind and hail.
Garages, on the other hand, are made of stronger materials like wood or brick, making them more durable and better able to protect your car from severe weather conditions.
Before deciding on a garage or carport, be sure to check with your city’s planning department to see if there are any regulations or ordinances in place that would restrict where you can build on your property.
You should also take measurements of the available space on your property so you can determine how large of a structure you can accommodate.
If you’re handy with tools and have some experience with home improvement projects, then you might be able to install a carport on your own. However, unless you’re an experienced contractor, it’s probably best to leave the installation of a garage to the professionals.
Still can’t decide? Check out this video for more helpful information so you can make that final call:
How Much Value Does a Garage Add vs. Carport?
The resale value of a garage varies depending on a number of factors, including the size and condition of the garage, the location of the property, and the current market conditions. In general, however, a garage can add 5-10% to the resale value of a home.
For example, if your home is worth $200,000 and you have a small attached garage in good condition, you can expect to see an increase in the value of your home to around $215,000. If you have a detached garage in excellent condition, you could see an even bigger increase in value, as much as 10-15%.
Of course, there are other considerations to take into account when determining the value of a garage. For example, if you live in an area where most homes have garages and yours doesn’t, that will likely have a negative impact on the resale value of your property.
The same is true if your garage is in poor condition or is too small to comfortably fit one or more cars.
Are Carports Cheaper to Build Than Garages?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to build a carport is $4500. However, prices can range from as low as $1,500 to as high as $10,000+. The wide range in prices is due to a number of factors, including:
- The size of the carport
- The type of materials used in construction
- The geographical location
- Whether or not the carport is attached to an existing structure
… and so on.
On average, it will cost about $50-$75 per square foot to build a detached carport. If you want your carport attached to your home, you can expect to pay about $25-$40 per square foot.
The average cost to add on a garage is slightly higher than the average cost to build a carport.
The average garage addition costs around $24,000. Of course, this price can increase or decrease depending on many of the same factors listed above (size of garage, type of materials used, etc.).
In general, it will cost about $50-$70 per square foot to add on a detached garage and about $35-$45 per square foot if you want your garage attached to your home.
Once you’ve built your carport or garage, there are some ongoing costs you need to be aware of.
First, if you have an insurance policy on your home, you’ll need to let your insurer know about the new structure and see if they need to adjust your coverage (and your premiums).
Additionally, both carports and garages require some basic maintenance (painting/staining every few years, repairing cracks/holes/leaks as they appear). These costs are relatively low when compared to the initial cost of construction. However, they are something you need to factor into your long-term budget.
Is a Carport Better Than a Garage?
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both carports and garages. The best option for you will depend on your budget, location, security needs, and aesthetic preferences.
Consider things like cost, ease of installation, and how much privacy and security you need before making your final decision.
Weigh all of these factors carefully before making a decision so that you can choose the option that’s best for you and your family. Here’re our guides on garage vs driveway and vs shed.
