Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’re simply looking to upgrade your current property, one of the things you’ll need to decide is whether you want a garage or a driveway.
While they both serve the same purpose—providing a place to store your car—there are some key differences between the two that you should take into account before making your decision. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your needs.
What You'll Learn Today
Is a Garage Really Necessary?
Garages are increasingly becoming a thing of the past. In fact, only about 63% of all housing units have a garage. So is a garage really necessary?
A garage is not always the best option for parking your car. In fact, there are a number of reasons why you might want to consider alternative options.
Maybe you don’t have space for a garage on your property. Or perhaps you live in an apartment building and don’t have access to one.
Whatever the reason, if you’re looking for alternatives to a garage for parking your car, here are five options to consider.
1. Covered Parking Spot
One alternative to a garage is a covered parking spot. This could be a carport or covered parking deck. While it’s not as enclosed as a garage, it will still provide some protection from the elements for your car.
2. Street Parking
If you live in a city, street parking might be your only option. While it’s not ideal, there are some things you can do to help protect your car while it’s parked on the street.
One option is to invest in a good car cover. Another is to park in a well-lit area where there is less chance of vandalism or theft.
3. Public Parking Garage
If you don’t have access to a private garage, another option is to park in a public parking garage. These are typically located in downtown areas and near popular attractions.
While they can be more expensive than other options, they do offer some advantages, such as 24-hour security and covered parking.
4. Parking Lot
Another alternative is to park in a designated parking lot. These are usually associated with businesses, such as grocery stores or office buildings.
While they may not offer the same level of protection as a garage, they can be a convenient and affordable option.
5. Driveway
If you have a driveway, that’s another potential place to park your car. One advantage of parking in your driveway is that it’s usually free (unless you have an HOA).
Just make sure that your driveway is big enough to accommodate your car without blocking any sidewalks or driveways nearby.
Here is a video with a few more reasons why you should consider not parking your car in a garage:
Why Don’t People Use Their Garage for Cars?
Most people think of their garage as a place to store their car.
However, many garages are actually used for other purposes. For some people, the garage is a workshop where they can fix things or work on projects.
Others use it as a storage space for holiday decorations, sports equipment, or extra furniture. About one in four Americans say their garage is so full of other items that they don’t store their cars there at all.
Some people even convert their garage into an extra room or living space. There are a number of reasons why people might not use their garage for parking their car.
In some cases, it simply doesn’t fit. For others, the garage is in such disrepair that it’s not safe to keep a car in there. And in some cases, people simply prefer to park their car on the street or in the driveway.
Whatever the reason, it’s clear that many people don’t use their garage for its intended purpose.
Parking in a Garage vs. Driveway – Pros and Cons
When it comes to parking your car, you have two main options: you can park in a garage or on a driveway. Both have their own set of pros and cons that you should take into account.
Garages Protect Your Car from the Elements
One of the most obvious advantages of having a garage is that it protects your car from the elements. If you live in an area with harsh winters, a garage will keep your car snow- and ice-free so that you can get on the road more quickly and safely.
Likewise, if you live in a hot climate, a garage will protect your car from the blistering sun and help keep it cooler during the hotter months.
Garages Can Be Used for Storage
Another advantage of having a garage is that they provide additional storage space for your belongings.
If your home is lacking in storage space, using your garage as an extension of your living space can be a great way to free up some much-needed room. You can use it to store seasonal items like holiday decorations, sports equipment, or even extra furniture.
Garages Add Value to Your Home
When it comes time to sell your home, having a garage can be a major selling point. Buyers are always looking for homes that have this extra feature, and as such, are willing to pay more for properties that have them.
If you’re planning on selling in the future, building a garage now can help increase the value of your home down the line.
Garages Require More Maintenance
One downside of owning a garage is that they require more maintenance than driveways do. This is because garages are typically made with materials like wood or metal, which are susceptible to weather damage.
As such, you’ll need to regularly check your garage door and framing for any signs of wear and tear and make repairs as necessary to avoid further damage down the road.
One advantage of having a driveway is that they don’t require much maintenance once they’re built.
Unlike garages, driveways are typically made from asphalt or concrete which are much more durable and weather-resistant materials. As such, you won’t need to worry about making repairs as often (if at all).
Garages Are More Expensive to Build
Another disadvantage of having a garage is that they’re typically more expensive to build than driveways are.
This is due to both the materials involved as well as the labor required to construct them. If you’re on a tight budget, opting for a driveway may be a better option for you.
Driveways tend to be more affordable overall. This is due in part to both the cheaper materials involved as well as the fact that they generally don’t require as much labor to construct.
If cost is one of your main concerns, opting for a driveway may be the way to go.
Driveways Take Up Less Space
One final benefit of having a driveway instead of a garage is that they take up less space overall. This can be especially beneficial if you live on a smaller lot or in an urban area where space is at a premium.
With a driveway, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing valuable square footage just to park your car; instead, you can use it for other purposes like outdoor living or entertaining space.
Final Thoughts
When it comes time to decide whether you want a garage or driveway, there’s no right or wrong answer—it all depends on what’s best for YOUR needs and preferences.
Consider things like budget, maintenance requirements, and available space before making your final decision.
Whichever route you choose, hopefully, this post has provided you with some much-needed clarity on the subject! Here’s also our comparison of garage vs shed you may want to check out.
