Last Updated on December 4, 2024 by SampleBoard
You take pride in your home and its appearance, which extends to your property. After all, you want your property to be anything but the neighborhood eyesore.
You also take great pride in your vehicle, keeping both the interior and exterior spotless. However, protecting your vehicle from the elements can be challenging without a garage.
What if you can't afford the cost of building a garage?
In this article we're exploring carports as budget-friendly garage alternatives.
Do you want a carport on your property? These structures can have some surprising benefits!
Garages can do more than protect your vehicle from wildlife and the weather. How often have you gone outside to discover bird droppings and paw prints all over your car?
If this is the worst that's happened, you're pretty lucky. You could be dealing with damage from a fallen tree limb.
Depending on the terms of your auto or home insurance policies, this damage may not be covered. Garages can also keep your vehicle safe and provide extra storage space.
So, what should you do if your home doesn't have a garage?
Thankfully, you can find alternatives like a carport. Is a carport the best alternative? Here's a look at some advantages you may need to consider.
A new garage is a costly undertaking. A single-car garage can easily cost $20,000 or more.
After pulling your vehicle in, the garage may have little room left for storage. You can quickly go with a two or three-car garage, but the price increases significantly.
By the time you finish paying off the garage, you've spent close to the cost of a gently used vehicle.
Carports are an amazingly affordable option compared to garages.
Even if you choose a carport large enough to hold a small boat and your vehicle, you'll still spend less than you would on a garage.
It's important to note that cost-effective carports may require maintenance to ensure their longevity and continued protection for your vehicles.
We mentioned protecting your vehicle from the elements and wildlife. However, a fully enclosed carport can also help keep thieves away.
Thieves look for easy targets like a car parked in a driveway. A skilled thief can jimmy your door within a few seconds and be in and out of the vehicle.
Even if your security system goes off, the thieves can be gone before you make it outside.
The type of carport you choose plays a significant role in the level of protection you receive. An enclosed carport, with four walls and a door, offers more security than an open structure.
While it may be a bit more expensive, it's still a cost-effective solution compared to a garage, providing security and peace of mind.
Your house has only so many closets, and it's incredible how quickly you can run out of storage space.
You probably don't want boxes cluttering the floor or blocking hallways, and tossing anything in the trash is alson't an option.
A carport can be inexpensive to add storage space to your home. Make sure you choose one large enough to hold a vehicle and some odds and ends.
Carports are also a breeze to modify and a great way to add additional storage. A roof with trusses can hold boxes or even an assembled faux Christmas tree. Don't forget about installing shelving.
The cost is minimal. All you need is lumber and wall brackets, and you're ready.
Remember the floor. If you take care of any potential drainage issues, the floor can hold boxes and even random lawn care gear.
Do you have other vehicles, such as ATVs, motorbikes, or even a small boat, sitting around your property?
A carport isn't just for cars.
It's a versatile structure that can accommodate a variety of items as long as they fit through the opening. This versatility can make you feel resourceful and efficient in your use of space.
Imagine what your property will look like after putting everything inside the carport. Your neighbors will be thrilled, and best of all, your vehicles will be protected.
A quick tip is to determine the carport's measurements before deciding on a model. This ensures the carport is large enough to hold everything from a car to a motorcycle and ATV.
When choosing the right carport size, consider the size of your vehicles and any additional items you want to store.
You're constantly searching for ways to lower your home's energy usage rates.
Did you know carports can be more energy efficient than garages? This depends on a few factors, but you should pay lower utility rates overall with a carport.
Garages typically use fluorescent bulbs, which can be swapped for energy-efficient LEDs. You may not even need to replace the fixture.
However, garages still tend to use more light than a carport. This is usually true even if you run electricity to the carport.
Carports also don't have automatic garage doors, which is another way the structures save on electricity costs.
Your property is an investment you don't want to decrease in value—unfortunately, homes without garages tend to sell for less.
Adding a carport can be a cost-effective way to address this issue.
If potential buyers call your property home, they will have a place to park their car. A carport also gives you a place to store some of the clutter in your yard.
This can help boost your property's value and protect your investment.
Carports have come a long way since their introduction as basically metal tents.
You have an almost unending array of design options, from simple metal structures to more elaborate designs that can complement your home's architecture.
Finding the perfect size and style is rarely an issue.
With all of the advantages, some surprising, a carport offers, it's not hard to see why these semi-permanent structures are gaining in popularity.
