Since time immemorial, the garage is popular for being a decent shelter for a vehicle. It’s like either you have it or not—leave the car in an open area. The latter, of course, promises no protection against natural or man-made hazards. But apparently, these are not only the options for vehicle safekeeping because there is such a thing called carport. And in fact, perhaps some garage is actually a carport. So what is the difference between the two? And which one to choose?
Qualities of a carport and a garage
The obvious reason why people confuse a carport with a garage is that they have the same purpose—protect vehicles from elements. They are either attached to a building or a free-stand structure and can be single, double, tandem, or triple. And they may be made of the same materials like metal, aluminum, or wood, particularly for the frameworks.
But, a carport is composed of a roof and supported posts only. It has no or fewer walls—mostly one or two, so it has open sides. And with just a few components, it is easier, quicker, and cheaper to build. It is so easy that it can be a DIY project for the able, who can just purchase carport kits in the market.
A garage, on the other hand, has walls and a door. It is meant to offer full and more permanent shelter for vehicles so it needs more materials like concrete or bricks. And since it’s like a vehicle’s room, it’s harder, longer, and entails skills to construct.
Points of consideration
What mentioned above are the obvious characteristics of a carport and a garage. To give you more ideas, here the good points a carport or a garage depending on vehicle owners’ situations:
Security level. If you’re the owner who assesses that your vehicle is unsafe when you’re not around, choose a garage. It hides your machine from man-made hazards such as works of thieves or vandals. But if you’re confident with your area’s security and at ease to leave your vehicle visible to outsiders, a carport may be enough for you.
Weather condition. Each place has weather conditions. Some areas have normal sunny or rainy days, while others are prone to have severe conditions such as hurricanes or blizzards. If you are in an area with fairly well weather, you may opt to have a carport. But if you experience seasonal stormy or windy weather, better shelter your vehicle with a garage.
Need permission. If you are to build a garage, expect that you need to apply for planning permission in your local government. In the case of a carport, most of the time, it is allowed to be constructed without a permit. Nevertheless, it pays to check if there is a regulation for carports in your community.
Residency. For people who move places from time to time like renters, transients, or migrants, a carport is a reasonable solution. It’s for those in a hurry to build vehicle protection and don’t like to spend on something they use temporarily. However, if you are staying for good in your abode, even if a garage is expensive, it can be a cost-effective one.
Other functions. A carport or a garage can be something else, other than being a parking space. The former is perfectly fine to be a play area for kids, a small party place, or someone’s temporary workshop. On the other hand, a garage can be a stockroom for valuable things or an area that is convertible into a new room in your house.
