It’s the age old dilemma. One which man has wrestled since the dawn of time. Well, since the invention of the automobile at least. What is better, a garage or a carport? People swear by one or the other; defending their point of view. They are both fantastic constructions that men gaze upon with much love.
I’m going to tell you why I think a carport can be better than a garage in many situations. I hope you agree with my arguments and think about installing one. You can employ a company to erect one for you, design and build one yourself, or buy and install a kit. As you can see, your options are varied. Let’s take a look at their advantages in more detail.
Carports vs Garages: Which is Right for You?
Planning Permission
You will want to check with the planning and zoning commission for your carport. While it is a roof on legs, or maybe attached to a building on one side, there may still be rules and regulations regarding the structure. Check your local rules because there may be a maximum size, but it is generous.
A garage structure will require planning permission. You will need to draw up detailed plans and submit them for approval, with the help of an architect. When the plans pass and you start work, the building inspector will visit the site to make sure you do everything correctly. They can bring the job to a standstill if they are not satisfied.
Foundations
A garage needs proper foundations to carry the weight of the walls. Though carports need a suitable base, they do not need to meet all of the building regulations set down for permanent structures. That can save you a fortune on time and labor.
Aesthetics
Modern carports can look beautiful. They may even remind you of conservatories because you can use the same materials and construction method. Because you can see through them, they do not make the area look small in the way a solid structure would. If you do not have much land to spare, it is a shame to lose it to a garage.
Practicality
There might come a time when you want to sit outside on a showery day. It is not much fun sitting in a garage, but a carport offers the ideal solution. You can still enjoy the sun and the warm breeze. Perfect!
Cost
There is the small matter of cost. A carport will only cost a fraction of the price of a garage. It doesn’t take long to build and uses less material than the garage, so labor charges are usually lower, too.
So tell me – are you a carport person or a garage person?
photo credit: Wooden Arched Carport DSC_0131BW photo via (license)