Garages vs. Carports: Which Should You Get?

Garages and carports are both great investments that protect your vehicles and trailers. While both are effective at sheltering your car and other vehicles, the structure that works best for your unique household will depend on many different factors. By the end of this article, you should know which portable shelter is better suited to you and your home.

Openness & Flooring

The main differences between carports and garages are openness and flooring. Garages have walls on all sides, garage doors, and flooring which create an enclosed space to park your vehicle(s) inside. Because carports are usually open on all sides and don’t have a floor, your storage won’t be protected from animals, exterior damage, and theft.

The openness of carports does have positive factors though. Carports can create easy storage for RVs, trailers, boats, and campers that are difficult to fit into standard-sized garages. Although not as common as the open carport, carports can be built with walls on each side. They can also have rolling doors, windows, and entry doors installed. These carports with walls will provide more protection than an open carport, but won’t have flooring like a garage.

Protection From Weather

Carports protect the top of your vehicles from the sun, hail, snow, rain, and falling branches. Meanwhile, garages keep your vehicles completely out of the elements and protect them from wind and bad weather on all sides. Garages also keep your vehicles cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter since they are kept inside a building and have the option for insulation.

Both carports and garages will shelter you from bad weather, however, garages will do a better job since they are completely enclosed. As an added bonus, you can also install electricity in your garage to heat or cool the building’s interior, something that can’t be done with a carport.

Snow Maintenance

If you live in a cold climate, garages will keep snow from blowing into the shelter and laying on your vehicle. Open carports will allow snow to blow into the structure and you may still need to shovel your vehicle or trailer out. This won’t be a big issue if the items you store are only used in the summer, such as an RV or camper. However, if you have a trailer or vehicle that you regularly use, a garage is ideal in wintery conditions.

Additional Use

In addition to storing your vehicle, portable garages can be used as workshops and extra storage space. When no longer in use, garage buildings can be turned into other living spaces that have running water and electricity. For example, your garage can be transformed into a home gym, personal office, art studio, hobby shed, or workshop.

Just like garages, carports can be used for purposes other than just vehicle storage but your options will be more limited. For example, you can set up a picnic table under your carport to enjoy a backyard barbeque or use it as a workspace in the shade.

Security

Garages provide you with the added protection of lockable doors and flooring, something a carport cannot offer. If you want a space for additional outdoor storage like lawn equipment, outdoor furniture, sporting equipment, bikes, and power tools, then a garage is your best option. With a carport, you cannot organize additional storage or keep items protected against theft. If having a lockable, enclosed space to store your vehicle is important to you, a garage is the way to go.

Cost & Permits

Carports are great for people looking for a quick, budget-friendly way to shelter their vehicle as they’re generally less expensive than garages. Building a carport uses fewer materials than a garage which makes them faster and cheaper to build.

Garages and carports also differ in their requirement for permits. Garages will need a permit to be built while carports can usually be added without a permit. That being said, some HOAs don’t allow carports, so homeowners with HOAs will need to ensure carports are allowed in their neighborhoods.

Rent-to-Own Options

At Raber, you can install a garage or carport regardless of your budget with our rent-to-own options. Both carports and garages are eligible, meaning you can shelter your vehicle without big upfront costs or credit checks. Our rent-to-own program is personalized to your needs, giving you the ability to choose between 24-month, 36-month, 48-month, and 60-month payment plans.

Space & Relocation

Choosing a portable carport or garage can depend on how much space you have to work with. Carports take up less space than garages and will be the better option if you don’t have much room on your property for a garage.

Carports are also great for households looking for a vehicle shelter that can be easily moved. While garages can be moved, they require more work and assistance when relocating. Carports on the other hand can be disassembled and moved in less time.

Home Value

Garages are customizable to match your home and other outdoor buildings. If matching building styles is a priority for you, you’ll be happiest with a garage. Additionally, garages increase your home’s value and are usually more appealing to potential home buyers.

In contrast, carports don’t add to home value but can still increase interest in a home. For example, if the property doesn’t have a garage, a carport can still attract buyers because this shelter is a better option than parking in an open driveway. While garages are still the best for increasing home value, carports can be a cheaper option to get potential home buyers interested.

 

If you’re still stuck between adding a garage or carport, check out garages with lean-to carports at Raber Portable Storage Barns. Design your own custom carport or garage online to see all available features and get a free estimate, or contact Raber to learn more about pre-built buildings that are ready for delivery.