Carports and garages are two types of structures that provide protection for your car against the elements. When attached to your home, these extensions prevent you from having to go through these elements to get to and from your car.
While these two share many similarities, they very different structures that have specific advantages and disadvantages. Many people may think that “carports” are just a fancier way of saying “garage,” but they’re not the same. Here is a simple outline of the differences between these two home extensions to help you make a more informed decision about which one is more suitable for your home:
Installation
Carport builders in Brisbane or any other metropolitan area agree that carports come in different styles, but no matter which one you choose, it will always be faster and easier to install than a garage. If you choose a simple design, one with a simple frame and a roof, the construction will only take a few hours or days. Even carports with three walls will only need less time to build because they won’t have any windows or doors.
Appearance
Car owners have many looks and styles to choose from when it comes to carports and garages. Carports can be as simple as a metal frame that comes with a roof or a permanent structure attached to your property. These can have three walls to none at all. Attached carports may also work as an outdoor patio area since they’re open on at least one side.
Garages, on the other hand, may either be a freestanding or attached structure to your home. Compared to carports, these are always completely enclosed, with four walls and a roof. While carports are known for simplicity, garages can be designed in a way that would match the overall look of your property.
Permits, Regulations, and Guidelines
As carports aren’t considered living spaces; they don’t have to conform to the same standards followed for home constructions. As a result, very few cities require getting a permit first, and there are few to no regulations when it comes to both size and material. But garages are seen as part of the living area. Therefore, the walls must be flame-retardant and insulated frequently. These would require not only a permit but also an inspection, which could increase building costs and prolong the construction.
Construction Costs
The cost of constructing a garage is highly dependent on the size and your chosen finishing materials. If you have an expensive facade, for example, you might have to shell out more so that your garage matches your property. For carports, on the other hand, it will all depend on how open you want it to be. How many walls should it have? What materials should you use? These are just two of the important considerations.
Finally, if you’re thinking about selling your property in the future, you also need to consider the value these extensions can add to your property. While permanent carports don’t contribute to the value, they can make your property look more appealing to a potential buyer if they’re well-constructed.