Covered or Closed: Do you Need a Garage or a Carport?

When it comes to protecting your vehicle from the elements, the debate between garages and carports tends to come up. On one hand, you get full coverage and storage, while the other keeps things simple. Choosing the right shelter for your ride in Louisville, KY, may come down to priorities – security, cost, and curb appeal.

Let’s Start with the Difference Between a Garage and Carport

While both a garage and carport will provide covered parking for your car, there are some big differences between the two. A carport is a structure made with posts and a cover. They are usually open on the sides.
A garage, on the other hand, is fully enclosed. It offers more security because they have solid walls and at least one door that can be locked.

Garage Benefits

Since most cars spend the majority of their lives parked, a secure parking spot out of the Louisville, KY, elements can be beneficial. A locked garage will protect it from theft and prevent it from getting debris blown onto it during a storm.
In addition to protecting your car, a garage also gives you some extra storage space for other items such as bikes, yard equipment, and things you don’t want to keep in the house.

Benefits of a Carport

While garages have many benefits, if your home does not already have one, they can be expensive to build. Carports will do the trick in a pinch, they are much cheaper to build and they can be installed in just a few days.
Since they don’t have walls, electrical wiring, and are not a living space, there is often no need to conform to building codes. Carports also offer ventilation. Your car will be protected from the hot rays of the sun on a summer day, but it may stay cooler since the air can move through the carport.

Increasing Your Property Value

If you’re looking to increase your property value, you can do it with either a garage or a carport. A garage will significantly increase the value because it offers more security, adds extra square footage to your home, and has the appearance of a building.
Carports can also add some value to your home, but since they don’t have as many benefits as a garage, you won’t see as much of an increase.

How Do You Decide Which One You Want?

Deciding between a garage and carport all comes down to your individual needs and your budget. You’ll spend thousands of dollars on a garage, and it will take some time to build. If you’re just looking for reliable shelter for your car, a carport will cost significantly less, and you’ll have it to use in just a few days.
If security is a priority and curb appeal is important to you, you’ll probably want to invest in a garage. This is also the better option if you want to protect your vehicle or vehicles from high winds, storm debris, and severe weather.