What is a carport and should you get one?

Are you living in a rough seasonal climate and thinking about getting your car a little more protection instead of just leaving it in the driveway uncovered? Or maybe you are looking for a covered outdoor recreational space that can shield your family and guests from the elements? Maybe you’ve been budgeting for a garage but the current cost to build is a bit prohibitive to your budget? Good news, there’s a solution out there: A carport!

What is a carport?

A carport is an outdoor structure that serves as a covered parking spot. Carports are often smaller, more affordable and faster to build than a traditional garage and also protect your vehicle from rain, sun and snow.

Envision a garage with no walls, insulation, doors or electricity and you’ll have a pretty good understanding of what a carport is. The benefits are plentiful, so envision those, too. Summer barbecues in the shade, jumping in the car in the middle of winter without brushing a foot of snow off first – these are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy when you have a carport.

Carport vs. garage

The main difference between a carport and a garage is their structure. Although different types of carports provide cover, a garage offers more protection with enclosed walls, a roof, storage space and a garage door.

Storing weather sensitive items, using tools and toys that need to plug into an electrical outlet, and offering a private space behind a closed door are a few of the functions a garage offers that a carport doesn't.

In fact, all things being equal, most people would probably prefer a garage to a carport. Things aren’t equal though, namely when it comes to price. Things like walls, a house-like roof, a foundation with footers, electricity and (in some cases) insulation aren’t cheap. Many of these costs come with a garage but aren’t needed for a carport.

Carport addition ideas

Now that we have carports defined, let’s dive into some of many options out there for creative carport solutions. Depending on your specific needs, one of these might be right for you.

Keep in mind that you should do some research about building near the property line of your home. Projects like these are often located near the edges of the land you own, so make sure everything is in line with local building regulations before you break ground.

Carport types

Like all things home related, carports come in many shapes and sizes. Here are a few of the most common.

• Single carport: Designed to cover one car, a single carport is about the smallest you can build.
• Double carport: As you may have guessed, a double carport is twice the size of a single carport and is designed to cover two cars.
• Triple carport: Yep, three times the size of a single carport. This offers protection for three cars, or two cars and a boat, or two cars and a space to hang out, etc. The possibilities are plentiful once you get to this size carport.
• Freestanding carport: A freestanding structure that isn't attached to anything else, this type of carport can be in any location on your property. Most commonly, it's near or over the driveway.
• Attached carport: An attached carport is one that is affixed to another structure. Usually this means one side of the carport is attached to a garage or house.

Carport styles

Beyond the structural and size variations, carports also differ regarding options for the roof. Depending on your future use and budget, one of the following options might work for you.

• Metal: Much like with your home, a metal roof provides durability and a long life span. However, if you don’t like the noisy tapping of rain drops, this might not be your preferred option.
• Fabric: Fabric provides a little light shining in through the roof as well as budget-friendly pricing. In heavy snow and rain, however, it might not provide the protection you’re looking for.
• Canopy: A canopy carport offers a roof (any material) with supports to hold it up, but no walls on the side. Protection from the top down is there, but not from wind, snow and rain that blows through the sides. Most carports are canopy carports.
• Flat roof: Is midcentury modern your jam? This might be an aesthetically appealing roof to you. Keep in mind though that getting snow and other debris off of it will be a little trickier than with a gable (sloped) roof.
• Gable roof: A gable roof carport has two sloping sides that meet at a high point above the carport. This allows rain, snow and some debris to slide off the roof.

Cost of a carport

The cost to build a carport varies greatly based on building materials, custom features, size and permits, just to name a few of the many variables. That said, get ready to spend between around $3,000 and $10,000. There are extremes on the high and low end of cost though. You may be able to build one for about $700. However, if you tend to prefer the finer things in life, your carport could cost as much as $30,000.

If these numbers seem like more than you are thinking of spending, keep in mind that even a high end carport is generally less than the cost to build a garage.

Pros and cons of a carport

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of a carport so you can see if it’s right for you.

Carport pros

• Protection: Letting your cars sit in the sun and snow will increase the wear and tear on them. I guess you can say the same for the guests at your barbecue. Whatever you use your carport for, it can help protect what’s under it from the elements.
• Cost: Compared to a garage, carports are relatively inexpensive.
• Time to build: Carports are relatively easy to install and don’t require the extensive construction constraints associated with garages.

Carport cons

• Protection: While a carport does provide more protection than an uncovered driveway, compared to a garage with four walls and a door, the protection carports provide isn't quite as complete.
• Aesthetics: Carports have come a long way in terms of style, but if you’re thinking of a lower cost one, it may not be so easy on the eyes.
• Amenities: Heat, electricity, doors, insulation and other features that can be included in a garage aren’t part of the carport life.

The bottom line

Carports can provide nice protection for your vehicles or a lovely outdoor retreat on a hot or rainy day. Compared to an uncovered driveway, they have a lot of benefits. That said, if you are comparing them to a garage, their features might come up short. The good news is that carports “blow the doors off” garages when it comes to price. Ready to build or install a carport? Get started on a cash-out refinance application today!