It’s common knowledge that new cars depreciate rapidly from the moment you drive off the lot, but it’s still a good idea to protect your investment while parked. That is where the great debate of carport versus garage begins for homeowners who are ready to add one or the other to their property. This guide will help you choose the right one.
Costs
Money is the deciding factor with many things in life, and the difference between building a carport or garage is no different. Data collected from homeowners on HomeAdvisors.com shows the average cost to build a carport was $7,741; however, the least expensive (of 83 projects profiled) was only $1,020. TrustedPros, another home improvement firm, placed the costs for building a garage at a $12,000 minimum and ranging up to $65,000.
When calculating costs, the time spent finishing the project also needs to be considered. A carport can be a weekend DIY project for a motivated homeowner, as you can rent a plate compactor for a day to smooth out a gravel driveway and make way for the new addition. A garage, on the other hand, will take several weeks to complete. You’ll likely need the help of a contractor as well, which of course increases overall costs.
Protection
The main purposes of a carport are to protect your vehicle from the blazing summer sun and potential hail damage. It will also keep the interior temperature down while sitting in the sun all day. Most carports have at least one open end and most are open on all four sides, so there’s no protection beyond the aforementioned.
A garage on the other hand protects your vehicle on all four sides and deters thieves. It will also make winter starting easier and much more comfortable. Instead of having to go outside and start your car to warm it up, it will already be warmer than the outside temperature in a heated unit. A garage also offers extra storage space and even a place to build a work bench.
Home Value
The general consensus by realtors on a Trulia thread is that a garage or carport is definitely a home value booster if the other two homes the appraiser compares it to lack either. It will definitely raise the value of your home if its the only one on the block that doesn’t have a carport or garage. Additionally, realtors on a Zillow forum recommend converting existing carports into garages, particularly in extreme weather areas, to boost your home’s value further before sale.
Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 Cost vs. Value Report says homeowners can expect to re-coup about 70 percent of the costs of constructing a two-car garage at sale. But again the neighborhood you reside will ultimately decide the return on investment.
Final Analysis
The garage versus carport argument can be decide easily based on the types of vehicles you own or plan to own. If you’re going to spend tens of thousands of dollars or more on a car, a garage makes sense to protect your investment. A carport is adequate for those simply wanting sun and hail protection.
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