What You Need To Know About Carport Attached To The Garage (2024)

garagemadesimple.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com . The website is also an affiliate of a few other brands. The affiliate links never increase your purchase price. We do appreciate your support. Thank you very much!

Contents

Need Space to Park Your Car?

Are you in the same dilemma as a lot of Americans? You have a garage but you don’t have space to park your cars. Your garage has been taken over by workbenches, storage, maybe even a gym, while the cars are parked outside. So are you thinking of building a carport attached to the garage?

There are many pros to a carport attached to the garage:

  • Protection for Cars
  • Additional Parking Space
  • Unconventional Vehicle Parking
  • Additional Recreation Space
  • Cheaper than a Garage
  • Easier Permit Requirements
  • Quick Installation

In this post I will tell you what a carport is, where & how it can be built, as well as the pros & cons of having a carport attached to the garage. You should then be able to decide if it works for you.

Carport attached to the Garage

A carport is a covered structure to protect vehicles from sun, rain & snow. It must have two or less walls. If a third wall is added, then it is considered a garage by the building code, even though it may not have a garage door.

Carports can be free standing, attached to the house or garage or an integral part of the house construction & design. Having a carport attached to the garage makes logical sense.

What You Need To Know About Carport Attached To The Garage (1)

In the case of an attached or detached garage, the carport could be on the driveway in front of the garage. Alternatively, the carport could be along the garage and share a wall with it.

Undoubtedly the best carport design would be the one that sits between the house and a detached garage. It would function as a breezeway too.

Of course this would have to be an integral part of the house design and construction.

Free standing and even attached carports are available as kits or prefabs. But of course you can always have a custom designed carport constructed.

Custom designed carports are not cheap. But it will blend in with your house and garage beautifully and seamlessly. It may even enhance the curb appeal of your home.

Pros of Carport attached to the Garage

A carport is not a garage and a garage is not a carport. Notwithstanding some functional similarities, it is un-not reasonable to compare them.

The pros of having a carport attached to the garage are:

Protection for Cars

It is a very familiar sight. You have so much stuff in your garage that there is no place for your cars. The car ends up being parked on the driveway in front of the garage. Exposed to the sun, rain and snow.

A carport attached to the garage, either in front or on the side, would give your cars a fair amount of protection from the elements.

Additional Parking Space

The carport can also be a very convenient place for your friends to park their car when they come over for lunch. They do not need to park on the front or side street. They will really be grateful on a hot or rainy day.

They will also not be bringing in dirt or slush into your house.

Unconventional Vehicle Parking

Are you an outdoor adventure kind of guy or gal? Do you own a camper or a boat?

What You Need To Know About Carport Attached To The Garage (2)

Unconventional vehicles are not going to fit into a conventional garage. A carport of the appropriate dimensions may be your only option.

Additional Recreation Space

Sometimes your kids want to play outdoors, but it is hot. Or it is raining. Well, they could use the carport for playing, without sweat or getting wet.

Use the carport as a patio. Having a birthday party for your kid? Let the kids have fun under the carport. You don’t have to worry about cleaning any mess in the living room.

Pleasant spring or autumn weather. Set up a few tables under the carport and invite your friends over for evening drinks and socializing.

Cheaper than a Garage

A carport can not be considered as a replacement to a garage, but it does serve some basic functions of a garage. The carport is significantly cheaper than a comparable garage.

According to FIXR a permanent 20’X20’ carport will cost $7,200 compared to $33,200 for a garage of the same size. Of course this is just an indicative cost and the actual cost will depend on a host of factors.

Expect a decent carport to cost just 20 – 30% of a garage.

For a quick estimate of a carport cost, visit CARPORTS And More SHELTER SOLUTIONS.

Easier Permit Requirements

Carports are viewed as non-permanent additions to the house by the HOA and / or the local building authority. You will still need to get a permit and abide by the rules. The rules are a lot less stringent though.

Please do keep in mind that you may have to adjust your carport plans to comply with

  • Distance requirements from boundary line (both front and side)
  • Height requirements
  • Aesthetic requirements

Actually an HOA may not give a permit for a carport on the front driveway, but may allow one on the side or back of the garage.

Obviously, you must get the permit before you proceed on your carport plans.

Quick Installation

If you are really in a hurry, carport is the way to go. Many companies offer structurally stable, prefab carports that can be set up within a day.

The only time consuming part is the concrete slab on which the carport will sit. This may not be necessary if you can install the carport on the driveway in front of the garage.

If you are located in California or one of the nearby states, you can contact California All-Steel Carports Inc. They have several high quality options available.

What You Need To Know About Carport Attached To The Garage (3)

Do you live in Texas or one of the neighboring states, then take a look at American Metal Buildings.

Cons of Carport attached to the Garage

If you look at the cons of a carport in comparison with a garage then you will find many. Lack of security, storage space, livability are pretty obvious.

I think you have to consider the pros & cons of a carport in the context of a carport being an addition to the garage and not an alternative to the garage.

In which case a carport attached to the garage has just one thing going against it.

Ugly Industrial Look

More often than not, carports are ugly & industrial looking. They are likely an eyesore on an otherwise beautiful and visually appealing home and garage.

A carport assembled out of a carport kit often looks like a makeshift canopy or tent. A prefab carport looks like an unfinished warehouse.

It is possible to make a carport aesthetically pleasing and be in harmony with the house and the existing garage. Of course this requires some creative thinking, professional designing and expert execution.

Integral Carport

The best way to do this is at the design stage of the house. The carport can then become an integral part of the house. It could use the same building material and architectural features for complete harmony.

Even if the carport is an afterthought, the use of unconventional building materials, water features, foliage, lighting etc can make the carport stand out as a beautiful piece of architecture.

Such a carport will no longer be cheap or quick to install. But it will be beautiful.

What You Need To Know About Carport Attached To The Garage (4)

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that if your garage has been so overrun by stuff that your cars have to be parked in the open, a carport attached to the garage is the solution.

Irrespective of whether you have an attached or a detached garage, you have two placement options. The carport could be on the driveway, in front of the garage or on the side of the garage, sharing a wall.

In case of a detached garage, not too far from the house, you have the additional option of a carport as part of the breezeway connecting the house and the garage.

Carport attached to the garage protects your cars and gives you additional parking & recreation space. Carport is cheaper than a garage, has easier permit requirements and is easy & quick to install.

GMS Intro

GMS Intro

GMS Intro

Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and useful.

What You Need To Know About Carport Attached To The Garage (2024)

FAQs

What are the benefits of a carport? ›

10 benefits of having a carport installed
  • Carports will keep your car safe from the harshest of elements. ...
  • Additional space of carports gives versatile uses. ...
  • Protection against theft and vandalism. ...
  • Suitable for any type of vehicle. ...
  • Carports are easy to use. ...
  • Carports are an energy-efficient storage option.
Apr 6, 2016

Where is the best place to put a carport? ›

Don't worry about theft and vandalism because a carport, despite having no walls, is usually erected right beside your home. So it is more secure rather than leaving your car out in the street. It also means that your carport is inside your fence.

How can I make my carport more secure? ›

Ensure Quality Building Materials

Don't wall your carport using thin metal sliding; otherwise, a thief can cut through it easily using sheet metal cutters or other tools. Instead, use metal sheeting, wood, or other sturdy materials that will prevent thieves from breaking through it.

What is one disadvantage to having a carport versus a garage? ›

Cons: Most carports are just about big enough to shelter a car or two, so you won't be able to set up your tool bench or store your Christmas decorations in them next to your cars. You wouldn't want to anyway, because an open structure isn't secure—you can't lock it—or completely protected from wind, rain and sunrays.

Are carports worth it? ›

Truth is that if you live in a place subject to sudden weather changes, carports are worth it. People consider there's a benefit in the long run, as natural debris and weather patterns can cause wear and tear on your vehicle. You'll definitely get your money's worth if you can pay them off over a few years.

Is a car port a good idea? ›

Protection from the elements

The main function of a car port is to protect whatever is under it from the weather. This could be strong sun rays, rain or snow. Carports don't generally have sides, but the roof offers a sturdy protection against all weather conditions.

Is building a carport worth it? ›

Carports are worth it if you live in a place subject to sudden weather changes or tree coverage. Natural debris and weather patterns can cause wear and tear on your vehicle, so people find that they save in the long run. If you can pay them off over a few years, you'll definitely get your money's worth.

How deep is a carport? ›

The depth of something is essentially the same as its height. The only distinction between the two is depth is usually measured from the top down, while height is typically measured from the ground up. The minimum depth a carport should have is 9 feet, but you can go up to 10 feet.

How do you prepare ground for carport? ›

How to ensure that your site is level for a carport or garage. - YouTube

How do you set up a carport? ›

How to Install an RV Carport - YouTube

How much wind can a carport take? ›

The answer is 160 miles-per-hour. According to the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale, Capital Steel Industries tube steel carports are rated to withstand up to category four hurricane-force winds. That's real strength you can rely on.

How do I stop my carport from blowing? ›

How to Protect a Carport From Wind
  1. Anchor the carport to the ground. ...
  2. Choose an area that is near a garage or any other main structure, such a large shed or a house, to install the carport. ...
  3. Build a carport that is constructed from metal instead of wood or plastic if you live in an area that is prone to high winds.

How do you hold down a carport? ›

anchor down a harbor freight carport - YouTube

Does a carport need to be anchored? ›

Anchoring is an essential part of carport installation, so having a level site is crucial. We suggest that the slope difference be no greater than 3 inches. Our installers can refuse to install on unlevel ground.

Do you need a concrete slab for a carport? ›

Adding a concrete slab to your property to serve as a foundation for your new carport is a great choice. Parking on a concrete slab rather than bare ground will be more consistent throughout the year and will make a better home for your vehicle.

Whats the difference between a garage and a carport? ›

Carports are metal structures that can either be covered with fabric or a roof. Most carports are detached from your home and have at least one side open. Usually, garages have four walls, a roof, and are either attached to your house or are a freestanding structure.

Whats the difference in a garage and carport? ›

Garages are fully enclosed structures that include a door and large shutter that gives you and the vehicle access. Because they are fully enclosed, they keep out anything and everything the environment can throw at your car. In comparison, a carport is a structure that has at least two open sides.

Why do people have car ports? ›

Carports (or car porch) are not as substantial as garages but are intended to provide some degree of protection for a vehicle and to keep drivers and passengers out of the wind and rain when entering or leaving a vehicle. Carports are much more defined by their building materials than garages.

Are carports worth it? ›

Truth is that if you live in a place subject to sudden weather changes, carports are worth it. People consider there's a benefit in the long run, as natural debris and weather patterns can cause wear and tear on your vehicle. You'll definitely get your money's worth if you can pay them off over a few years.

Can I put doors on a carport? ›

Many homes are equipped with carports that provide shelter from those rainy days when we have to go out. However, the times we live in are changing, and it seems that security is becoming the most desired feeling. Own a home with a carport? The good news is that you can install a garage door on a carport!

How many walls are in a carport? ›

Typically, carports have three walls and a large open wall.

What's another word for carport? ›

Carport Synonyms - WordHippo Thesaurus.
...
What is another word for carport?
garagestorage
car portparking lot
parking space
1 more row

Do you need consent for a carport? ›

It must have a roof supported by posts and at least one side open at all times. Building a new carport greater than 40 square metres will always require a building consent.

Does adding a carport increase home value? ›

Yes, adding a metal carport will increase the value of your home. This means you can increase your asking price when listing your home and you may get more interest and better offers from potential buyers. Protect your vehicles from weather damage.

Do carports protect your car? ›

Although carports appear to leave your car open to the elements, evidence suggests that parking your car under a carport can prevent your vehicle from frosting over, even in minus temperatures. Carports also protect your car from heavy snowfall that can damage the finish of your vehicle over time.

What types of carports are there? ›

The Different Types of Carports and Garages
  • Corrugated Metal Buildings. The first and most common are those buildings that are made of corrugated metal and are freestanding from the rest of the home structure. ...
  • Home Extensions or Additions. ...
  • Open Sided Car Ports. ...
  • Attached Carports. ...
  • Specialty Garages.
May 22, 2016

Are metal carports worth the money? ›

Reasons Metal Carports are Well Worth the Investment

Metal carports add usable space to your home or business and actually increase your property value. Because metal carports don't decay like wood buildings, you can increase your return on investment over several years.

Do carports keep frost off your car? ›

In the final analysis, carports most definitely do keep frost from forming on your car – and underneath it – because the roof radiates heat down towards the vehicle and slows the rate at which your car cools down in freezing weather.

Is a carport enough? ›

Carports do not protect your prized investment; in fact, you receive about the same amount of protection leaving the vehicle out in the street. Open carport sides also make your vehicle vulnerable to the damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Is carport cheaper than garage? ›

Carport Pros

Less expensive - Building a carport is far less expensive than building a garage. Fewer materials are required since there are no walls, doors or windows, and that translates to lower labor costs, too. Quick to build - Carports are relatively simple structures, so they can be built very quickly.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 5690

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.