Carports vs Garages: What’s Really Worth Building?

Choosing between a carport and a garage isn’t just about where you park your car, but also about how you live. 

For many, it's about keeping the costs down; for others, it's about protection against thieves, rodents that chew through wires, or the neighborhood cat that uses every bonnet as a springboard. 

Perhaps you’re thinking beyond your car to a place where you can store gardening tools, bikes, or have a workshop space. This decision is not as easy as it seems because living in a small village is very different from living in an urban area when it comes to protection for your car. 

Our guide breaks down the options from every angle, from protection to practicality, so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle, home, and car. 

Carport vs Garage: Key Differences

Are you sure about your choice, but would like to see different designs before making your final decision? Start here 👉 Carport and Garage Catalogue - Palmako

What is a carport?

Karl M (6.0x5.1m | 20.6 m2) Modern Flat Roof Double Carport or Large Pavilion

Unlike a garage, the carport is not a fully enclosed structure with a garage door, and therefore provides direct access to your vehicle. The carport can be made of timber, metal, or polycarbonate, and can either be freestanding or attached to your home. 

A carport provides mostly overhead protection from the elements and, therefore, may not be the ideal solution for those living in regions with harsh weather conditions, flooding, or heavy snow. 

There are a number of options available for carports that match the budget of every consumer. If you have a tight budget, then opt for a DIY kit made of timber, metal, or polycarbonate. If you’re concerned with the aesthetic appeal, high-quality timber carports (such as those manufactured by Palmako) are a good option for their stylish design features.

Types of carports and related costs

Carport costs vary widely depending on the type you choose. The decision about which carport you want is not only important for determining costs, but also the longevity of your carport, and its aesthetic appeal. Here we provide average costs for each type of carport.

Note: Costs are approximate and vary based on location, materials, and project requirements

Additional costs related to the installation of a carport could be:

• Planning permission: £206 (if required)
• Carport Painting/Staining: £8 - £15 per litre of paint or stain
• Gutter Installation: £15 - £30 per metre [1]

Benefits of a carport

Carports are a popular option for homeowners who need protection for their cars, but can't install a full garage. While garages offer extra protection and extra room, that doesn’t mean a carport won’t be able to meet your needs. The following benefits make a carport a worthwhile build:

• They can enhance your outdoor space: Modern designs are far from the clumsy structures used in previous decades. Advancements in the use of timber, metal, and polycarbonate in carports have given us stylish structures that complement your house design. 
• They do offer some protection for your car: A carport will shield your vehicle from the direct impact of the sun’s UV rays, rain, snow, and hail. This will help to preserve your car’s appearance over time. 
• They reduce the need for regular cleaning of your vehicle: While carports don’t offer complete protection from dust and dirt, they help to keep tree leaves and sap, as well as bird droppings, off your car. 
• They are in the reach of most homeowners: Compared to a full garage build, a carport is within reach of the budget of most homeowners, especially if you opt for a DIY or prefab kit. 
• They’re a multipurpose space: Something not often thought of is the ability to use your carport when you have a gathering at your home. It serves as an additional living space, providing shelter for family functions and other activities.

It now becomes clear that a carport can be about much more than just keeping the elements off your car. One innovative design from Palmako combines a carport with a shed, giving you the best of both worlds and increasing the benefits you get from your carport. 

Robert L+ (3,2x7,3m | 23,1m2 | 120x120mm) Apex Roof Carport with Shed

When is a carport worth building?

Cost considerations are one of the primary reasons for choosing a carport over a garage, but other factors may influence this decision. These reasons include:

• You have limited space on your driveway and need a smaller structure to protect your car.
• You’ve been cleared by building control to build a carport under 2.5m, but not a full garage. 
• You don’t want a structure with solid walls or a detached garage that could affect the aesthetics of your home.
• You prefer a wooden carport because it looks more natural.
• You live in a safe area where there are no security concerns about an open carport.
• You want a quick and easy installation process.

What is a garage?

A garage is different from a carport in that it’s a fully enclosed structure designed to protect your vehicle from extreme weather and other challenges, such as rodents. It also offers extra security and extra storage space. Across the UK, garages are freestanding structures or attached to the primary residence, and are constructed from materials such as brick, concrete, or timber. 

Roger S (4.7x5.7m | 23.9 m2 | 44mm) Log Garage with Sectional Door

Types of garages

The type of garage you choose should blend into your surroundings and complement the aesthetics of your home, thereby adding value to it. Wooden garages are better suited for spaces where the natural surroundings need to be preserved, while concrete or brick garages are more suitable for places with extreme weather conditions. 

Regardless of the type of garage, you should inquire whether you need planning permission for your garage, especially if it takes up more than half of the land surrounding your property, or will be more than 3-4m in height. Each region has its own stipulations for outdoor buildings. 

Prefab garage

Prefabricated garages are factory-manufactured units that are assembled on site. They can be built by professionals or by the homeowner. Constructed from wood, metal, or concrete, they are the most cost-effective option, with the shortest installation time. However, they may need additional insulation to provide total protection for your vehicle. 

Brick-built garage

Brick-built garages are often considered a long-term investment and seen as a permanent structure. They can be designed to match the design and layout of the house, and are often built as an extension, with a doorway leading to a kitchen, for convenience. 

Timber garage

Timber garages have come a long way, offering an aesthetically pleasing outdoor structure that can be used for vehicle storage and other purposes. The roof structure can be either flat or apex, matching the design of your home, and the building can have one or more doors (for parking multiple vehicles). Timber cabins also also be combined with a canopy, offering a hybrid garage-carport arrangement. 

Roger (6,7x5,7m | 19+16,2m2 | 44mm) Single Timber Garage With Carport (Wooden Gate)

Garage costs

Note: Costs are approximate and vary based on location, materials, and project requirements

Additional costs for the installation of a garage could be:

• Planning permission: £206 (if required)
• Building regulations approval: £300 - £500
• Electrical installations: £500 - £2,000
• Insulation and ventilation: £500 - £1,500

The cost for an enclosed space to protect your vehicle differs considerably from that of an open structure, such as a carport, because the garage requires four walls, more materials, and is often free-standing. This all accounts for the higher cost of installing a garage. However, a garage offers more benefits than just maximum security for your vehicle.

Benefits of a garage

A garage offers a number of benefits over a carport, such as:

• Enhanced security: Garages provide secure storage for your vehicle, but also other valuable items such as gardening equipment, workshop tools, and bikes. This reduces the risk of theft. 
• Increased protection from the elements: With a carport, your vehicle will still be exposed to some weather elements, but a garage offers complete protection. This is often a primary concern for homeowners who choose a garage over a carport. 
• Potential for conversion: Garages can be converted into garden offices, gyms, or guest rooms once the correct planning permissions are obtained. Local regulations are very specific around garage conversions, so you will need to contact building control in your area. 
• Enhanced property value: Recent research found that a garage can add up to five percent to the price of your home. 

Roger (6,7x5,7m | 19+16,2m2 | 44mm) Single Timber Garage Interior

When is a garage worth building?

Assessing the value of a carport vs garage for your home comes down to what you need it for and the kind of security you desire for your belongings. 

Either a garage will be your first choice if you have the money to invest in it, or it will be a necessity because of the area you live in. Besides these important criteria, it will be worth building if:

• You need additional storage space, and you don’t want to store your belongings off-site.
• You want to increase the market value of your home.
• You want the future flexibility of a garage conversion.

Carport vs Garage: A quick summary

Carports are open-sided structures with a roof that provide some protection from the weather for your vehicle. Carports can be brought as prefab kits, which can be assembled at home for a lower cost, or custom-built to match the design of your home. The least you’ll pay for a carport is around £1,000, but they can go up to £6,000 for a double vehicle, bespoke, custom-built carport. Newer designs exist that combine a carport and a shed, or a carport with a garage for additional storage; it all depends on your needs. Always check with your local planning department to confirm the need for planning permission. Scotland, Ireland, and Wales have their own regulations pertaining to outbuildings. 

Garages are enclosed spaces with doors that act as additional protection for your vehicle and storage space. Prefabricated garages cost the least, and start at £3,000, while a custom-built brick, double garage can go up to £30,000. Modern garage options can also include a canopy or carport extension. Planning permission for a garage is likely in most regions because it is considered a permanent addition to your home. 

With the choice between a carport vs garage clearer than ever before, you can confidently begin shopping for your preferred design and building materials. For expert help, you can also contact Palmako and discuss your needs with them. They have knowledge about timber carports and garages that will make your choice even easier. 

References:

1. Mybuilder.com