Garage vs. Carport: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
Garage is an enclosed structure designed to house vehicles, often with a door for security. Carport is a covered area intended for parking vehicles, usually lacking walls or doors.
Key Differences
A garage is typically an enclosed space made out of materials like brick, wood, or metal, providing a secure area for vehicles. A carport, on the other hand, is often a more open structure that offers overhead shelter but not the security of walls and a lockable door. A garage can serve as additional storage or workspace, while a carport generally serves the singular purpose of vehicle shelter.
In terms of climate control, a garage often has the capability to be insulated and heated, offering protection from extreme temperatures. A carport, however, is not designed to provide such comforts and mainly serves to protect from elements like rain and sun. Garages are often attached to homes or stand alone, whereas carports can also be integrated with other structures but are usually simpler in design.
Garages often require more stringent building permits and regulations due to their enclosed nature. Carports typically face fewer restrictions because they are simpler structures. This makes garages generally more expensive to construct than carports, both in terms of materials and regulatory costs.
Garages have the added benefit of security, as they can be locked to protect the contents within. Carports lack this feature, leaving vehicles and any stored items more exposed to theft or vandalism. While garages are seen as an extension of the home, carports are not usually considered to add much value to a property.
Functionality can also differ between a garage and a carport. Garages are often equipped with electrical outlets, enabling them to host workshops or charging stations for electric vehicles. Carports are usually bereft of such amenities, being more focused on the basic task of sheltering a vehicle from the elements.
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Comparison Chart
Enclosure
Fully enclosed
Partially open or completely open
Security
Lockable, more secure
Less secure
Building Complexity
More complex, often with utilities
Simpler, usually without utilities
Material
Brick, wood, metal
Metal, wood
Cost
Generally more expensive
Usually less expensive
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Garage and Carport Definitions
Garage
A repair shop for automobiles.
I took my car to the garage for an oil change.
Carport
A shelter for vehicles, usually without walls.
We parked the car under the carport to protect it from hail.
Garage
A term for a startup's initial workspace.
The company started in a garage.
Carport
An extension to a house that provides cover for vehicles.
The carport was built alongside the house.
Garage
A style of rock music.
Their band plays garage rock.
Carport
A basic structure for shielding cars from rain and sun.
The carport effectively keeps our car dry.
Garage
A place to store unused items.
We keep our old furniture in the garage.
Carport
A temporary structure often made from canvas or lightweight materials.
We set up a carport for the summer season.
Garage
A building or indoor space in which to park or keep a motor vehicle.
Carport
An economical alternative to a garage.
We couldn't afford a garage, so we opted for a carport.
Garage
A commercial establishment where cars are repaired, serviced, or parked.
Carport
An open-sided shelter for one or more cars, usually formed by a roof projecting from the side of a building.
Garage
To put or store in a garage.
Carport
A roofed structure for automobile storage, usually attached to a house and not fully enclosed like a garage but with at least one side open to the outdoors.
Franklin decided to improve his carport by walling in the sides and turning it into a garage.
Garage
A building (or section of a building) used to store a car or cars, tools and other miscellaneous items.
Carport
Garage for one or two cars consisting of a flat roof supported on poles
Garage
A place where cars are serviced and repaired.
Garage
A petrol filling station.
Garage
(aviation) A shed for housing an airship or aeroplane or a launchable missile; a hangar.
Garage
A side way or space in a canal to enable vessels to pass each other; a siding.
Garage
A type of guitar rock music, personified by amateur bands playing in the basement or garage; garage rock.
Garage
A type of electronic dance music related to house music, with warped and time-stretched sounds; UK garage.
Garage
To store in a garage.
We garaged the convertible during the monsoon months.
Garage
An enclosed structure for housing or parking motor vehicles, especially automobiles.
Garage
A shed for housing an airship or flying machine; a hangar.
Garage
A side way or space in a canal to enable vessels to pass each other; a siding.
Garage
A commercial establishment that repairs or services automobiles.
Garage
To keep in a garage.
Garage
An outbuilding (or part of a building) for housing automobiles
Garage
A repair shop where cars and trucks are serviced and repaired
Garage
Keep or store in a garage;
We don't garage our car
Garage
An enclosed building for storing vehicles.
I parked the car in the garage for the night.
FAQs
Are carports cheaper than garages?
Generally, carports are less expensive to construct than garages.
Can a garage be converted into living space?
Yes, garages can often be converted into living spaces, subject to local building codes.
What is a carport?
A carport is a covered area designed for parking vehicles, usually without walls or doors.
Are carports considered permanent structures?
Carports can be either permanent or temporary, depending on the construction and material.
Can a garage be used for commercial purposes?
Yes, some garages serve as workshops or commercial repair facilities.
Can you lock a carport?
Typically, carports are not lockable due to their open nature.
Can a carport be attached to a house?
Yes, carports can be attached to a house or stand alone.
What is a garage?
A garage is an enclosed structure designed to house and protect vehicles.
Do garages add value to a home?
Yes, garages usually add value to a home due to their utility and security features.
What's the main advantage of a carport over a garage?
Carports are generally quicker to construct and less expensive than garages.
Can a carport be converted into a garage?
In many cases, a carport can be converted into a garage, but this usually requires additional construction and permitting.
Can you store items other than cars in a garage?
Yes, garages are often used for storing tools, equipment, and other items.
Is a carport a good substitute for a garage?
It depends on your needs; carports offer less security but are more cost-effective.
Do you need a building permit for a garage?
Generally, yes, building permits are required for constructing garages.
Do you need a building permit for a carport?
The requirement varies; some jurisdictions require permits for carports, while others do not.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
