Garage or Carport Cover

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Paige65

Hope the OP doesn't mind me jumping in since I also have a carport question. I'm considering a home that has a two car carport with drive in from either the front or back, with full enclosure on one side (against the house) and a wall with large openings on the opposite side. It's north/south facing. If we decide to buy this house we are considering changing it to a garage, but I'm not sure if it's necessary or not. It's in a good area and you can't see the carport from the street (the house is on almost two acres), so security issues aren't a concern.

Would you spend the money on converting it to a garage? What do you think the cost of converting it might be? $5,000? $10,000.

Have no idea what it would cost, but I would do it in a heartbeat. A carport that open gives even less protection to the car from the elements, and no protection from theft.

[wit-nit]

Originally Posted by Paige65

Hope the OP doesn't mind me jumping in since I also have a carport question. I'm considering a home that has a two car carport with drive in from either the front or back, with full enclosure on one side (against the house) and a wall with large openings on the opposite side. It's north/south facing. If we decide to buy this house we are considering changing it to a garage, but I'm not sure if it's necessary or not. It's in a good area and you can't see the carport from the street (the house is on almost two acres), so security issues aren't a concern.

Would you spend the money on converting it to a garage? What do you think the cost of converting it might be? $5,000? $10,000.

A lot depends on exactly what needs to be done and what you want, but an estimated cost would be in the 5-10,000 range. A good quality insulated 16 foot door alone will cost around $2,000+ installed with a door opener.
A garage would/should increase the value of your home too. It's better vehicle protection, helps insulate one side of the house generally, can store things out of sight, security, etc. etc.

[RenW]

To the original question, for me a garage is definitely preferable. They aren't always included in houses though depending on your price range. We ended up buying a house that kind of has a garage. They enclosed the existing car port, but instead of a garage door they put an RV gate in. We tend to use it open more often than not since closing the gate is a hassle. With the extra walls it does keep our cars cooler than just a carport.

When we first moved here we rented an apartment that only had one carport space. Having your car under a carport makes a HUGE difference to the temperature of the car. (It was a group of carports so that probably did help.) Having one of cars out in the brutal sun was really bad on the car and made it intensely hot in the summertime. First and foremost I would recommend a dwelling with shaded spots for any cars you drive regularly. That was one of the top things on our house search list here in the Phoenix area that we wouldn't have been as concerned about in some regions of the country.

[AZDesertBrat]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

I prefer a garage and park the car in it. Routinely parking in a carport or in the driveway in front of your house is tantamount to putting up a sign that tells burglars whether you are home or not.

I guess I've always lived in neighborhoods that I wasn't all that concerned with stuff like that. I've always had a carport any place I've lived. I did own two homes with garages but neither of them were ever used for the cars. Now I have a garage and I love it! I love the auto door opener. And, while I'm still not really concerned about being burgled, I live in a 'busier' area now with a lot more traffic. So, better safe than sorry. Of my two next door neighbors, who both park their vehicles in the driveway, only one locks his. Neither of them have a carport or a garage.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by AZDesertBrat

I guess I've always lived in neighborhoods that I wasn't all that concerned with stuff like that. I've always had a carport any place I've lived. I did own two homes with garages but neither of them were ever used for the cars. Now I have a garage and I love it! I love the auto door opener. And, while I'm still not really concerned about being burgled, I live in a 'busier' area now with a lot more traffic. So, better safe than sorry. Of my two next door neighbors, who both park their vehicles in the driveway, only one locks his. Neither of them have a carport or a garage.

Unfortunately, CRIME OCCURS EVERYWHERE nowadays.

It is always better to be Safe than Sorry.

[adriver]

When I was looking for a home, I was told to budget 12-15,000 for a single car garage when I was looking. You don't save much if you all ready have a wall or two. 15,000-20,000 for a 2 car garage.

[observer53]

I'm sure some contractors who advertise that they do such work could give you some rough estimates, although the prices may vary widely, just like is suggested here.

[Heath V]

I say garage they offer more protection from the elements and any potential theft. The one thing that bothers me is that even in the garage, my cars still get dusty. :/

A California Duster is a must.

[HTY483]

It's going to be hotter then hell either way. A garage might make some difference, but not much. I would go with a garage though, mostly to deter thieves. Mesa and Phoenix used to be number 3 and number 5 respectively on the list of US cities with the worst car theft. I don't think it's as bad as it used to be due to the bait car program that they put in place but it's still not good.

[DougStark]

I guess if you don't mind your car's paint and interior fading and deteriorating, a car port is OK. But if you like your cars to last, like I do, go for a garage. Some garages are even air conditioned (or at least equipped with an evap cooler.)