If you want to protect your vehicle, usually your car, from the weather, there’s no getting around a shelter. Deciding between a carport and a garage is not easy, as both have their advantages and disadvantages – we have put together a decision aid for you.
Can I build a carport/garage without planning permission?
Austria is a federal state, which is why there are nine building regulations. The question of which regulations apply to the construction of a garage or carport is therefore not so easy to answer. This is because the topic of garage/carport construction is treated differently in each federal state, and sometimes also in the municipalities.
In most cases, however, garages require planning permission, whereas a building notification is usually sufficient for carports – but only up to a certain size.
However, you must always adhere to the development plan. It is therefore essential to find out about the applicable regulations from the relevant building authority before you start building.
How much does it cost to build a garage/carport?
There is no clear answer to this question either, as various factors – from the size of the project to the material and equipment – play a role in the price. What can be said is that a carport is usually cheaper than a garage due to its simpler construction. Among other things, windows, doors and possibly also a heating system make the construction of a garage more expensive.
If you don’t want to do without a garage, you can opt for a prefabricated garage, which is available in concrete, sheet metal, steel or wood. A prefabricated garage made of sheet metal or wood for one car is available from around 3,000 euros, with steel starting at 5,000 euros. A steel carport, on the other hand, may be available from just under 1,000 euros. But beware: the prices quoted are often net prices, i.e. VAT is added. The same applies to the costs for the foundations or base plate and assembly.
What are the advantages of a carport?
Apart from providing protection from rain, snow, sun, storms and hail, a carport has two other advantages: its lower costs compared to most garages and the fact that it takes up just as much space. In addition, it can be adapted to a wide variety of needs and conditions thanks to its flexible construction methods.
The fact that carports are not closed on all sides also ensures optimum ventilation and air circulation. This means that cars dry more quickly under a carport, which helps to reduce the risk of corrosion, rust formation or condensation.
What are the disadvantages of a carport?
However, the aforementioned openness can also be seen as a disadvantage, for example when it comes to protection against animal bites, vandalism, theft or extreme weather events. Carports are therefore also only suitable as additional storage to a limited extent, unless they offer an enclosed storage space.
What are the advantages of garages?
In a garage, cars and all other vehicles are protected from all sides – from animals and the weather as well as from vandalism or theft.
What are the disadvantages of garages?
Garages offer a lot of security and, depending on their size, also storage space, but, as already mentioned, they also require more space and are more expensive to purchase than carports.
Conclusion: Both garages and carports offer cars good protection from the weather. However, cost and space are important criteria when making a decision.
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