Once you’ve decided the benefits are worth it to invest in a carport, the first decision you’ll have to make is whether to have a freestanding or attached carport. Both structures have advantages and disadvantages you should be mindful of when choosing your carport.
In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each type of carport so you can choose the one that makes sense for you.
Freestanding carports
Freestanding carports, as the name suggests, are standalone structures. This type of carport structure allows you to choose where on your property to build your carport. And, because it is not attached to the house, you get more freedom in terms of the actual design.
You can fully customize your carport to not only protect your car but to serve as a multifunctional space. From the material to the design elements you choose, you can build a carport that complements your home and doesn’t look like an afterthought.
Attached Carports
Attached carports, also known as lean-to carports, are built with one or more sides attached to the house. This type of carport is perfect for car owners with limited space. Because the structure is attached to the house, an attached carport has design limitations.
The covering of an attached carport must be inclined to allow rainwater to run off. And, because an attached carport is essentially an extension of your home, everything from the roof to the frame must be designed to match the pre-existing structure.
Freestanding or Attached carport?
Choosing between a freestanding and attached carport is no simple matter. Although carports can be easily assembled and taken down, making the right decision will save you time, energy and money if you decide to have a professional install your carport.
| Cost | Design Freedom | Complexity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attached Carport | More expensive | Limited by existing home | Requires professional help |
| Freestanding Carport | Least expensive | Complete design freedom | You can DIY |
A freestanding carport is perfect for car owners with a lot of space they’d like to use for more than just protecting a car. The ability to create a multifunctional space makes a freestanding carport the top option for most people.
Attached carports offer great ease of access, but they have several limitations. Your home will limit the design, and it will require more work than a freestanding carport. If modifications to your home are necessary to accommodate an attached carport, the project will cost more, and you will need professional assistance.
Whichever option you choose, investing in a carport is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your car. As you can see above, the versatility and cost-efficiency of a freestanding carport make it the best best of most people. But don’t hesitate to speak to a professional about what works best for you.
To make your carport all the more multifunctional, you can even bring in a landscape designer to help you build a space that will complement your entire property.
