There never seems to be enough storage. Even if your home has a basement or attic, storage space always seems to be an issue. Making things worse is your home’s missing a traditional garage. You can’t even shove random boxes in the garage rafters. Having a garage installed is expensive. Thankfully, you have some practical alternatives to traditional garages and these options are also surprisingly affordable.
Alternatives to Traditional Garages Worth Considering
Okay, so a traditional garage is out of your budget and it’s perfectly understandable. You can expect to pay around $24,000 for a traditional two-car garage. The price doesn’t go down a whole lot if you stick with a small one-car garage. Renting a storage unit is another option. You may even get the first couple of months rent-free. However, once the monthly rent kicks in, the storage space quickly gets a little expensive. This brings us to your garage alternative options and you have a few to choose from.
Metal Carports
When functionality and affordability are key, metal carports can be a great choice. You even have some design options so you can customize the carport’s appearance. Metal carports protect your vehicle from UV damage and exposure to the weather.
Depending on the style and size, you may be able to store more than one vehicle in a metal carport. You can go with a fully enclosed carport or one that consists of a roof and some support poles. You can even paint a metal carport to boost curb appeal. Just make sure you pick an exterior paint designed for metal. Yep, there’s paint specially formulated for metal and it makes a difference.
Get Storage with a Shed
You can’t park a car in a shed but it’s a great way to get some storage space. Sheds aren’t just for storing odds and ends; you don’t want cluttering up your house. Sheds can be multi-functional. You can turn the structure into a home office, a man cave, or even a she-shed. You get the general idea.
Sheds are typically made from metal or wood and both materials have ups and downs. Metal sheds are typically more durable and require a lot less maintenance compared to wood. On the flip side, wood sheds tend to be priced a little lower. Sometimes it’s also easier to customize a wood shed but this also depends on your design idea. Whichever material you go with, you can still choose the size and overall style.
Lean-to Sheds are Cost-Effective Options
Before you scoff at a lean-to as a practical alternative to a traditional garage, give it a bit of thought. If your storage needs basically start and stop with your vehicle, this is one of the most cost-effective options.
Yep, a lean-to is extremely affordable and it provides a bit of protection. The roof shields your vehicle from UV rays and the weather. Sure, the sides are open but a lean-to is better than leaving your vehicle out in the open. Best of all, you can easily install walls when you’re ready to enclose the structure. Now you have a place to store your vehicle, along with some other stuff.
Common Questions About Alternatives to Garages
Not quite ready to pull the trigger on a garage alternative? Maybe you have a few questions.
Do I Need a Permit to Install a Garage Alternative?
Whether or not a permit is required depends on a few factors. Local ordinances play a key role. If you have an HOA, the organization may have something to say. The type of structure can also determine if a permit is necessary. Since every location has different building codes and requirements, it’s generally best to check with your local ordinances.
Going ahead and installing an alternative to a garage without the necessary permits can easily turn into a costly mistake. You may need to tear the structure down until you have the required permits. Now, you’re paying for both the installation and tear down. This can quickly get expensive.
Which Material Is Best For My Garage Alternative?
Typically, garage alternatives like carports and sheds are made from either wood or metal. Both materials have their advantages and a few downsides. Wood structures can be a little easier to customize. Sometimes wood is also a cheaper building material. On the other hand, metal is more durable and stability is rarely a concern.
Now that you have a general idea of what your options are, it’s time to start thinking about adding some extra storage on your property.
