Did you know that only a little over 60% of housing units in the United States have a garage or carport? If you’re currently living in a space that doesn’t have a garage, finding a garage alternative is an absolute must.
Depending on what you plan to use this space for, some alternatives are better than others. That, combined with what kind of budget you’re working with, are two things you need to keep in mind when making your decision.
In this article, we’ll tell you about seven garage alternatives that are out there. We’ll tell you why they’re worth considering, as well as how you can make them work for you and your needs.
We’ll include a few different budget-friendly choices, too, so you can have all of your options in front of you. Keep reading to learn more about all your options!
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Sheds
If you’re looking for garage alternatives, and you have some space in your backyard to work with, consider going with a shed of some kind. Sheds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so getting something that is perfect for what you need is rather easy.
We’ll be honest. It can be a bit pricey to build a shed that is big enough to store a car. But if you just need some extra storage space, perhaps for yard equipment, a shed is the best option on this list.
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Carports
Looking to find a way to protect your car from the elements while avoiding garage costs? One of the best alternatives to garages, and the most affordable alternatives, is a carport.
So, what is a carport, and why are they worth mentioning? A carport is a semi-covered structure that is often made of steel or metal. It’s like a garage, but without walls and only a roof.
Because a carport usually lacks two, or even all four sides, it doesn’t take as much material to build. This will cut down on the costs of your project greatly while giving you a safe place to park your car.
A pro tip? Make sure that you aren’t breaking any HOA rules by installing a carport. If you have an HOA, and carports aren’t allowed, you could end up having to take down your carport after you install, wasting both time and money.
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Car Cover
If your HOA is preventing you from installing a carport, or if it’s not feasible for whatever reason, a car cover is worth considering. As long as you purchase a car cover that is designed to fit your specific vehicle, you should be able to protect your vehicle from the elements better.
Sure, car covers aren’t as effective as garages, or even carports. But they’re a budget-friendly option that can help you keep your car looking new for a longer period of time.
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Awnings
For some people, a garage isn’t a place to store a vehicle. It is, however, a place that they can use to create things like a home gym or a private workshop.
If you’re looking for a way to cover some outdoor space so you can have some power tools or some gym equipment, consider going with an awning. You can install them yourself, they’re effective, and they’ll help you find some shade without breaking the bank.
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Quonset Huts
If you’re working with a big budget, and you want something that is very comparable to a traditional garage, check out Quonset huts. They’re cylindrical spaces that give you all of the benefits of a garage, making them ideal for many homeowners.
One of the biggest pros to building a Quonset hut is the ability to build it from the ground up with your needs in mind. That means that you can make sure your garage alternative is perfect for you and your home, which is a huge plus.
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Parking Garages
This next one is a bit out there, but hear us out…
If you live downtown, perhaps in an apartment or townhouse, finding a covered place to park your vehicle can be tough. But if you’re lucky, you may be able to find a parking garage nearby that you can use to keep your vehicle from being exposed to the weather.
Of course, this will require you to walk to get to your home. And finding a parking garage near your home can be next to impossible. But for some city dwellers, it’s the perfect solution for them, which is why we mentioned it.
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Storage Units
Need a place to store some items you don’t need to have quick access to? Don’t have a garage to work with? Consider renting a storage unit that you can use to safely store whatever it is you need to get out of your home.
Storage units are safe, affordable, and can give you tons of room to work with. You’ll have to get in your car and drive somewhere when you need to get something out of storage, but if that doesn’t bother you, it’s an option that is worth considering.
You can even get storage units that are both heated and cooled. That means you can store anything that you need to store without having to worry about the heat or the cold damaging it.
Need More Help Finding a Garage Alternative?
As you can see, there are tons of options for a garage alternative out there to choose from.
Some options require a bigger budget than others. But you can do just about anything you can with a garage using the items that we’ve mentioned.
Looking for more storage tips and tricks? Check back with our blog often for tons of useful ideas and information.
