For some people, winter in Calgary is a joyful affair. The snow makes everything look clean and beautiful, and the world feels like it’s in suspended animation, waiting for the heat of spring and summer to return. For others, the snow and ice represents a daily chore to deal with, and there’s nothing worse than having to set the alarm early because you know you’ll need an extra half hour to clean off your vehicle and make it ready for travel. If you’re lucky enough to have bought or installed a full garage, then you’ll understand the beauty of covered parking during Calgary’s winter. If you haven’t, then it’s time to think about installing a carport garage to save you time and money.
What a Carport Garage?
Put simply, a carport garage is a free standing cover for your vehicles. It can stand alone on your driveway, or it can be attached to your home if you have space to park your car next to your house. In either case, it provides a cheap way to keep the snow and ice off your car all winter long. It differs from a regular garage in that there are no walls or windows (think a permanent gazebo style structure), but you can still run wiring out for lighting and powering electrical tools. Some homeowners even install outdoor storage options for their outdoor power tools and yard clean up operation.
How Does a Carport Garage Save You Money?
If you’re looking for a cheap way to add value to your home, a carport garage is a great way to get you started. It immediately adds some curb appeal, and Calgary house buyers will be able to picture the time they’ll save each morning with a covered vehicle. Carport garages can also help you save money compared to a traditional garage in the following ways:
- No foundations – a normal garage acts as an official extension of your home, and as such will require you to dig and build foundations. This can get expensive quickly. A carport on the other hand is usually a post and beam structure, meaning that you’ll only need a few holes to support the corner and side posts.
- Cheaper materials – a normal garage is made from bricks, and the window and door costs alone can run into the thousands of dollars. While you don’t get the same 360 degree protection with a carport garage, you’ll be able to construct one cheaply. Don’t skimp money on the roofing materials however, as you’ll want to make sure it’s ready to withstand the heavy ice and snow of the Calgary winters.
- Low maintenance – finally, if you have a regular garage, you’ll need to get the door mechanism serviced regularly, and you’ll need to worry about winter proofing the window seals each year. A carport garage requires very little maintenance from the get go, meaning you’ll be saving time and money every time that winter rolls around.
