Providing shelter to your vehicle is one of the most important parts of ownership. You’ll be able to protect the vehicle body from needing expensive repairs over the years.
You might pay between $1,000 and $3,500 for a paint job. A car that is always exposed to the elements is more likely to rust and develop stains that last for years.
When you protect your vehicle from the climate and conditions, you will be more likely to keep it in tip-top shape. However, what do you do when you don’t have a garage, or if you use your garage for storage?
We’ve got you covered. Try out some of the following garage alternatives to see what suits your fancy.
1. Install a Carport
Installing a metal carport gives you many of the benefits of a garage, but with a lot more flexibility.
With a carport, you are able to park your car and have an overhead shelter that protects the vehicle from the sun, rain, and snow. These carports are open-air and dedicated only to your vehicle, unlike a garage.
Installing these carports shouldn’t cost you much, but will give you all the protection that you need from the weather. These carports are beneficial because you don’t even have to worry about installing flooring.
You can even park your vehicle under your carport on top of the grass. When not in use by your vehicle, your carport can even be used to entertain company or to store your lawn and garden equipment.
2. A Detached Shed
You can also invest in a detached shed that has all of the space that you need.
These sheds can be built beside or behind your house. They can be crafted to any size that you’d like and can be built to store multiple automobiles.
Most of these sheds are built with both a garage door and a standard door for you to walk through. These sheds can also be stocked with your tools and equipment.
If you invest in a detached shed, make sure that you give it a paint job and color scheme that matches your home. Many homeowners look into the construction of steel or other metal buildings, which will last long-term and give you a solid and sustainable way to protect your vehicle.
These buildings are eco-friendly and can be built to whatever square footage or layout you need.
3. Carve Out Some Space and Install an Awning
You don’t have to install an entire structure to protect your vehicle. As long you have carved out some space to park, all you need is an overhead awning to provide shade and cover.
In many cases, the awnings will be installed attached to your home. All you’d have to do is pull your vehicle up close to the house and underneath the awning. This way, your car is protected and you don’t need to find any extra square footage.
You might also consider getting a retractable awning. These awnings are motorized and can be extended or retracted whenever you see fit. You’ll pay a few thousand for one of these motorized awnings, but you will be glad that you did when you see how useful it is for you.
4. Make Use of a Car Cover
So what can you do if no matter what, you have to park on the street or can’t use any of the above suggestions?
Believe it or not, something as simple as a car cover is one of the most useful tools you can use. Rather than having to find a structure to park under, you will keep a car cover in your trunk and use it once your vehicle is parked for the day.
These covers will fit snugly over your vehicle, and can even be customized to whatever model you have. Before you purchase one of these covers, find out what material it is made with and make sure that it is moisture-resistant.
That way, it can deflect rain and keep your vehicle dry and clean over the years. Choose a car cover that is easy to put away when you’re not using it. The more cumbersome it is to employ your car cover, the less likely you will be to actually put it to use.
5. Purchase a Car Tent
If you want a more permanent outdoor structure to house your vehicle, you can’t go wrong with a car tent.
These telescoping tents can be easily installed or taken down. People tend to use these for temporary events or leave them up long-term. No matter which you prefer, make sure that your tent is taut, stable, and installed evenly.
You might find great use out of a tent when you have multiple vehicles since they can be stretched as far as you need or installed to accommodate your space.
Give Your Car the Protection That It Needs
Consider these garage alternatives so that you can protect your vehicle on your terms. These tips apply whether you have a classic car, economy vehicle, or a foreign luxury automobile.
People often think that the garage is the end-all, be-all, but this couldn’t be further from the case. As you can see, there are so many other options that you can explore if a garage just won’t cut it for you.
Take the time to reach out to some contractors that can help you get whatever structure works best for you. In the meantime, check out more of our content to keep learning some valuable homeownership and business tips.
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