If you are looking to build a structure that you can park your vehicle under, you might be trying to decide whether you should choose a garage or a carport. Both can be good options for shielding your car from the elements, but many people find that a garage is a much better choice. These are a few reasons why.

1. It Provides Better Protection from the Elements

Of course, a carport can help with protecting your car from the rain and snow, as well as from tree limbs and other debris. However, since it doesn't have any protection on the sides, a carport isn't going to provide nearly as much protection from the elements as a fully enclosed carport. If maintaining your vehicle's paint job is important to you -- and if you'd like a structure that will allow you to get in and out of the car without having to get wet from rain or snow and without having to feel the wind as much -- you might find that a garage is going to be a much better choice.

2. It's More Secure

A carport is not very secure at all. Even though it might provide some protection from the elements, it isn't going to protect your car from a potential thief. This is not the case with a garage door. If you install a garage door with a good, secure garage door and if you keep it locked, you can help greatly decrease the chances of your car being stolen or broken into. Additionally, if you choose to use your garage for storing lawn care equipment, tools and other similar items, you can help keep them safe as well.

3. It Can Be Converted to a Living Space

It is always good to think about the future when making this type of improvement to your property. For one thing, a garage can often be converted into additional living space for your home if your needs change later on, such as if you need to move an elderly family member in with you. This is not the case with a carport. Installing a garage is a good way to ensure that you and your family are prepared for anything that might come your way later on.

As you can see, if you are thinking about installing either a garage or a carport, you may want to think about installing a garage. These are a few reasons why this can be a worthwhile investment, even if it might cost more and take a little longer than putting in a carport. A good contractor can build the garage for you, and you can then work with a garage door installation company to have your new garage door installed. Then, you'll be able to enjoy these three benefits and more.