Whether it’s the expense or aesthetics of carports, they are becoming a popular feature for new home designs and remodels. This isn’t your grandma’s carport thought with the tin roof rusted. High end architects are incorporating style into energy efficient designs that add function and form into stowing automobiles safely away from the elements.
Visually vehicle storage can be somewhat unexciting when it comes to curb appeal. The large blank space of a garage can seem wasted. Even with decorative doors it can draw the eye away from the otherwise engaging design of the home. Carports instead are offering an inviting extension of the home that acts as a transitional space from outdoors to indoors. Often, designs incorporate the intention to accommodate entertaining outside by simply moving the vehicle out of the way. They are sleek, stylish and don’t collect the clutter.
Updated versions of traditional carports are modern designs made with durable weather resistant materials. Contractors can install custom carports or they can come in easy to assemble kits. Once the foundation is laid. do-it-yourself homeowners can construct the canopy in about a weekend. New takes on an old idea also include aluminum frames with clear or colored polycarbonate panels that can withstand winds over 70 knots.
Environmentally, carports are creating quite a stir as well. They are hands down better for indoor air quality at home. In a 2005 study at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaskan homes with attached garages had higher levels of gas-related pollutants whereas homes with carports and detached garages had none.
On top of cleaner air, carports offer convenient docking stations for recharging hybrid vehicles. Since they don’t require climate control, energy bills are reduced. Recent designs can actually cut energy costs altogether by tiling the top with solar panels which can collect enough sun power to sustain a 3,000 foot home. These eco-friendly upgrades are tax deductible saving even more money for homeowners.
If garages are on the way out is yet to be seen. In contexts of curb, cost and climate carports are alluring more and additional consideration as a viable alternative to the standard sales points.
Check out these carport innovations and let me know in the comments about others you might come across.
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By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a writer and blogger for Nexxt. She researches and writes about job search tactics, training, and topics.
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