Carports can and often are used for many things other than providing shelter for the car. The idea of building a carport comes out of the need to protect the family car(s) from the elements. However, carports are often used for many other purposes besides sheltering cars.
Trailers and Boats
Both trailers and boats are typically housed in carports.
Storage
Often miscellaneous object can be stored temporarily under a carport.
Pets
One end of a carport may be used to house various kinds of caged pets to keep them out of the rain and excessive heat of the sun. Even an outside dog may like to shelter from the elements under the carport.
Washing
A carport is a good place for a secondary washing line for drying clothes when there is prolonged wet weather.
Social Occasions
Parties, barbeques etc. can be hosted under the shelter a carport provides.
Children
Children can use a carport as a play area sheltered from rain and ultra violet light. Carports are also a great place to park the various bikes possessed by the family.
Gardening
Gardeners may utilise the space for preparing potting mix and re-potting plants.
D I Y projects
The handyman may use a carport as a temporary work area for small do-it-yourself projects.
Conclusion
When planning a carport, it is wise to consider all the possible ways your family might want to utilise it. How you are able to use your carport after it has been built may well be constrained by such design features as floor dimensions, height, floor surface, wall cladding etc. It is therefore very important to factor in all your potential uses for the carport so that the design allows you greatest benefit from the carport in the future.
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