Get matched with top garage pros in Salmon, ID

Garages are often equipped with lighting, electrical boxes, and sometimes even heating and cooling, while carports rarely have utilities. A garage is an enclosed structure that can lock and usually has an automatic door. A carport is often wood or plastic and is designed only to protect a car from elements like rain, snow, and hail. Carports are commonly seen on property where an attached garage is unfeasible but can be a cost-effective solution for car protection for anyone without a completed garage. 

Indoor propane heaters are safe to use in a garage. You may be able to use an outdoor propane heater inside a garage in some instances, as long as the garage door remains open and there’s constant airflow to allow the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to escape. Other garage heaters include electric heaters and gas heaters.

The average cost to install a new garage door is around $1,224, with most homeowners paying between $755 and $1,696. However, the total price can range from $250 to as high as $4,500 depending on several factors. Key cost drivers include the door's size, type, style, and material. For instance, wood or wood composite doors are typically more expensive than vinyl or aluminum options. Insulation also affects the price. Labor costs are often bundled into the total price, but if billed separately, can range from $200 to $500. Due to the complexity and danger, professional installation is recommended.

Wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum are among the top building materials for a garage. Wood is highly customizable, naturally insulative, and durable in mild climates but can be expensive. Steel is lightweight, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, but it’s susceptible to rust. Fiberglass is low-maintenance and doesn’t shrink or expand in changing temperatures, but it can become brittle and crack from prolonged high winds and sun exposure.

Unlike steel, aluminum isn’t susceptible to rust and is low-maintenance, but its ultra-light weight makes it less durable than some materials, and it’s susceptible to saltwater damage, making it a poor choice for coastal homes.