Garages provide a lot more than just shelter for the car, they are the perfect place to store things like gardening equipment, bicycles, and outdoor furniture in the winter months. There are many different designs, with some attached to the house, for convenient access, while others are stand-alone buildings, which are usually located near the living quarters. Many older properties were designed before the automobile became popular, and providing there is sufficient space, a garage or carport is a valuable addition to any home. Some people prefer to construct a bricks and mortar garage that is in keeping with the character of the house, yet with modern materials, one can achieve this using much lighter and stronger composites, while taking nothing away from the original architecture.