How would you limit access (gate) to this carport on rental

Question

I want to limit access to this carport, maybe with a (iron) gate. does anyone have any suggestions that will not break the bank. I am looking to close it in for privacy and limit access to property through the carport. I believe its an 11ft opening

This is a corner lot that will receive a white vinyl fence around the back and sides. The left storage space houses the water heater and washer/dryer.

Yes i know the red is ugly, so it will get repainted to a black or another color.

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Are you sure you need to do this at all?  If it's been like this forever, I'm wondering if it really needs to be done.  Maybe you can just save your money?

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If you're going to rent it out, and you don't want it to be an eyesore - because tenants will probably store all kinds of junk in that carport - I'd suggest just closing it off completely and turning it into a garage.  Then put in a solid garage door, that you can't see through (no iron gates, in other words.)

This will hide the junk from view, and keep it safer, too.  My dad was a cop and he had a favorite saying - "Out of sight, out of mind."  In other words, don't leave stuff in view, and most thieves won't think about seeing if you have anything to steal."

So, if you really want to close it up, I vote for an enclosed garage with a solid door.  Regardless of that window that looks into the carport.

Someone will feel more comfortable about going into an enclosed garage to do laundry in the middle of the night, too.

Plus, access with a solid garage door that opens straight up, will give better access to that space than a split gate.

Anyway, now that you've explained your concerns, I have changed my vote to a solid garage door and enclose that area (if the back is open) to an enclosed garage with a door to the backyard, and a large solid garage door in front.

Kelly, a garage door is not something i gave much thought to, but it does make a lot of sense. it may not be any more than a iron gate.

even if the backside of the car port stays open to the weather, it at least closes up the front area.

This property really reminds me of properties I looked at with my daughter around the Monterey, CA area.  There are a lot of these old ranch style homes that have your carport areas completely enclosed, with a storage unit on one side.  Maybe they used to be open like this one.  But, I'd close the back side, too, and just put a regular size door to the back yard.  This is what the properties we looked at had.  You'd often have to go through the garage to get out to the backyard.

If it would be cheaper, and could help you avoid any building permits, etc., perhaps the back could be enclosed with another garage door that has a side hinged door opening?

If it was me, I'd want it completely enclosed, though, and not open.  I'd be concerned about the elements and safety.

You could put a garage door that had windows, if you wanted to add some natural light.  Here's an example of a solid door for the front, with some windows:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_420697-56870-123537_429485...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Clopay-Value-Series-8-f...

And an example of one with a pass-through door, which is what I'd do for the back:

http://www.portesmg.com/portepieton4.png

Anyway, just a thought.

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