Nothing is more frustrating than when you spend hours at end washing, drying, waxing, and tidying up your car and hours later find bird dropping and tree saps all over it. If you’re also tired of constantly cleaning off debris from bicycles, motorcycles, gardening tools, sporting gear, as well as other equipment, then investing in a metal carport building is the best idea. Whether you wish to shelter vehicles or store items, a carport is an aesthetically pleasing functional solution to all your needs. Moreover, this excellent investment is likely to enhance your property’s value when installed well.
With a multitude of design options, materials, sizes, and complex customizations available, it can be challenging to install a carport structure that perfectly fits all your needs. This is why it becomes imperative to take some time and plan as you compare different designs in order to finally find your dream carport. In this blog, we talk about how to achieve that by considering certain things!
Needs and Purpose
One of the most important things to do is identify the purpose of using your steel carport, as it can help you significantly narrow down your options. While opting for a versatile carport is futuristic, tailoring a carport to your needs can be a game-changer. Here are a few things to consider:
- Do you only plan to use the carport for parking needs?
- Do you need additional storage space?
- Would you be parking cars under the carport or larger structures like RVs and boats?
- How many vehicles do you want to park within the carport?
- Do you wish to opt for an open structure or a partially enclosed one?
Detached vs Attached
Another critical decision to make is whether you wish to opt for an attached carport structure or a detached one.
The attached metal carports will be connected to an existing building, most likely your home. These structures provide seamless access to your house and are designed with convenience in mind. They are extremely viable in adverse weather conditions as they offer sheltered entry points.
On the other hand, detached carports are independent and stand-alone structures that offer immense flexibility in terms of placement. These structures also provide ample privacy to homeowners looking to retrieve their cars without disturbing family members. Beneficial for larger properties, these offer a lot of design freedom.
Installation Site
It is essential to find an installation site that is not just accessible to you but also offers the proper area to construct the carport. Your site should not face any water runoff or be at risk of flooding.
Moreover, the site should be completely leveled and clear of any debris or vegetation. You might have to check where the utility lines are running so you don’t end up constructing over them.
If you plan on installing a concrete foundation, then pour the cement beforehand and allow for proper time for it to cure and settle before the installation begins. A shifty foundation can derail the overall integrity of the structure.
Dimensions
Depending on the number of vehicles you plan to keep in your parking shelter, you can settle on the perfect dimensions. Ideally, it is best to measure the length, width, and height of your cars and leave a few feet of space on all sides for ease of parking and maneuvering.
Also, if you are planning to house more than a single car, it is best to ensure there is adequate space between cars as you open the doors in order to avoid any damage to the vehicles.
Common carport dimensions are:
|
Car Parking Capacity |
Dimensions |
|
10 feet to 18 feet wide, 18 feet to 20 feet long, and 8 to 12 feet high |
|
|
2-car carport |
20 feet to 30 feet wide, 20 feet to 24 feet long, and 12 feet high |
|
3-car carport |
30 feet to 38 feet wide, 25 feet to 30 feet long, and 12 feet high |
|
4-car carport |
40 feet to 48 feet wide, 30 feet to 40 feet long, and 12 feet to 14 feet high |
|
5-car carport |
50 feet to 60 feet wide, 40 feet to 50 feet long, and 14 feet to 20 feet high |
Roofing
Based on your needs and local climate conditions, you can choose among the three most popular roof options for your steel carports:
- Regular Carports: These resemble traditional roofs with their trims protruding outwards. Featuring horizontal roof panels, regular carports are the most economical option. They are viable for normal climate conditions.
- Boxed-eave Carports: Also known as A-frame carports and horizontal carports, these feature horizontal roof panels. Boxed-eave carport structures have ridges running parallel to the ground. They are perfect for moderate climate conditions and can facilitate the accumulation of elements.
- Vertical Carports: While they are on the more expensive end, vertical carports are perfect for all weather conditions. These structures feature vertical panels running from the ridge to the eaves. They also feature additional components, such as purlins and ridge caps, to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the structure.
Necessary Customizations
There are numerous customization options offered by metal carport building dealers to allow you to tailor the structure to your needs. You can consider your functional as well as aesthetic requirements when designing your dream carport.
- Side Panels: If you do not want to install roof-only carports, consider incorporating completely or partially enclosed side panels on a maximum of three sides to enhance the protection offered by your parking shelter.
- Reinforcements: When in doubt regarding local environmental conditions, consider opting for reinforcements like additional beams and anchors to enhance the stability of your carports.
- Foundation: Depending on the intended use, you can opt for gravel, concrete, asphalt, or ground foundations.
- Color: You can choose from a wide range of colors for doors, trims, side panels, and roofs, either going for minimalistic designs or making your carport stand out.
- Steel Gauge: Opt for industry-standard 14-gauge frames and 29-gauge panels if your carport is average-sized in moderate weather conditions. However, if you are installing a structure in harsh conditions, consider upgrading to thicker 12-gauge steel frames and 24-gauge steel panels.
- Lighting: While many carport owners do not opt for this, you should consider integrating motion-sensor lights into the structure to avoid hitting anything in the dark.
- Landscaping: To enhance the curb appeal of your carports, you can also choose to integrate landscaping by adding plants and shrubs over and around the structure.
- Lean-tos: If you have enough space and need an additional sheltered area for other purposes, such as family picnics, you should think about investing in an attached lean-to.
Future Planning
Metal carports aren’t just installed to meet your current needs. These structures are highly durable and are likely to last for decades, which means that they can efficiently meet your future requirements, too.
Hence, think your requirements through. Would you need a utility structure in the next few years? Are you planning to buy another car? Do you need to store items under your carport?
Thorough planning can ensure that you have invested in a structure that delivers optimum results.
Zoning Laws and Permits Required
Research your area’s local permit requirements and zoning laws. While some cities might not need you to seek a permit, others might even levy a fee. Permits are legal construction permissions that you get from the HOA or local authorities.
It is essential that you meet all the guidelines, as failure to do so can result in hefty fines and the removal of the carport from your property.
Budgeting
You should set up a realistic budget for your steel carports. Having a clear budget will help you account for all expenses with minimal shocks and surprises. It is important to account for not only initial costs but also long-term maintenance and upkeep prices.
A few things to account for are:
- Steel material costs
- Delivery charges
- Installation prices
- Cost of foundation
- Labor costs
Reliable Metal Building Dealer
To get the most out of your investment, it is important to choose a reliable metal carport dealer. Make sure that you choose a dealer after checking reviews and ensuring that they offer end-to-end assistance.
Another essential element to look for in your dealer is warranties. Ideally, you should look for comprehensive warranties covering rusting and workmanship.
A reliable and reputable dealer will offer high-quality steel and professional labor to install your carport.
All in All
Finding the perfect metal carport building does not have to be overwhelming. Hence, it is ideal to thoroughly plan and put your trust in a reliable metal carport dealer to build the right way. Properly assess your needs and begin building your dream today!
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