A carport is a great addition to your home if you want to add additional outdoor space to your home but don't want to invest in the cost of building an entire garage. A carport can protect your car from the elements and create a covered work area of needed as well. If you are concerned about the cost of building a carport, here are a few things to consider that can affect the price since the cost varies greatly. Homeadvisor homeowners paid anywhere between $3,423 and $11,262 and the average falling at $6,005
Carport Site Preparation
There may be zoning issues in your town when building any kind of outdoor structure on your property. It is important that you call your local zoning commission to acquire the correct permits if needed. An installation professional may also be able to do this for you. Choose a location for your carport that is level, protected from wind, but also convenient for parking your car in relation to your home.Concrete Slab Foundation
Many carports are built upon a concrete slab. If you want a slab for the base of your carport then that will need to be poured. If you are pouring a concrete slab for your carport you will need to hire a concrete installation pro specifically for this part of the job.Not all carports require a concrete base. You can install the carport's covering over any area where you would like to park your care or in situations in which you need the protection for your vehicle but pouring concrete is not possible. One advantage of pouring a concrete slab is that if you ever will want to build a garage, that part of the work would already be completed.
So although pouring concrete would add to the cost of building your carport, it might be more cost effective in the long run if you now you will eventually want to build a full garage structure.
Carport Installation
Metal carports are prefabricated with legs separate from the top. The legs are usually assembled, the top attached to the legs and the entire thing secured to your home. The assembly and installation of your carport is not complicated, but it does require many hands. So you will not be paying a premium for the expertise of the job, but you may end up paying for a small team of installation pros.Carport Size and Materials
Carports are most often made from either metal or wood. Each of these materials is priced differently, but the cost of materials is most affected by the size of the carport you want to build. Talk with your installation professional about what the best material will be for the size of the a carport you desire. Although metal is often more expensive than wood, you can use smaller and thinner metal to carry larger amounts of weight, and so this could end up being a more affordable option.Carport Painting
Metal carports are susceptible to rust and weathering. Wood carports can be affected by moisture and rot. With the proper paints and sealers you can extend the life of your carport for many years to come. Make sure to use a paint specific for adherence to metal or wood with the correct primers and sealers for weather protection. Painting can not only lengthen the life of your carport, but can add to its aesthetic appeal.Refer a Pro who does this service and receive an Amazon Gift Card!
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