Need to keep your vehicles safe and secure while saving money?
Consider installing a carport.
Of all the upgrades homeowners can make to their property, adding a carport is one of the best. Not only will you protect your vehicles from inclement weather, but you can also increase curb appeal and raise home value.
However...
Carport installation tends to sound extremely daunting. Most people believe it's a project best left to professionals. The truth is, installing a carport is actually pretty simple! As long as you have a game plan and know what you're doing, you can have your carport installed quickly and efficiently.
That's where we come in.
Below, we walk you through step-by-step instructions on carport installation.
Let's get started!
What you're going to learn:
- Why carport installation is important
- Step-by-step instructions for carport installation
- Materials you need to consider
- Mistakes to avoid when installing your carport
- Maintenance tips
Why Carport Installation Is Important
When it comes down to it, installing a carport really is important.
Your vehicles are one of your biggest investments. When they're left out in the sun, rain, hail, and snow, they will degrade over time. Paint will peel. Upholstery will crack and fade. Rust will begin to appear.
Installing a carport over your vehicles will prevent all of these things from happening.
Plus...
Carports are great for homeowners who want to sell their property. According to The Carport Co., adding a carport to your home can increase its value by up to 5%.
The key to making sure your carport lasts? Proper installation. Carports that aren't installed correctly can do more harm than good. Not only will they not look nice, but they can decrease the value of your home and become safety hazards.
This is why choosing to work with professional carport installation services makes such a difference. The team knows how to install your carport properly the first time.
Step-by-step instructions for carport installation
Ready to learn how to have your carport installed? Keep reading to find out.
Step 1: Permits and planning
The first thing you'll want to do is check into your local building codes and ordinances.
You will most likely need to acquire a permit to have a carport installed. Typically, you'll be required to submit your plans and pay a fee. Failing to get a permit can result in you getting fined or forced to remove the carport.
Make sure to:
- Contact your local building department to see what you need
- Obtain any permits before beginning construction
- Check with your HOA if applicable
Step 2: Find the perfect location
This step is commonly overlooked by many.
Choosing where you want to place your carport is important. Consider whether you'll need coverage for one vehicle or multiple. You'll also want to make sure that you're positioning your carport in a location that allows your vehicles to be protected from the sun, rain, and snow.
Step 3: Prepare the foundation
One of the most important steps when learning how to install a carport is preparing your foundation.
There are a few different ways you can go about this. You can use concrete slabs, gravel, or asphalt. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to build a carport is around $6,291.
Preparing your foundation includes:
- Clearing the area where you'll build your carport
- Making sure the foundation is leveled
- Laying down your concrete or gravel
- Giving your concrete time to cure
Step 4: Build the frame
If you purchase a metal carport, it will come in the form of a kit that includes everything you need to correctly install your new carport.
Metal carports are typically made by assembling the frame. This includes putting together the vertical supports and continuing your way up.
Pro tip: Take your time during this process. The frame is what everything else will be built off of.
Step 5: Install the roof
You know what keeps your car protected from rain? The roof!
Installing your roof is quite simple and can be done by attaching metal roofing panels to your frame.
There are a few things you'll want to make sure you do:
- Make sure the panels overlap correctly
- Ensure everything is fastened and there are no loose screws
- Verify that your roof has enough of an incline
- Look for any openings where water can get in
Step 6: Inspect your work
Before you jump in your car and drive away, take one last look around your carport.
Inspection is key to making sure you did everything correctly. Did you miss a spot when you installed the roof? Now is the time to go back and fix it.
Materials to consider
When it comes time to pick out your new carport, you'll have to choose what material you'd like it to be.
The most common type of carport people install is made out of metal. Metal carports provide great durability and rarely need to be repaired. They're also one of the best when it comes to withstanding severe weather.
While many people opt for metal carports, others choose to install wood carports. Just keep in mind that wood does need to be maintained. You'll have to regularly paint or seal your wood carport to ensure it lasts.
You can also install a polycarbonate carport, but these aren't recommended. Polycarbonate tends to not provide as much protection as metal and wood.
Mistakes to avoid
Now that you know how to install a carport, let's look at some things you should avoid.
Not doing your research: Always check your local building codes and HOA rules before installing a carport.
Not preparing the proper foundation: If you want your carport to last, you must prepare the proper foundation.
Buying a carport that's too small: Make sure you measure your vehicles before purchasing a carport.
Opting for cheap materials: Buying cheaper materials can cost you more in the long run.
Trying to DIY your carport: If you don't have experience building carports, it's best to leave this one up to the professionals.
Maintenance tips
Just like with your vehicles, you'll have to maintain your carport once you buy it.
For the most part, all you'll have to do is give your carport a good cleaning once or twice a year. You can do this by pressure washing your carport.
You'll also want to make sure you remove any debris that may have built up on your roof. Things such as leaves and branches can trap moisture and create unnecessary weight for your carport.
Lastly, if you notice any scratches on your carport, be sure to touch them up. Leaving paint chips and scratches can cause your carport to rust.
Bringing It All Together
Learning how to install a carport is simpler than you think!
As long as you have patience and are willing to put the time into installing your carport, you'll be set. Just remember to do your research before you begin.
Once again, here are the steps to installing your new carport:
- Check local permits
- Find the ideal location
- Create your foundation
- Build the frame
- Install the roof
- Inspect everything
Installing your carport can provide you with a variety of benefits. Not only will you be protecting your vehicles from mother nature, but you can give your home some serious curb appeal.
If you've been thinking about how to install a carport on your property, now is the time!
