Important Considerations when Building a Carport at Home
Carports are increasing in popularity among American homeowners thanks to their modest price tags (especially when compared to garages and a multitude of uses. Not only can a carport protect your vehicle from the elements and provide secure shelter for garden furniture and other items, but it can also give the value of your property a welcome boost. Although there are countless experienced and accredited carport installers across the country, building a carport yourself can turn out to be a fulfilling DIY project. Before you start building your new carport, however, there are a few things to keep in mind before grabbing your toolbox and getting started on your project.
Put Thought into the Location
The first thing you need to think about when planning a carport, is its location. Although your options may be limited if your property is relatively small, a larger property may require more careful consideration. Generally, the location of your driveway will give you a good indication of where your carport should be in terms of easy access. The whereabouts of your utilities will also play a role as gas, electricity, and water lines are all located below the surface. The last thing you want to do is damage one of these lines while constructing your carport. Utility location is also important if you want to kit out your carport to serve as a personal fuel station complete with an EV charging station (if you drive an EV) or a residential gas pump.
Choose a Design and Stick to It
Once you have decided where to build your carport, you need to decide on its design – and stick to it. Things to consider include the size of the carport, the number of supporting beams, and the style of the roof. It is also important to determine from the get-go whether your carport will be attached to your house or another structure, or completely free-standing. Depending on where you live and what you want to build, you may have to get a building permit before constructing your carport, check whether you are complying with zoning codes and regulations at your local city or county inspector’s office. In order to avoid any potential hassles, consider having your plans overlooked or drawn up by someone who is familiar with local building regulations.
Gather your Tools and Materials
Before starting construction on your carport, make sure you have all the materials and tools needed to complete the project. Chances are good that you already have many of the tools typically required in the construction of a carport. This includes a shovel, a hand- or table saw, G-clamps, adjustable wrenches, a hammer drill, a rivet gun, and an angle grinder. Whether your frame is made from wood or metal will also determine what tools are required. As far as materials are concerned, you ultimately need to decide what your frame will be made of and what the roof will be constructed from. Although wood is generally more cost-effective, a frame made from aluminum or steel provides additional stability to the structure.
A carport can be a great addition to any property. Building your carport yourself can turn out to be very fulfilling as long as you take certain important factors into consideration.
