Guidelines For Choosing a Carport For Your Home
Carports are often confused with garages, however a carport serves a very different purpose. A carport is typically a large covered structure intended to provide minimal protection to expensive vehicles, mainly automobiles, against snow and rain. The structure may either be attached to the ground or free standing. Unlike most garages, a carport has no walls, and generally only has one or two sides. Carports can vary significantly in both size and function, depending on the manufacturer as well as the customer’s needs.
While many consider metal carports to be a cheaper alternative to making an extension to their home, garages are often considered to be more practical for harsh weather protection. Depending on the location of where you live, it may not be permissible to make alterations to your property in anyway that may impact its acceptability under local building codes. If altering or building a garage will interfere with existing zoning, it would be wise to thoroughly research the applicable codes for the area where you intend to build the carport. If your area is generally loose like most northern climates, it is often perfectly acceptable to construct your carport above ground and to connect it to your garage door, rather than via a metal roof.
Building your own carport can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you select a style that compliments your home. Wood carports allow for an easy DIY install, but if you’re not the do-it-yourself type, it is quite possible to hire a professional to build the carport for you. Carport kits are available for purchase or you can individually purchase all the materials and components necessary to create your carport. Metal carports are commonly sold as kits, but you may be able to find them already assembled on the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-fabricated metal carport kits which require assembly at a store. Carports are great for protecting your valued belongings from the elements, but be sure to do your due diligence before purchasing and/or building a carport.