Top 7 Mistakes You Should Never Make When Buying A Carport

Are you thinking of getting a new carport on your property? Whether it is about protecting about car, truck, your beloved RV, or farm tools and machinery, adding a metal carport building is a smart way to protect and shield your precious investments.

A well-designed and correctly installed carport offers protection from rain, snow, hail, bird droppings, and harsh UV rays, saving you money on repairs and prolonging your vehicle’s lifespan. But not all carports are made equally. To get the best, you must avoid the following common mistakes for a long-lasting, roof-only metal building that meets your needs. So, let’s begin.

7 Costly Carport Mistakes You Won’t See Coming—Until It’s Too Late!

Here are 7 costly carport mistakes you’ll regret later, along with potential solutions for a long-lasting metal carport installation for your home, farm, or business needs.

Mistake No. #1. Choosing The Wrong Size Carport

Many buyers think a carport only needs to match the length and width of their vehicle and overlook clearance space, door swing room, and future expansion. This can lead to cramped parking, difficulty in maneuvering vehicles, and a need to install a new metal prefab carport shortly.

Buyer’s Mistake You Must Avoid When Choosing A Carport’s Size

• Only measuring the car’s size without additional space for the car doors, walking room, and storage.
• Not considering a future possibility of converting a carport into a garage by adding side and end wall panels, along with doors and windows.

Consequences Of An Incorrect Size Carport

• An undersized carport can lead to frustration when parking, especially for larger vehicles.
• An oversized carport can be a waste of money, take up yard space, and become a problem for future upgrades.

Solution: To Get The Right Size

• Use a measuring tape for the length, width, and height of your vehicle.
• Add extra feet around the calculated size for easy maneuvering, walking, and cleaning of cars.
• Check if any obstacles (trees, fences, utility lines, etc.) can hinder the placement of the carport.

Mistake No. #2. Ignoring Material Quality And Installation

Note that not all carports are made equal. So, it is important to pay attention to material quality and grade before buying. Some common materials used for carports are:

• Steel (durable, long-lasting, low-maintenance needs)
• Aluminum (lightweight, less sturdy than steel)
• Wood (attractive, prone to weather damage and pests)
• Fabric or Polycarbonate (cost-effective, less durable)

If you are choosing a prefab steel cover, you can choose partial side walls for extra security. It is equally important to choose the right gauge for custom metal structures for superior durability and protection against elements.

Solution: Selecting The Right Material

If you want longevity and minimal upkeep, 12-gauge steel frame carports are the best choice. However, if you are looking for aesthetics, you can pick a wooden one, but it may struggle to keep up under harsh climatic conditions and in humid areas.

Ensure to hire a professional team for installation for long-lasting results. For example, if you want a 20×50 vertical roof metal RV cover, we suggest choosing 14 ft. or above height with a vertical roof and partial side wall panels for extra protection for the motorhome.

Mistake No. #3. Overlooking Weather Resistance Ability

A carport is meant to protect your vehicles and other stored belongings. But if it is not built to withstand your local weather, it may fail when you need it the most. There aren’t any fixed guidelines, as the weather varies across the country. For example:

• Northern States (heavy snow loads)
• Southern Coastal Regions (strong winds, tornado alley region)
• Southwest (intense sun rays)

Solution: Choosing Weather-Resistant Materials

• For Heavy Snow Areas – Choose a vertical roof carport with a high pitch roof (4/12 to 6/12) to slide off snow quickly.
• For Strong Wind Areas – Opt for a wind-resistant rating when buying a metal structure in these areas.
• For Hot Climate Areas – You can choose light-colored roof panels to reflect sunlight and keep the interior relatively cooler, or opt for a UV-resistant coating to prevent damage from sun exposure.

Tip: You can choose engineer-certified steel buildings that can withstand wind and snow. For example, we provide up to 180 mph wind load and up to 80 PSF snow load steel structures you can choose from.

Mistake No. #4. Forgetting Aesthetic Compatibility With Your Property

A carport must be functional, but if it makes your property look cluttered or out of place with the remaining structure, it can bring down the whole aesthetics. A well-designed metal carport can upscale your property value when it blends seamlessly with existing buildings, while a poor design can bring down its value.

Solution: Customize It

• Consider choosing colors, finishes, and design elements that are similar to or match your existing home.
• Opt for landscaping around the carport to enhance its overall appearance.

Mistake No. #5. Overlooking Maintenance And Warranty

Even the most durable steel covers need little and timely upkeep to retain their value and shine. Moreover, ignoring maintenance can reduce its lifespan and lead to unnecessary expenses. Also, it is important to check for warranty on rusting and quality. We provide shipping and installation services included with our final quote to ensure our metal structures are constructed with excellent craftsmanship and last long.

Solution: Maintenance Tips

• For A-frame metal covers, it is crucial to clean them and use protective coatings to prevent rust development.
• For a wooden carport, you can apply sealant and coating to protect against moisture, insects, pests, and fire. However, you may need to reapply it often to maintain its shine, adding to upkeep costs.

Tip: If your carport comes with a warranty, we suggest you keep all the documents accessible and read what’s covered under it carefully. You may get a 1-year craftsmanship warranty with most metal building installations, but it can vary with the manufacturer.

Mistake No. #6. Not Considering Local Regulations And Permits

Many people install carports without checking local building codes and zoning laws. This can lead to fines or potential removal of the structure. These codes dictate the maximum allowed size, height, and minimum setbacks that you must follow for safety reasons. But how to know if you need permits for a metal carport building?

Solution: Ensuring Compliance Before Site Prep

• Simply check in with your local municipal office or city/ county planning department to know if there are any guidelines that you have to follow when installing a new metal 2 car carport on your property.
• If your home comes under an HOA (Home Owner Association), check to see if there are any additional rules, such as color, design, etc., that you have to follow.

Tip: Doing upfront research will save you money, time, and unwanted headaches in the future.

Mistake No. #7. Ignoring Future Needs And A Versatile Design

A carport isn’t just a parking space; it can be used for multiple purposes over time. Thus, it is important to look for potential uses by planning ahead. There are many ways you can use a carport, such as for an outdoor gym area, garden shelter, greenhouse, outdoor kitchen, shaded deck or patio, or for an open workshop and storage.

Solution: Beyond Parking

• When designing, consider other uses apart from parking, such as storage, outdoor workspace, etc.
• Ask yourself if your needs will change in the upcoming 5 years. If so, consider it now.

For example, a family in Texas buys a carport for their sedan car, but then 2 years later, they decide to sell it and buy a pickup or an SUV. This change of need can be easily accommodated with advance planning and save money from replacing the old carport with a new one.

Buying a carport for your home, farm, or business needs is a long-term investment. So, avoiding these common pitfalls is essential for better durability, structural integrity, and saving monthly upkeep costs.

Your Ideal Carport Awaits At Viking Steel Structures!

Buying a carport is more than just picking up a structure. It is about choosing a durable, reliable shelter that suits your needs and lasts for years to come. The right design and size carport gives long-term protection to vehicles and adds value to your property. If you are looking for a reliable carport, we have some fully customizable, best-designed options for you.

Make a smart investment now! Call 877-801-3263 for a free quote on your custom-designed carport.