6 Essential Factors to Consider When Buying a Carport
Your vehicle needs protection from harsh sun rays, storms, rain, wind, and snow. Regardless of where you live, you will need shelter for your vehicle. After all, your car is a valuable possession. Traditional wood is subjected to termites and decay, whereas steel can withstand heavy-duty.
A metal carport fits the bill. It comes in various sizes, structures, and roofing. It also has a lot of options for add-ons. You can make it stand out or be discreet.
Not just the carport shelters your vehicle, but it also adds value to your property. Hence, before buying, you should do thorough research. Since the metal industry has become complex, there are some factors that you need to keep in mind before making a purchase.
Below Are Six Essential Factors to Consider When Buying a Carport:
Installation Site:
Make sure you have enough space to install a metal carport. Ensure that you have a suitable footing for the structure. Before proceeding, ensure that the ground is of good quality and is leveled appropriately.
If you plan to cement the ground, check if it can bear your vehicle’s load. A solid foundation must hold a metal structure and a car parked inside it. The foundation can be concrete, soil, or asphalt.
Height is crucial as it can interfere with trees, branches, or power lines. Placement should be such that it is easier for your car to access the driveway or parking pad.
Carport should be at a safe distance from the main building to avoid power grids or mailboxes.
If you want to attach power cables or plumbing work, make sure you have a connection to those utility lines before installing.
If you live in areas with harsh weather conditions, make sure your metal building structure is heavy-duty enough to shelter your vehicle.
Size & No. of Vehicles:
The size of your metal building is crucial. It also depends on how many vehicles you are looking to park. A single carport is the best choice if you are looking for additional parking.
Consider the height of your structure. The vertical roof can go up to 10″. The width depends upon how many vehicles you want to park, e.g., for two or more cars, go for a wider structure. The width can be up to 30″.
Multi-vehicle carports are up to 30″ in depth. They are good options for storing an RV or additional storage for your bike, lawnmowers, or bicycles.
If you don’t plan a steel building properly, it may not be able to fit all your belongings well, leaving them exposed to the elements. You can opt for a lean-on/ utility carport if you want storage along with it.
Color & Style:
You have the freedom to select a color for your choice. You can choose a color that matches your house so that it blends in perfectly.
Metal carports are customizable as per requirement. You can choose the one that matches your style. Various types of roofs are available such as vertical, regular, and horizontal. You can opt for corrugated metal panels, which will increase the lifespan of metal buildings.
You can add metal gutters to your car shed to redirect water and splashes away from the vehicle and equipment.
Coverage & Add-ons:
Not all carports have equal coverage. When choosing a metal carport, consider how much coverage you want.
A carport can have
- Roof and open sides
- Full sides with a roof
- One side wall and the other side open with a roof
Coverage, too, is customizable as required.
If you are planning to use the car shed as a multi-functional area, consider add-ons such as
- Skylights – it allows sunlight to enter
- Extensions – expansion of space is easier
Decorate your metal carport with potted plants and air plants. It will add an aesthetic to the structure.
Local or Online Dealer
Whether you purchase online or from a local dealer, ensure that your dealer supplies high-quality products. Remember to research their company if purchasing from a local dealership or go through the website if you are buying online. Reach out to them via email or social media for any queries.
Look for the company’s physical location and where they are supplying from. You may pay more transportation costs if the supplier’s location is far. Check for any after-sales services and warranties provided with the steel carport.
Cost & Permit:
Prices of metal buildings can vary significantly. This is mainly due to dimension, quality of metal, and steel gauge. The average cost ranges between $10 to $14 per square foot.
A constructor could help you determine which option is best for you. A steel carport is more affordable than a garage. This option allows for faster installation and requires less manual labor.
Before moving forward with your building plans, ensure you have all the permits and a clear construction site.  Approval is granted by local city or state authorities. Kindly check with your municipality to see if any requirements exist.
Final Thoughts
Assess your requirement, installation cost, and overall cost of your carport. Try a roof rack-style carport if you only want a car shed. They are portable.
Ensure to talk about warranties and after-sales services your dealer offers. At Viking Steel Structures, we provide you with all the detailed information. It may be annoying but read all the fine print in the documents before purchasing. Remember to refer to the above points as well. If you plan to buy a new vehicle, ensure your steel building design can accommodate it. Post updates will add to the cost.
Once you’ve decided on the size, color, and other features, choose Viking Steel Structures for the best work. Metal carports come with both customizable and prefab options. Talk to our customer service, who will help you decide which carport to buy in terms of your physical location and weather conditions.
So, if a steel carport fits the bill, you can buy your very own carport; call Viking Steel Structures today!
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