How Much Does A Carport Cost
Protecting you vehicle from the elements is always a practical move. Extreme sunlight alone can bring in serious damage even to the interior of the vehicle. Hence, even if you are parking your vehicle at home, you need to give it a home so it can be protected from the harsh outdoor elements. One cost effective way to protect your vehicle at home is through building a carport. If you don’t have a garage, this is a cheaper, easier, and faster alternative. Learn how much does a carport cost these days.
The Cost Of A Carport
Carport prices vary per type:
| Type | Price Range | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Portable carport | $300 to $500 | fabric or vinyl canopy frame assembly hardware anchoring kit instructions |
| Canopy carport | $80 to $2,000 | canvas or vinyl canopy metal frame assembly hardware anchoring kit instructions |
| Metal carport | $700 to $5,000 | frame assembly hardware instructions roof (for some kits) |
| Permanent carport | $2,500 to $6,000 | concrete slab foundation roof paint electrical and plumbing needs labor from a professional contractor |
Factors Affecting The Cost Of A Carport
Size. The size of the carport you will get greatly affects prices. Of course, the bigger the carport is, the higher the cost of the unit will be. This is true no matter what kind of carport you are getting. Check out the following price differences of carport types depending on size:
| Size | Canopy carport | Metal carport |
|---|---|---|
| single-car | $80 to $300 | $700 to $1,000 |
| medium-size (2 to 3 cars) |
$300 to $1,000 | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| large (up to 6 cars) |
$800 to $2,000 |
Finish. Lightweight canopy carports are basically the least expensive when speaking of canopy style carports. Usually, they cost less than a thousand dollars. On the other hand, heavier and more permanent canopy carports with metal frames are usually more expensive with prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Also, carports with only a frame and roof are cheaper as compared to carports with walls and doors.
Quality. The strength and durability of the materials of the carport basically affects prices. Carports that are made of good quality frames and canopy are a lot more expensive. Though more expensive, carports that are of high quality last longer.
Construction. All types of carports can be constructed in a DIY manner. This is especially true for carport kits that come with easy step by step instructions on building the carport. However, there are times that you may want a permanent carport and though it can be done in a DIY fashion, hiring a professional is oftentimes necessary. Since there are labor costs involved, building a carport with the help of contractors will be a lot more expensive.
Design. If you are going for a permanent carport, the design of the project will affect prices as well. More elaborate carport designs will make the project more expensive to build.
Additional Costs
A carport is best constructed on a concrete pad. Hence, if you don't have a concrete surface to install the carport at, you need to build one at home. A contractor will do this for you for around $70 per hour. This is without the cost of the materials for the project yet.
Site preparation will also be extra. There may be necessary tasks such as demolition, excavation, and the like.
If you have portable canopy carports, you may need extra anchoring cords to secure the carport in place. These items will cost you around $10 to $50 extra.
Some counties and cities see a carport as a permanent structure. Hence, permits for building one are oftentimes necessary. Check with your county or state regarding the cost of building permits.
If you can’t do the installation yourself, hiring someone to install the carport for you will be extra. The price depends on the difficulty of the job and the length of time the installation took place.
Shipping of the carport kit may be extra as well.
Enhancement and improvement projects in the carport will cost you extra expenses as well. This is true for adding paneling, door, workbench, storage loft, eaves, and gutters.
Carport Versus Garage
A garage and a carport have basically just the same purpose. They offer a safe haven to your vehicles form outdoor elements and harsh weather conditions. For instance, a garage or carport will protect the vehicle's windows and headlights from cracking whenever a hailstorm hits. The vehicle can also be protected from too much UV exposure that can fade and damage the vehicle parts over time. Plus, both garage and carport protects your vehicle from vandalism and theft.
Now the question is which one do you have to build for your vehicles? If you want to save money, carport is the best answer. A carport construction can save you thousands of dollars as compared to building a garage. But besides the cost, there are other advantages a carport construction has over garage construction such as the following:
- Time. A garage can take a few weeks or months to build. However, even a good quality carport can be done for a day or two only.
- Ease of installation. Most carports today come ready to install. Kits come with parts that have precise measurements making them easy even for DIYers to install them. In a garage construction, hiring a professional contractor is almost always necessary.
- Design. Most carports are designed to allow air to flow freely over the vehicle. This gives good ventilation to the vehicle no matter what the weather condition is. Plus, this kind of design makes the carport a low maintenance structure as compared to a garage.
Tips Before You Buy Or Build A Carport
Know what type of carport will work best for your needs at home. Will you better be having a permanent one or a temporary carport? Do you have a place where it can be installed appropriately? This must also extend to the size of the carport needed.
Check out carport options available for you. Make sure to get one from a reliable retailer. Plus, make sure to check for the quality of the carport items. Take note never to sacrifice quality over savings.
Find a carport that is strong enough to withstand climate and weather conditions in your area.
Double check the kit prior to purchasing one. Make sure it contains complete parts. Take note that some carport kits may be cheaper than others but basically they do not contain all the necessary parts and will let you purchase them for extra money. For your convenience, get a kit that contains everything from roof up to the last screw.
When installing the carport yourself, follow the instructions as provided by the manufacturer. If you are having trouble, ask help from people who have experience doing the job or better yet hire a professional installer to do this for you.
Consider constructing a carport over a solid concrete base. This approach will offer protection to the vehicle from dirt as there will be not much dirt and dust around. Or during wet times, you can avoid having a muddy mess on the tires of your vehicle.
Find a reputable, licensed, and insured contractor to help you with a permanent carport construction. Get price estimates from at least three of them so you can have better options for the project.
Practical Carport Design Plans
Attach one side of the carport to a wall of the house. This will save you a lot of space. Plus, this kind of carport design will make the area a great outdoor space for your outdoor living needs.
Consider installing an open lattice to the sides of the carport and allow flowering vines to grow there. This will make the carport a lot more attractive and will even make the foundation a lot sturdier. This can also increase privacy and cut down strong winds but still retain the open air ambiance offered by a carport.
Install the carport with direct access to your kitchen. You'll find this a great idea when you need to unload groceries, especially during rainy days.
Find a carport design that complements the exterior design and color of your home. Keep an eye on colors and patterns that will also make the carport enhance the aesthetic value of your landscape.