Are you looking for a personal parking space that does not break your bank? In that case, we present to you a slick yet stylish alternative to traditional garages, i.e., metal carport structure. Made of quality material, they are built to last. To make the entire process seamless, we have compiled some essential factors that you must consider when buying it from a metal dealer. Here they are.
Essential Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Metal Carport
1. Land-To-Building Ratio
‘What is it?’ you may ask. Simply put, it is the ratio of total land you have and the land that your carport will occupy. If the ratio is less, then you may not have enough space on your property for a new construction.
Setback rules: At what distance can your carport be installed from your main home and your property line? These are decided by setback rules that vary with location. Usually, it is under 10 ft., but it can be more or less depending on the city or county where you want to install the carport.
2. Local Guidelines
It is always the best practice to clean up the area on installation before the foundation crew arrives. You will need to mark all utility lines running underneath with a spray or flag.
Tree removal: Some trees are protected under local laws. To remove any large tree as such, you may require permission. Else, you may have to pay a fine.
Local zoning laws: Some areas are prone to extreme weather conditions. In these areas, you may be asked to incorporate specific design elements into your steel carport to make it robust and long-lasting.
Local rules are generally meant for your and your neighborhood’s safety in case any catastrophic event occurs.
3. If You Need A Permit
Whether you need a permit or not will depend on your location, county, city, and state. Permit rules and fees vary with place. In some places, any accessory structure on a residential unit with an area of more than 200 sq. ft. will require a permit.
For instance, in Houston City, the permit cost for a carport is $65, with an additional $15 processing fee. You will need to submit the design of your carport with existing structures and your property line to the local authority office for approval.
4. Size Of Your Steel Carport
The exact size of your carport will depend on-
- Type of vehicle: such as a sedan car needs less leg height than an RV
- Model of vehicle: such as a mini car needs less sq. ft. than an SUV.
- No. of vehicle: A larger area is required for two or more cars.
If you have three different types of vehicles, select the leg height of a steel carport 6 to 8 inches higher than that of the tallest vehicle. For width, you can add all and go for a length that is slightly longer than the total. A side entry carport will cost less than a wider carport.
Some common sizes for metal carport are:
|
Carport Type |
Size (width in ft. x length in ft.) |
|
One car |
12 x 20 |
|
One car with storage |
12 x 25; 18 x 20 |
|
Two cars |
20 x 20 |
| Two cars with storage |
22 x 22; 24 x 25 |
| Three cars |
28 x 21 |
Note: Measuring your vehicle size before buying a carport is always recommended, as the car’s size varies with its model. A metal carport can cost around $8 to $20 per sq. ft. to install. You may have to pay extra for accessories such as skylights, gutter, or solar shingles for the roof. The pricing generally starts from $1,299 onwards.
5. Style Of Steel Carport
You can select between two styles. They are as follows:
Free standing: These can be installed anywhere on your property. If you have ample space, we suggest these types of carports as you can repurpose them for other uses, such as a garden/pool shaded area, lunch area, or outdoor entertainment area. They are easy to remodel.
Lean-to: These are attached to one side of your house. Mostly, these types of carports are seen in old houses where car parking shade leads to the main entrance of the home. It is ideal for a property with limited space.
6. Easy To Access
While designing and selecting an area on your lot for a metal carport, you must be aware of the –
Accessibility: You must be able to park your car in and take it out easily. You may need extra space to maneuver if it is at a steep angle.
Orientation: In what direction is your steel carport facing? Do you want natural lights to be in throughout the day or not? Remember that with light comes heat. For more light, you can place it in the north direction.
Although carports are fairly open structures, you can still cover them from two sides with full or partial side walls. Not only does it give you extra protection, but it is also a place to store other items.
Placement: Where on your lot will the carport be installed? You won’t want it to be closed to roadways, neighbor’s houses, or your property lines. To reduce wind draft, you can place a carport beside your main home, as it will act as a buffer.
7. Quality Of Metal
Last but not least, always buy metal buildings from a reputed and experienced builder. Not only do you get high-quality raw materials, but also the best workmanship. The correct installation of a carport is as important as its quality. Both together contribute to the longevity of the structures.
If you live in areas with adverse weather conditions, you may be asked by the local zoning office to get a certified steel carport with vertical roofing, 12-gauge steel, and extra anchors & braces for structural support.
But Why Should You Choose A Metal Building For Parking Anyway?
Most homeowners would prefer a carport or a garage for parking their personal vehicle. Hence, such car parking features will make your home attractive to home buyers. So, when you put your property up for sale, you will likely get a good resale value.
Moreover, you will save money on monthly maintenance that is no longer needed for metal building. One of them is cost pests and termite check & control. There is no need to stain or paint metal buildings as well annually. In addition, their structural strength remains intact with time.
In A Time To Come
We can conclusively say that metal buildings will be out and about in upcoming years. Since a metal carport is such a simple structure, you can DIY it. However, if you have no prior experience in construction, leave it to the professional installation team. Before choosing a design and size, getting familiar with your local laws is best. It will make the entire process seamless.
