Are you looking to store your vehicle in a safe place at your home without incurring all the garage costs? If you are looking for unmatched protection and durability, then a carport is an excellent investment. But what’s a carport, and what are the top five things that you must know before acquiring one?
What Is a Carport?
Carports are semi-structured structures in our backyard consisting of steel or fabric roof supported by posts. They are usually used to offer limited protection to your vehicles against rain or snow. Most car owners prefer carports to garages as the former are costly and complicated. Carports, on the other hand, require very low maintenance and can complete any outdoor space.
Carports can either stand-alone or are attached to other buildings. Unlike garages, carports have no doors and generally feature no walls. Generally, an attached carport might have one or two walls depending on the attachment.
5 Things You Should Know About Carports
If you have been shopping around for a carport, you might feel that you got your right match and are ready to pull the trigger. But before you take this big leap, it’s good that you know some things about having a carport in your backyard. The main reason behind this is that carports are always delivered as kits, so it is good to be prepared before your large box arrives. To help you be on standby, we have rounded the top five things that you should know or do before the purchase you go for carport kits. We believe that these tips will help you to avoid any potential stress and regrets. Here we go!
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Ensure that You Have Enough Space
Although you might see this as obvious, carports come in various sizes. So it’s good that you understand the size that will best fit your needs before making the purchase. The best way to decide about the size and space you will be okay with is knowing the number and size of cars you will keep in the carport. If you will be using it for more than one vehicle, it’s always advisable to have a larger space for maximum protection. Also, you need to factor in the space in between the cars—there should always be enough space to allow each vehicle’s doors to be opened without hitting the other. Generally, small to mid-sized vehicles can comfortably fit in a 19′ wide carport. But if you intend to use it for larger vehicles, you might require a 21′- 23′ width. Ensure that you get the right vehicle measurements before you order your carport. Measure your vehicles from the front to the back, top to bottom, and side to side. This will help you to get a clear picture of the space that you need.
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Check If Your Local Codes Allow Installation of Carports
These are external factors that can give you a headache down the line. Local building regulations might differ from one city to the next, one county to the other, or from one neighborhood to the next. So, make sure that you understand the regulations as there is no need to go ahead with your plans only to realize that you are against the regulations. Many people tend to think that it’s better to be forgiven than to get permission, but most of the regulations aren’t forgiving—whenever you put up a structure that’s against the local codes, you are required to take it down. I believe that this isn’t something that you are ready for—it’s more than a headache.
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Ensure the Area is Adequately Prepared
Once you are aware of the guidelines and decided the space you want to erect your carport, the next step is to prepare the space. The nice thing about the carport is the flexibility of the area where it has been erected. You can choose to lay some gravel, pour concrete, or grow grass on its surface. Regardless of the direction that you want to take, some preparation is always needed. Remember, the area should be relatively flat, with no room for any puddles to form. Although laying gravel or concrete might take a little more work, they are the most desirable options.
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Call Your Family and Relatives
You might have heard people say that there is nothing more pleasing than a work project bringing relatives or friends together. It brings a sense of accomplishment with some fun too. It’s true that almost all carports are easy to erect and can be done in a day or two when you are doing it yourself. But when you are doing it with some willing hands, it becomes fun and can be done within hours.
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Do you Require any Special Features for Your Area’s Climate?
It is a fact that different areas offer different weather conditions. So, make sure that you plan accordingly according to your area’s weather conditions. For instance, if you are erecting your carport in an area where strong winds are prevalent, you will need a steady structure to withstand strong winds. If you experience heavy snow during each winter in your neighborhood, bring up a carport that can withstand snow loads. If you aren’t sure about this, be sure to inquire from your sales agent for any recommendations against your area’s weather conditions.
Final word
Now that you have all the things at your fingertips, you are ready to take that step. If you haven’t shopped for a carport yet, it time to do it. Remember to re-look at the above things so that you can make the choice that suits your needs.
