If you're looking to build an inexpensive shelter for your vehicle, a carport can be a great alternative to a costlier, more ambitious garage. But erecting a carport involves more than just slapping a kit together.Read on for just a few issues you should consider before you decide to put a carport on your property.
Building a carport is an inexpensive and practical way to protect your car or other outdoor equipment. Carports can be freestanding or connect to your house, garage or other outbuilding. This collection of carport plans features all the drawings, supply lists and information you need to build a carport you can use year around.
- To make an attached carport to the house, choose quality building materials. You can use vinyl, metal or wood that is easy to use. Also, consider combining two different materials so that the appearance is more attractive and cost-effective (optional). In fact, the type of material determines the overall cost of the project.
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- Due to this constraint, lean-to carports have become the facility of choice for many homeowners. Lean-to carports lean on one side of the existing building and attach to it so that the two structures look like part of the same building. A lean-to carport is also quite a simple addition to make to your home.
- Attach the Roof. Once you have measured and cut your roofing, attach it to the top of both the bearers and the rafters. Make sure that the roof screws are fitted with rubber washers before tightening them. You will also want to make sure that your carport roof extends several inches beyond the frame for rain and snow runoff.
Photo: wayfair.com
Need a place to park that fancy new speedboat? Gehl 553 parts. A carport may be just the ticket! While it's not quite a garage, a carport does a decent job of protecting cars, recreational vehicles, or anything else you might want to shield from the weather. Some homeowners even use them as covered patios. If you're thinking about building a carport, you've probably already looked at dozens of different building options and styles from specialty manufacturers. Still, there are plenty of considerations you need to weigh before you buy a DIY carport kit or hire a contractor. Here, we've put together a few of the basics to help you with the planning process.
PULL THOSE PERMITS!
In today's regulated world, if you want to build anything larger than a doghouse, you will probably have to pull a permit—and a carport is no exception. Note that a carport can be enclosed on only two sides. If you enclose a third side, the structure becomes a garage, which makes it subject to different building codes.
Your local building authority will want to see the design plans of the carport you choose, and ordinances will determine where you can put it. Typically, you cannot construct a carport in any easement on the property or within a few feet of the property lines. Many communities have covenants that do not allow carports in front yards at all. If you live in a neighborhood governed by a homeowners association (HOA), you will need to clear your carport plans with them as well. HOA regulations may specify particular building materials, limit where you can put a carport, or regulate its size—or, the HOA may just turn you down cold. Legally, you have to abide by their rules.
MATERIALS MATTER
Carports are typically constructed of either metal or wood, and kits using either material can be readily purchased from do-it-yourself stores. Kits vary in quality and price; some run a few hundred dollars, while others top out at more than $10,000. Professional installation will increase the cost of your project considerably, but if you are unsure about your ability to assemble a complicated carport kit, it pays to hire a professional. You can also go for a custom-designed, stick-framed carport—an attractive option, particularly if you want your carport to match your house. Some homeowners choose to set a gravel base or concrete pad under the carport, which adds to the total cost of the project.
FIND OUT WHAT LIES BENEATH
If you're familiar with construction, you know the importance of calling your local utility companies to come out and mark the location of their buried lines before you start digging holes for carport posts. The last thing you want is to hit a utility line and get stuck with an enormous repair bill. Fortunately, it's now easier than ever to locate all the utilities on your property; just call DigSafe at 811. They will notify your local utility companies, which will then check the location of their lines and mark them so you know where it's safe to dig.
SET A FIRM FOOTING
Carports do not require foundations, but they must be stable enough to keep from blowing over at the first breath of a breeze. The sturdiest method is to secure the support posts a minimum of 2 feet deep, in poured concrete. If you live in a windy area, or if you're building a tall carport to house an RV, sink the posts 3 feet or deeper. An alternative method is to attach brackets to a concrete base to hold the support posts. This approach offers less lateral support, so additional lateral bracing and corner bracing will probably be required. Some lower-end carport kits rely on screw auger anchors to stabilize the structure, but this works well only if the carport is protected from wind.
A third structural option, if local building code allows, is to attach one side or the back of the carport to the house or to an existing garage. This arrangement increases stability but comes with additional building code regulations.
Photo: istockphoto.com
KNOW YOUR NEEDS
Before you select a final carport design, make sure it will meet your size and aesthetic requirements. The minimum functional size for a one-vehicle carport is 9 feet by 16 feet, but if you need to park anything larger than a midsize sedan, you will need more room. As for aesthetics, you'll probably want the design and finish of your carport to complement your house. To keep it in sync with its surroundings, you can paint a wood carport to match your home and echo architectural details from your house, such as columns or shingles, to make it appear as if the carport was part of your home's original design. This way, you'll not only gain additional outdoor shelter for your vehicles (and outdoor gatherings), but some serious curb appeal, too!
How to build a carport attached to the house
If you know how to build a carport attached to the house, it could be valuable knowledge. Carports as you know, do add some sort of beauty and elegance to the environment. That is not forgetting the value it adds to the property. Added to the benefits mentioned above, attaching it to the building is a big money saver.
It is most important if you owna property and you have a vehicle but no garage to park it in. Building agarage is quite an expensive and complicated project to embark on compared to acarport. If there is an issue with space where you leave, it will also give youthe opportunity to manage the little space available to you.
To build a carport is astraightforward and easy task to accomplish if you happen to be skilled withyour hands. We will be looking at the steps you need to take in building yourown carport attached to the building.
Before we proceed, we wish topoint out that it will be a good idea not to make the project over-elaborate.Just make it as simple as possible.
How To Build An Attached Carport Garage
The reason for this is that themore elaborate you make it, the greater the possibility of you making an error.It can cost you dearly to correct the mistake.
It is better to allowprofessionals to do elaborate construction. They have the expertise,experience, and equipment to execute such projects. Such important assets mightnot be readily available to you as an amateur.
Before you proceed with theconstruction proper, there are some preparations and planning that must be done.If some of these things are not done at the initial stage, they could become anissue later on during the project.
The first thing to do is toinquire with the local authorities if such a project is allowed in the area youreside in. This is an important step to take.
If you are required to get a permit before you commence the project, then it is important you getto one immediately.
We advise that this must be doneat least a month to the planned commencement date of the project. This is toavoid any unforeseen delay that may arise from trying to obtain a permit.
Failure to seek and receiveapproval for the project can be very devastating and costly to you. It couldeven lead to the demolition of the project. So, getting these localbuildingcodes is very necessary.
Also, in the course of seekingthe approval of your proposed project, there might be a need for you to providea building plan.
Therefore, it is important foryou to have detailed carport plans that you have to submit. This will help infacilitating the processing of the building codes.
After getting your carport plansand permit ready, the next important thing is to get the necessary tools andmaterials needed.
Materials
- 3 pcs of 4×4 wood 84 incheslong posts.
- 2 pcs of 2×6 wood 216 inches supportbeam.
- 6 pcs of 7 inches carriagebolts for bolts.
- 4 pcs of 4×4 wood 34 incheslong, that are given 45 degrees cut at the two ends. Braces.
- 1 pc of 2×6 wood, 216 incheslong Ledger.
- 13 pcs of iron hangers, 13 pcsof twisted fastener Iron Hardware.
- 13 pcs of 2×6 wood 130 incheslong, which are given 15 degrees cut at the two ends. Rafters.
- 200 square feet of three-quarter inches plywood. for Roofing Sheet.
- 500 pcs galvanized screws.Screws for decking.
- 250 square feet tar paper forroofing underlay
- 250 square feet asphaltshingles
- 1 pc of 1×3 wood 216 incheslong. 2 pcs of 1×3 wood 130 inches long. Trims
- 1×1 wood panels. Lattice.
Other materials needed are
3 pcs of 4×4 wood – 8 inches
2 pcs of 4×4 wood – 8 inches
3 pcs of 2×6 wood – 20 inches
13 pcs of 2×6 wood – 12 inches
7 pcs of three-quarter inchesplywood – 4×8 inches
3 pcs for post anchor
2 pcs tube form
6 pcs of 6 inches carriage bolt
500 pcs two and half inchesscrews
How To Build An Attached Carport
500 pcs one one-quarter inchesscrews
stain/paint, wood glue
13 pcs roof hanger
250 feet asphalt shingles.
250 square feet tar paper
Tools
Framing square, Tape measure, Hammer
Drill Machine, Sander, Screwdriver, Miter saw
Safety Glasses, Safety Gloves
You also need to have a helpinghand available. This is to help you in holding the support beam, installing theledger, or putting the rafters in place.
During this stage, one personneeds to hold one end while the other person screws in the screw nails.
Also, while choosing the lumber,you must be careful so as not to make any mistake. They mustn't have anyvisible flaws and must be straight.
The expected duration of theproject is one day.
Building an Attached Carport
The first step is to mark outthe portion for the structure. After you must have marked it out, the next stepis to start the erection of the anchors.
Now there are three ways bywhich this can be done. One is to dig a hole of 2 – 3 inches deep, insert thepole and compact it with concrete. Allow it to set for a few hours before youcontinue.
The other option is to pourfootings into the holes. Then use tube forms or metal posts to anchor it.
Note that if the base of thecarport is concrete, you have to use appropriate screws to secure the ironhardware. When the concrete has properly set, the next step is to fit the polesto the iron anchors.
Measure and cut out thewooden pole. Make sure that it will fit into place perfectly and then jointhem.
After you have joined them, usespirit level and plumb to confirm that the post is straight. When you haveconfirmed that it is straight, you then lock them in position using two braces.
Note that to have lag screwsdriven in to tightly secure each of the posts, you will drill many pilot holes.Then use strings in aligning the posts. The posts should be aligned one withthe other. Finally, you insert the 3 inches lag screws.
The next thing to do is the cutting of the support beam. This should be done to have the proper size that can fit into place. They should be installed with 7 inches carriage bolt .
PULL THOSE PERMITS!
In today's regulated world, if you want to build anything larger than a doghouse, you will probably have to pull a permit—and a carport is no exception. Note that a carport can be enclosed on only two sides. If you enclose a third side, the structure becomes a garage, which makes it subject to different building codes.
Your local building authority will want to see the design plans of the carport you choose, and ordinances will determine where you can put it. Typically, you cannot construct a carport in any easement on the property or within a few feet of the property lines. Many communities have covenants that do not allow carports in front yards at all. If you live in a neighborhood governed by a homeowners association (HOA), you will need to clear your carport plans with them as well. HOA regulations may specify particular building materials, limit where you can put a carport, or regulate its size—or, the HOA may just turn you down cold. Legally, you have to abide by their rules.
MATERIALS MATTER
Carports are typically constructed of either metal or wood, and kits using either material can be readily purchased from do-it-yourself stores. Kits vary in quality and price; some run a few hundred dollars, while others top out at more than $10,000. Professional installation will increase the cost of your project considerably, but if you are unsure about your ability to assemble a complicated carport kit, it pays to hire a professional. You can also go for a custom-designed, stick-framed carport—an attractive option, particularly if you want your carport to match your house. Some homeowners choose to set a gravel base or concrete pad under the carport, which adds to the total cost of the project.
FIND OUT WHAT LIES BENEATH
If you're familiar with construction, you know the importance of calling your local utility companies to come out and mark the location of their buried lines before you start digging holes for carport posts. The last thing you want is to hit a utility line and get stuck with an enormous repair bill. Fortunately, it's now easier than ever to locate all the utilities on your property; just call DigSafe at 811. They will notify your local utility companies, which will then check the location of their lines and mark them so you know where it's safe to dig.
SET A FIRM FOOTING
Carports do not require foundations, but they must be stable enough to keep from blowing over at the first breath of a breeze. The sturdiest method is to secure the support posts a minimum of 2 feet deep, in poured concrete. If you live in a windy area, or if you're building a tall carport to house an RV, sink the posts 3 feet or deeper. An alternative method is to attach brackets to a concrete base to hold the support posts. This approach offers less lateral support, so additional lateral bracing and corner bracing will probably be required. Some lower-end carport kits rely on screw auger anchors to stabilize the structure, but this works well only if the carport is protected from wind.
A third structural option, if local building code allows, is to attach one side or the back of the carport to the house or to an existing garage. This arrangement increases stability but comes with additional building code regulations.
Photo: istockphoto.com
KNOW YOUR NEEDS
Before you select a final carport design, make sure it will meet your size and aesthetic requirements. The minimum functional size for a one-vehicle carport is 9 feet by 16 feet, but if you need to park anything larger than a midsize sedan, you will need more room. As for aesthetics, you'll probably want the design and finish of your carport to complement your house. To keep it in sync with its surroundings, you can paint a wood carport to match your home and echo architectural details from your house, such as columns or shingles, to make it appear as if the carport was part of your home's original design. This way, you'll not only gain additional outdoor shelter for your vehicles (and outdoor gatherings), but some serious curb appeal, too!
How to build a carport attached to the house
If you know how to build a carport attached to the house, it could be valuable knowledge. Carports as you know, do add some sort of beauty and elegance to the environment. That is not forgetting the value it adds to the property. Added to the benefits mentioned above, attaching it to the building is a big money saver.
It is most important if you owna property and you have a vehicle but no garage to park it in. Building agarage is quite an expensive and complicated project to embark on compared to acarport. If there is an issue with space where you leave, it will also give youthe opportunity to manage the little space available to you.
To build a carport is astraightforward and easy task to accomplish if you happen to be skilled withyour hands. We will be looking at the steps you need to take in building yourown carport attached to the building.
Before we proceed, we wish topoint out that it will be a good idea not to make the project over-elaborate.Just make it as simple as possible.
How To Build An Attached Carport Garage
The reason for this is that themore elaborate you make it, the greater the possibility of you making an error.It can cost you dearly to correct the mistake.
It is better to allowprofessionals to do elaborate construction. They have the expertise,experience, and equipment to execute such projects. Such important assets mightnot be readily available to you as an amateur.
Before you proceed with theconstruction proper, there are some preparations and planning that must be done.If some of these things are not done at the initial stage, they could become anissue later on during the project.
The first thing to do is toinquire with the local authorities if such a project is allowed in the area youreside in. This is an important step to take.
If you are required to get a permit before you commence the project, then it is important you getto one immediately.
We advise that this must be doneat least a month to the planned commencement date of the project. This is toavoid any unforeseen delay that may arise from trying to obtain a permit.
Failure to seek and receiveapproval for the project can be very devastating and costly to you. It couldeven lead to the demolition of the project. So, getting these localbuildingcodes is very necessary.
Also, in the course of seekingthe approval of your proposed project, there might be a need for you to providea building plan.
Therefore, it is important foryou to have detailed carport plans that you have to submit. This will help infacilitating the processing of the building codes.
After getting your carport plansand permit ready, the next important thing is to get the necessary tools andmaterials needed.
Materials
- 3 pcs of 4×4 wood 84 incheslong posts.
- 2 pcs of 2×6 wood 216 inches supportbeam.
- 6 pcs of 7 inches carriagebolts for bolts.
- 4 pcs of 4×4 wood 34 incheslong, that are given 45 degrees cut at the two ends. Braces.
- 1 pc of 2×6 wood, 216 incheslong Ledger.
- 13 pcs of iron hangers, 13 pcsof twisted fastener Iron Hardware.
- 13 pcs of 2×6 wood 130 incheslong, which are given 15 degrees cut at the two ends. Rafters.
- 200 square feet of three-quarter inches plywood. for Roofing Sheet.
- 500 pcs galvanized screws.Screws for decking.
- 250 square feet tar paper forroofing underlay
- 250 square feet asphaltshingles
- 1 pc of 1×3 wood 216 incheslong. 2 pcs of 1×3 wood 130 inches long. Trims
- 1×1 wood panels. Lattice.
Other materials needed are
3 pcs of 4×4 wood – 8 inches
2 pcs of 4×4 wood – 8 inches
3 pcs of 2×6 wood – 20 inches
13 pcs of 2×6 wood – 12 inches
7 pcs of three-quarter inchesplywood – 4×8 inches
3 pcs for post anchor
2 pcs tube form
6 pcs of 6 inches carriage bolt
500 pcs two and half inchesscrews
How To Build An Attached Carport
500 pcs one one-quarter inchesscrews
stain/paint, wood glue
13 pcs roof hanger
250 feet asphalt shingles.
250 square feet tar paper
Tools
Framing square, Tape measure, Hammer
Drill Machine, Sander, Screwdriver, Miter saw
Safety Glasses, Safety Gloves
You also need to have a helpinghand available. This is to help you in holding the support beam, installing theledger, or putting the rafters in place.
During this stage, one personneeds to hold one end while the other person screws in the screw nails.
Also, while choosing the lumber,you must be careful so as not to make any mistake. They mustn't have anyvisible flaws and must be straight.
The expected duration of theproject is one day.
Building an Attached Carport
The first step is to mark outthe portion for the structure. After you must have marked it out, the next stepis to start the erection of the anchors.
Now there are three ways bywhich this can be done. One is to dig a hole of 2 – 3 inches deep, insert thepole and compact it with concrete. Allow it to set for a few hours before youcontinue.
The other option is to pourfootings into the holes. Then use tube forms or metal posts to anchor it.
Note that if the base of thecarport is concrete, you have to use appropriate screws to secure the ironhardware. When the concrete has properly set, the next step is to fit the polesto the iron anchors.
Measure and cut out thewooden pole. Make sure that it will fit into place perfectly and then jointhem.
After you have joined them, usespirit level and plumb to confirm that the post is straight. When you haveconfirmed that it is straight, you then lock them in position using two braces.
Note that to have lag screwsdriven in to tightly secure each of the posts, you will drill many pilot holes.Then use strings in aligning the posts. The posts should be aligned one withthe other. Finally, you insert the 3 inches lag screws.
The next thing to do is the cutting of the support beam. This should be done to have the proper size that can fit into place. They should be installed with 7 inches carriage bolt .
The wood should be pre-drilledto prevent the lumber from splitting. This is when you will need a helpinghand in getting the 2×6 beams installed. The spirit plumb should be used afterthe beams have been aligned at the two ends to confirm that they are level.
The beams will then be lockedinto place using a lot of C-clamps. Pilot holes should bedriven in.
The next step is the installingof the braces. You have to be careful while installing the braces. You musttake note of the type of weather around that area. If it is usuallywindy, then you have to make the braces to be as rigid as possible.
This can be done by using 4×4braces. The two ends should be cut at 45 degrees and the edges smoothened outwith sandpaper of 120 grit and sand block. Also, drill some pilot holes thatwill go through the components. Then screwdrive the screws into the wood.
The next step is to install theledger. This is a very critical stage. This is when you attach your carport tothe building. The ledger of size 2×6 should be attached and secured to thebuilding using lag screws. This connection of the house with the ledger is anessential one.
That is the main support of thecarport to the building. If it is not properly secured, the carport could beshaky. The house framing has to be located and bolts drove in to reach into thestuds or through it.
Confirm that the ledger is flatand level on the wall. To check this, use a string and tie it on the two handsof your ledger. Check for the gaps and make sure if they are even throughoutits end.
The next step is to build therafters to the carport. Use 2×6 rafters, or if you want, you can also use the2×4 beams. Anyone can serve. Then with the use of metal hangers, get therafters fastened to the beam properly. But make sure that you align the woodsat the two ends before you lock them in place with the use of wood screws.
Make sure that the roof issloping in at 15 degrees. This is to make sure that any rain that falls on theroof drains away properly. The distance between each rafter should be between16 inches to 20 inches spacing. This is to make the structure very rigid.
How To Frame A Carport
As mentioned earlier, themaking of the attached carport can be very straight forward. Once you are usingthe proper carport plans, and have the required carpentry skills, then the restis just a matter of proper planning and execution.
Followthe steps explained above; that willguide you until you have installed the remaining rafters. To improve thestrength of the carport, you can use twist fastener and nail it to theintersections of each rafter to the supporting beams. You can also toe-nail therafters onto the beams.
As our carport is now standingand is rigid enough, it is time to get it roofed. At this stage, get theplywood and the three-quater inches tongues onto the rafters. The sheets should be fitted intothe place. Then using decking screws get them secured into place.
The sheets have to flash withthe rafters. Therefore, you have to be careful and pay serious attention tomake sure that it flashes.
The next thing is to completelycover the roof of the attached carport with tar papers. This should be donestarting from the roof's bottom. Then get it locked in place using staples.After that, install asphalt shingles starting from bottom to top. The shinglesare then secured using 1/2 inches nails.
You must be attentive to theline where the house wall meets the roof. You would not want rain seepingthrough that part of the carport. You should make the work look more professional.
Finally, use a lattice panel andattach it to the side/sides of your carport. The reason for this is to protectyour vehicle very well and to make your work look more beautiful.
Mistakes to Avoid WhileBuilding an Attached Carport
It is a good idea to have anattached carport to your house to solve the accommodation problem for yourvehicles. But in doing so there are common mistakes that must be avoided.
We are going to discuss someof these mistakes. Some have been mentioned at the beginning of this article.But we will look at some other mistakes to avoid.
The first is to be sure youchoose the style of the attached carport you wish to build. This is importantto avoid confusion when the project has already commenced. It also links backto getting your carport plans ready before work commences.
The next mistake to avoid ischoosing of substandard materials. You would not want to start building a newcarport within a few months or a couple of years. It is going to be bothemotionally draining and financially debilitating.
So, to avoid having thistype of situation when you are through building your carport, be careful withthe type of materials you are going to use. They must be of the bestpossible quality.
The location of the attachedcarport has to be carefully chosen. It is better to have it attached to themain house as this should be the sturdiest building on the property.
Moreover, it is easier to accessthe car when the carport is joined to the main house.
The next is to get the groundwhere you wish to work on, prepared for the job. Lay out the materials youwant to use close to where they will be used during the project.
Just confirm that all you needfor your project are available. This will help your work to move smoothlywithout any interruption
Finally, don't forget to put thestructure of the building into consideration while making the choice of thedesign of the attached carport you want. This is to complement the design ofthat particular house. That should also be taken care of while making the carport plans.
Can I Build an AttachedCarport in the Front Yard?
This is a question that manypeople have been asking and there have been diverse opinions.
But to answer the question, wewill refer you to what the regulations of the Development Controlagency.
The law that has to do with thatis in the DCP No.99. It stipulates the rules of thepositioning of residential buildings. It also gives the regulation of where acarport can be built.
It also stipulates the buildingline and where it must not exceed. That includes the house and the carport.
In essence, the question ofwhether the carport should be positioned in the front yard will depend on thebuilding, the way your building is positioned, and how you want tobuild the carport.
