A report published by Statista says that the total number of vehicles operating on roads in the US in the first quarter of 2023 was around 286 million. The new registration of vehicles was about 13.9 million during the first quarter of 2022 to 2023. That’s a lot of vehicles on the street. But the equally good news is there is a solution to shelter almost all of them, and that too without breaking the bank. “How?” you might ask.
The answer is a sturdy, certified, high-quality build steel carport. Yes, that’s right! Now you can own one too, and that too without worrying much about aftercare and high cleaning & repainting costs. So, let’s see some essential factors that you must look for when buying your metal carport.
What Size Metal Carport Will Fit The Bill?
There are three things that you must keep in mind before deciding on the dimensions.
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What is the available lot size?
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How many cars/ vehicles do you want to park?
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Do you want to use your carport for additional storage purposes?
This will greatly help to decide the final size of your metal building. Below are some of the examples for your reference.
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For single car: 12 ft. wide x 20 ft. length x 8 ft. high.
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For one car, along with some storage space: 18 ft. wide x 20 ft. length x 8 ft. high.
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For two cars: 24 ft. wide x 20 ft. length x 8 ft. high.
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For car shed with a dedicated storage unit: 20 ft. wide x 36 ft. length x 10 ft. high.
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For three cars: 36 ft. wide x 20 ft. length x 8 ft. high.
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For three cars with some storage space: 42 ft. wide x 20 ft. length x 8 ft. high.
Note that these are standard size, but you can get your customized metal car shed in any style & size you want. You can also design a larger carport to fit your needs, as a different vehicle needs a different parking spot.
Is Your Location Good Enough To Install A Steel Carport?
Do you have enough space on your property to install a metal building? If yes, go ahead. If you are not sure, the following are a few recommendations.
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Check-in with your local authority or HOA to find out if you can install a steel structure.
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Downsize your carport so that it can fit your property.
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Carports are pretty open structures & parking a car won’t take much of your space.
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You can talk to a reputed metal builder for assistance.
What Style Of Metal Carport Should You Prefer?
You can steel carport in the following structural design:
Stand alone: These can be installed almost anywhere on your property. You can use it for multiple purposes.
Lean-to: It is attached to your main home. It gives ease of access to your vehicle.
Stand alone with a lean-to: A metal building that is detached from your home along with a lean-to is best if you want room for a car and some storage solution.
Where Should You Place Your Metal Carport On Your Property?
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If you opt for a lean-to carport, you can get it installed pretty much on any side of your main property.
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If you opt for a detached metal car shed, you can choose a place where the land is flat with some shade & wind speed is broken down by your main house. That would be it.
Note that you can design your carport to be discreet, which will appear to blend in with your property or to stand out. Some metal dealers also offer 3D designer tool that you can use to make your own design. Moreover, you can watch your design on your property via virtual reality. Now, isn’t that a cool feature?
How Much Does A Steel Carport Cost?
In general, metal car sheds range from $1,300 to $25,000 depending on the size, vehicle type, location & customizations. If you want to know the exact price, you can request a quote from your metal dealer.
What Is The Available Quality Of Raw Material?
Now, you may be tempted to buy your carport from sale. And there is nothing wrong with it. However, you must check the quality of the raw material you are buying. Oftentimes, cheaper products cost more in the long run.
So, what can you do? Well, whether you are buying during regular days or sales seasons, always buy your metal carport from a certified metal dealer who offers you certified, galvanized & high-quality steel that will last you for decades. Ensure that you ask for any warranty if you can.
Is A Permit Mandatory For Steel Carport?
Now, the answer to this question is a bit tricky. While it may be that your local authority does not ask you to get any permit for a carport, we suggest, in that case, you look into International Building Codes (IBC) rules and regulations to avoid any future issues.
In case you require a permit, you can fill out both online & offline forms and submit them with a fee & your steel structure blueprint for approval.
Does Metal Building Affect Your Property Value?
Almost 90% of Americans own at least one car. So, it is evident that they would look for car parking while buying a home. This will increase the chances of your property being listed higher than one with no dedicated parking space.
So, yes, a carport will increase the chance of your property being valued at a high price. Not only that, a carport might save you money. If you have an off-street parking space for your car, you may pay less on your car’s insurance premium.
Should You DIY Or Call A Professional Worker Team?
Metal structures are designed to be installed with precision. You need very little work & labor at the site for installation. This may tempt you to think that you can DIY to save some buck. But wait… do you have prior experience in construction work? If not, it is best that you ask for professional help.
Some metal dealers offer delivery and installation without any extra charges, so remember to ask about it.
In General, It Can Be Said That
Metal carports are the best fit for an on-budget car parking system, whether you are looking for a commercial or residential car shed. It saves money & serves the purpose. With a steel carport, you get to enjoy the structure’s versatility.
You can make it an outdoor patio or a cozy family BBQ lunch area. Really, the opportunity to revamp your carport is endless. It all boils down to your creativity. So, go ahead & get the metal carport of your dreams today.