| There are several reasons that a carport could be an | | | | You'll also want to check for any local ordinances |
| excellent addition to your home: a carport can protect | | | | before commencing any construction. Even a very |
| your vehicles from the elements, keeping them looking | | | | simple carport may require you to get permits with |
| much newer for much longer; carports are a great and | | | | your township before you begin the project. You'll also |
| inexpensive way to add value to your home if you are | | | | want to check with the local utilities to ensure that |
| planning on selling in the near future and carports can | | | | there is no gas, water or power lines present in the |
| give you a protected area in which to conduct | | | | area in which you'll be building. It's of the utmost |
| projects like fixing your automobile, working on your | | | | importance that you adhere to all local codes and |
| lawn mower, working on your bicycle or acting as the | | | | ordinances to ensure that you and everyone around |
| checkout for your yard sale. | | | | you remain safe. |
| Though undertaking the construction of a new carport | | | | How to Do It |
| can be a bit difficult, if you're reasonably handy and | | | | Regardless of what type of carport you decide is best |
| know your way around some basic tools you should | | | | for you, you'll likely be able to find a pre-packaged kit |
| be able to complete the project without hiring a | | | | with all of the raw materials you'll need for construction |
| professional contractor to assist you. | | | | and a detailed plan to follow in order to get you |
| There are a few different types of carports that you | | | | through the process. |
| can choose from - and different levels of quality of | | | | If you do find a kit for the type of carport you're |
| each. Some freestanding carports are made from | | | | looking to build, you'll still need the tools to put it all |
| aluminum framing and are super light-weight, easy to | | | | together. The plans should give you a list of the tools |
| assemble and are able to be moved form one location | | | | that will be required, but common ones used in this |
| to another; sturdier freestanding units are available in | | | | type of project are: a circular saw, a hammer, a plumb |
| which you'll need to dig holes and set concrete posts | | | | level and chalk line, an electric drill, a screwdriver and |
| for more hearty supports - these carports provide | | | | nut driver (or bits that fit into your drill), and a tape |
| much more protection than the aforementioned units | | | | measure. |
| but are a bit more difficult to build and can't be moved | | | | Depending on the type of carport that you are building, |
| once they are built. | | | | the project as a whole could be very simple or |
| Braced carports, as a whole are viewed as more | | | | reasonably advanced. It's very important that you |
| heavy duty than freestanding carports, because they | | | | follow the plans that come with your carport to the |
| are attached to your house on one side. It's true that | | | | letter - read over the entire instruction packet from |
| pretty much all braced carports are of a heavy grade | | | | beginning to end to make sure that you understand it |
| and more resilient than the tent-like aluminum pipe | | | | before you even unpack the building materials. Even a |
| freestanding carports, but some of the heavier duty | | | | simple mistake could lead to a hole in the side of your |
| freestanding carports will provide just as much | | | | house or a concrete pad where they isn't supposed to |
| protection as any braced unit. | | | | be. Measure everything twice and double check that |
| What do you need? | | | | everything is level and in it's appropriate location before |
| This is the first question you need to ask yourself | | | | making any cuts, pouring any concrete or attaching |
| before any carport building takes place. You need to | | | | any brackets. Careful understanding of this project is |
| research all of the varieties available to see which will | | | | crucial for any permanent structure and it's also very |
| best suit your purpose. Important things to consider are: | | | | necessary for any portable structure. Starting this |
| what exactly your carport will be used for, if it needs | | | | project blindly could lead to an error that renders your |
| to be portable or should it be a more permanent | | | | carport unusable. |
| construction and what the weather is like in the area in | | | | This project isn't easy when compared to some other |
| which you live - the more severe weather conditions | | | | home improvement projects, but it's far from |
| you experience, the more sturdy your carport should | | | | impossible if you've got some knowledge and can |
| be. | | | | carefully follow instructions. |