2023 Building Carport Ultimate Guide

Kunal Singh
June 20, 2022
3:03 am

Steel and Stud can help you go a long way in building and installing carports in the US. Their affordability and accessibility make them suitable for building carports for your vehicle safety. The guide is for everyone who wants to build their carport plans. But first, It’s important to know the type of carport you want to build.

Open-Sided Carports

An open-sided carport can also function as a two-car carport for those not keen to install add-ons such as shelves or cabinets. Their cost-efficiency makes them an instant hit amongst vehicle owners.

Enclosed Carports

Enclosed structures don’t just guarantee great property value but also protect vehicles throughout the year. If you live in a windy area, you might find this option perfect for your multiple vehicles, even if the project can border on labor-intensive.

Portable Carports

A basic freestanding carport comes in handy if you are one of those vehicle owners who don’t need to ensure vehicle protection throughout the year. A metallic or stainless steel freestanding structure can quickly assemble and disassemble.

The First Step To Building a Carport is Getting Approval for Carport Plans

A local building code doesn’t usually mandate building plans for a freestanding carport. Still, for an attached carport, you might have to submit the following for approval at your local municipal office:

Fully completed SANS 10400 forms 1 and 2
Layout
Siteplan
Copy of title deed
Application fee

Most construction contractors will help you get started in this regard.

Steps to Build a basic Free Standing Carport

1. Prepare the Ground

You can pick the appropriate building materials depending on whether you wish to assemble a carport from metal or wood and the climatic conditions where you live. Then the first step is to prepare the ground for the base.

a. Measure the ground

To park an average-sized car on your property, you must plot a rectangle at least 16 feet long and 9 feet wide. Basic free carport plans will need a rectangular plot of land meant for building such a structure that should have six posts.

b. Level the ground if you deem it necessary

You must level the ground with a shovel if you decide to install a carport on a concrete pad next to your house. Make sure the ground is as even as possible and given that you are nowhere near buried lines, apply foot pressure and remove grass, if any.

c. Pour ground cover; if necessary

Getting a post fixed to bare grounds can be a good idea, but you would have to resort to getting some crushed granite or gravel for some curb appeal. For a high-satisfaction project, try pouring some concrete instead,

2. Building the Beams

Dig the holes for the posts:

Once you are all set with a place to build your own carport, the next step is to secure support posts. Ensure the holes are at least 2 feet deep and 6 feet under the frost line. If you reside in a windy or snowy area, make holes at least 4 feet deep to secure support posts that will give your carport a more stable structure.

Set the six posts:

For a slanting roof, you must have three posts at least 9 feet high to put on one side of the carport and another three at least 11 feet high. After filling the hole up to six inches with concrete, position the post so it is vertical and can rest on the bottom. Make sure you use a leveling tool to make the surface even as the concrete hardens.

Fasten the front and back beams first:

Build a rectangular box of dimensions 16 feet x 9 feet x 7 feet. T-shape hangers that are available in any hardware store can help you affix the supporting crossbeams to the higher posts.

Fasten the side beams:

Try to secure the structure as much as possible, primarily if you reside in an area with severe climatic conditions.

3. Building the Roof

Fasten the rafters to the side beams:

Fix six rafters of 2″ x 4″ x 10′ dimensions such that they support the roof. Both ends of rafters must be fastened with the support beams at the front and back.

Notch the rafters:

Rest the rafters along the straight edge of the support beams. This method might not come in handy if you wish for the rafter to remain in close contact with the beams.

Hang the rafters:

You will require metal joist hangers for this method. Rafters must be affixed to the support beams at an angle of about 25 degrees. In the hanger method, the rafters would remain atop the beams.

Fasten the steel sheet roof to the rafters:

As opposed to building a carport using wood, where getting some plywood sheets would be the next part of your project, in the case of metal carports, you would need to fasten a galvanized steel sheet to construct the roof.

4. Finishing the Job

To avoid exposed wood that compromises the car protection offered by the carport, cover the roof with tar paper to ensure you have got a waterproof surface. Nail metal plates into the joints, especially with gaps between beams, posts, and rafters, for enhanced stability.

How to build a carport for 2 cars

For successful results, the first step to building a two-car carport is to lay out your carport plans. Use string and batter boards, apply the 3-4-5 rule and see that the diagonals are accurate and that it’s all right-angles.
Anchor the posts using metal anchors and concrete footing. When it’s time to install posts, plumb them with a spirit level.
Once you have fixed the support beams, use 4×4 lumber to build braces and cut the ends at 45 degrees. Reinforce the carport frame with these braces, and then you can drill the pilot holes.
Assemble the beams on a level surface so that you can cut the materials appropriately and lock them together with screws. Bottom rafters and common rafters must be built from 2×6 lumber and 2×4 lumber, respectively.
Install the trusses, fit the gable ends, work with the overhangs, and then fix the roofing sheets. After aligning the metal sheets, affix them to rafter panels such that there are no gaps between the sheets.
The last step is to cover the shed with roofing felt or tar paper.

Build your own lean-to carport Only After Knowing This

A leaning carport is a carport attached to the side of your house. It is a great option for those looking to execute low-effort DIY carport ideas. As the name suggests, it’s built adjacent to the wall of your home, and many use them as covered patios.

Often, building any and every structure might require a building permit. You should always check with your municipality before going ahead with your project.

You can get in touch with the responsible building authority and inform your neighbor regarding your lean-to-carport plans, and there are often instances when you need to secure a written approval.

Sometimes, small to-lean carports need not require written approval, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact the officials before going through your DIY carport plans. The worst that could happen otherwise is your leaning carport getting dismantled and having to pay a fine.

For leaning carports, a point foundation can provide optimal support so that the load of the posts can be distributed equally.

You need first to lay out the pergola and make sure that all the corners are right-angled using batter boards and string. For this low-cost project, you require only a foundation on one side, and the passage beneath the to-lean carport roof has to be wide.

Ask an expert before building a leaning carport next to an insulated wall. If moisture penetrates the walls, it can cause damage to the insulation material and also result in mould growth.

A standard DIY carport kit would have all the necessary materials and a comprehensive instruction manual.

Step-by-step instructions for building your own lean-to carport

If you are working with wood materials, make sure it’s weatherproof.

Get ready with some point foundation and H-post anchors. Clear the grounds, dig holes and plant the posts.
Assemble and fasten wall brackets.
Use a screw clamp to fix the posts temporarily.
Fix head straps.
Get the front purlin screwed on top.
Next, the rafter needs to go as the instruction manual suggests.
Place the roof battens.
Use double-webbed panels to secure the roof.
Get the system components and end profiles set up as specified by the DIY carport kit manual.
Lastly, weatherproof the roof with the right paint.

Building a carport on the boundary? What you Need to Know

Based on your place of residence, you will have to comply with certain rules and regulations to begin working on your carport close to the boundary wall.

It’s recommended that you consult the local council first before proceeding with your carport kit installation. You could browse their official websites to get an idea about what you can expect.

Cross-check with the builder and ensure all the certifications, licenses, and permits are in place before setting your project in motion.

Get in touch with a professional tree-feller to take care of the trees and vegetation surrounding the chosen area.

When creating a design outline for carports on the boundary, drainage positions and stormwater areas must be considered. The slope’s descent would determine whether or not you must cut deeper into the land and oversee further leveling.

Building The Carports- Rules and requirements to Abide

Before you act on your carport project, you must ensure that you meet all the building codes for your municipality, state, city, or county. These codes include structural codes, accessibility codes, building/dwelling codes, plumbing codes, energy codes, mechanical codes, electrical codes, fire/life safety codes, and elevator codes for each state.

Building/ dwelling codes usually include smoke alarms, ground fault circuit interrupters, beams and joists, rescue openings or emergency exits, ladders, steps, and windows. Structural codes set forth the structural standards for building work. Similarly, electrical codes establish a set of standards that facilitate the safe installation of electrical equipment and wiring in the US. The fire and life safety codes protect people from occupational and fire-related hazards.

Every city has its own set of codes, so visit your city’s municipal office to ensure that your building plans align with their requirements. If you reside in a neighborhood supervised by a homeowners association, you have to discuss your plans with them as well.

Here’s a list that can help you learn about the codes you must comply with state-wise.

Alabama (AL): Alabama.gov: For Alabama county codes
Alaska (AK): Alaska.gov: Fire and Life Safety Regulations, a Division of Fire and Life Safety
Arizona (AZ): AZ.gov: The Arizona Office of Manufactured Housing (OMH) upholds standards of safety and quality for homes, factories, and accessory structures.
Arkansas (AR): Arkansas.gov: Arkansas Building Authority
California (CA): CA.gov: California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) website
Colorado (CO): Colorado.gov: State Buildings Programs (SBP) establishes building codes for all construction by state agencies.
Connecticut (CT): CT.gov: Department of Construction Services Office of the State Building Inspector
Delaware (DE): Delaware.gov: CHAPTER 44. BUILDING PERMITS AND CONSTRUCTION CODES
Florida (FL): FloriaBuilding.org: Florida Codes & Permits Online
Georgia (GA): Georgia.gov: Georgia’s Construction Codes
Hawaii (HI): Hawaii.gov: Construction Code Rules: Department of Accounting and General Services
Idaho (ID): Idaho.gov: Idaho Division of Building Safety FAQs
Illinois (IL): Illinois.us: Building Code / Regulations
Indiana (IN): Indiana.gov: Fire Prevention & Building Safety Commission / Code Services
Iowa (IA): Iowa.gov: State build codes
Kansas (KS): kcc.state.ks.us: Energy Efficiency and dwelling codes in Kansas
Kentucky (KY): Kentucky.gov: Public Protection Cabinet: Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction
Louisiana (LA): Louisiana.gov: Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal
Maine (ME): Maine.gov: Bureau of Build Codes & Standards
Maryland (MD): Maryland.gov: Build Codes and Authorities
Massachusetts (MA): Mass.gov: Massachusetts State Building Code
Michigan (MI): Michigan.gov: Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) assures that the building environment is safe, sound, and sanitary.
Minnesota (MN): Minnesota.us: State & county code information
Mississippi (MS): Mississippi.gov: Dwelling codes for metal buildings in Mississippi
Missouri (MO): Missouri.gov: Code of State Regulations
Montana (MT): Montana.gov: Department of Labor & Industry – Business Standards
Nebraska (NE): Nebraska.gov: NEBRASKA ENERGY CODES
Nevada (NV): Nevada.gov: NEVADA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
New Hampshire (NH): NN.gov: The New Hampshire State Building Code Review Board is responsible for reviewing the New Hampshire building code.
New Jersey (NJ): NJ.gov: The Division of Codes and Standards
New Mexico (NM): NewMexico.us: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
New York (NY): NY.us: Division of Code Enforcement and Administration (DCEA) website
North Carolina (NC): NCDOI.com: NC Building Code Council home page.
North Dakota (ND): ND.gov: The North Dakota Division of Community Services (DCS) is responsible for updating the North Dakota State Building Code.
Ohio (OH): Ohio.gov: Board of Building Standards
Oklahoma (OK): OK.gov: Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission
Oregon (OR): Oregon.gov: Oregon BC Division
Pennsylvania (PA): PA.us: Pennsylvania’s statewide building code — Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
Rhode Island (RI): RI.gov: State of Rhode Island: Building Code Commission
South Carolina (SC): SC.us: South Carolina BC Council
South Dakota (SD): SD.gov: Manufactured Homes Statute 34-34A — All residential homes must comply with the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.
Tennessee (TN): TN.gov: Fire Prevention Division
Texas (TX): TX.us: TDLR provides information concerning license renewal, expiration, and compliance to evacuees displaced by wildfires in Texas.
Utah (UT): Utah.gov: Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing
Vermont (VT): Vermont.gov: Building and Construction Licenses and Permits
Virginia (VA): Virginia.gov: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
Washington (WA): WA.gov: SBCC provides objective advice on state building code issues to the legislature and the Governor’s Office.
West Virginia (WV): West Virginia Building Code
Wisconsin (WI): WI.gov: Safety and Buildings Division Home Page
Wyoming (WY): WY.us: Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety

Is it Possible to Build a carport without a permit?

Municipalities of most cities in the US would expect their law-abiding citizens to get approval for building a carport. In some cases, you can be asked to pay a hefty sum of money, which can be double or triple the fine you would have had to pay in the case of a missing permit.

A portable or temporary carport can be an exception to this law. Since these can be moved around and don’t need to be fixed to a concrete slab, the city doesn’t seem to mind if you have one of these permit-free.

Your intention might be to build a permanent carport, and you know it’s not going to be a living space, but even then, if the county expects you to follow all the necessary codes, then you must. Otherwise, you could be risking getting your permit suspended.

Materials required for building a Metal carport

Some basic tools to set up a carport are a ladder, measuring tape, hammer, shovel, string line, hand saw, adjustable wrench, carpenter’s square, spirit level, and G-clamps. Important power tools you need for the project include a rivet gun, angle grinder, hammer drill, circular saw, and nail gun. Those planning on a wooden structure would have to invest in pressure-treated lumber. Other items are metal anchors, steel rods, shingles, roof covers, bolts, T-hangers, anchor bolts, joist hangers, and concrete mix. Add solar panels to your list if you are searching for an option that will let you charge your electric but eco-friendly car.

Average Cost to Build a Wooden and Metal Carport in 2023

Metal carports are affordable and accessible in the pocket compared to wood carports. The average custom rate per sq. ft. for metal carports is $15 – $30, and for wood carports is $20 – $30. The average prefab rate per sq. ft. for metal carports is $10 – $15, and for wood, carports are $15 – $20.

5 Tips for Building a Steel Carport with ease

Apply for permits if necessary at the earliest. Getting approval for your project can take days or even weeks, so you must submit the forms way ahead of your building schedule.
While leveling the ground before digging holes, you have to make sure with professional guidance that your project wouldn’t interfere with utility lines, such as sewer, gas, or water lines.
Having a carport plan is quite important. You can go through free plans to get a rough idea first and then go for a paid one if you consider it necessary.
As a durable option, steel carports are becoming increasingly popular these days. A metal frame can offer extra stability and guarantee protection to your car during heavy snow, flooding, or windy days.
Align your posts properly. In areas with frequent soil erosion, dig holes deeper than two feet.

If you feel less sure about your project or face a mishap while working with the middle post or support beams, or if you cannot get a post fixed, Steel and Stud can help you ease your troubles. Hiring the best in the industry can be the perfect solution to make your carport building process easy and successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a permit to build a carport in the rear of my house?
Yes, a permit is necessary to construct a carport. For this, you must produce a site plan indicating the carport’s position and how close or far it is from the property lines.
How to Build own Carport & Maintain It
A pre-fabricated carport can be the right step in the DIY carport building direction. For perfect carport maintenance, employ spot cleaning and deep cleaning, remove leaves and debris that builds up on the roof during fall, and make repairs whenever necessary.
Is it Cheaper to Build a DIY Carport Kit?
Buying a metal or steel carport will be easier on the pocket than building one right from scratch.
Is it possible to build a garage from a carport?
A carport can be considered a garage without walls, doors, or windows. Turning a carport into a garage is undoubtedly feasible.